Troubleshooting Air Suspension Issues On Our Lincoln Navigator

Well our air suspension problems continue on our 2004 Lincoln Navigator. First we find a damaged solenoid o-ring, but it continues to leak. After a good inspection we don't find anything obvious, so we try to narrow it down to either solenoid or air strut. After we replace the faulty solenoid, we have on last issue with the compressor turning on or off. Ends up being a corroded & broken relay. Now it's working properly.

[@_NFE]

Been fighting mine for 10 years.... and finally got it. There are two T fittings on the passenger frame rail in front of the motor. I just replaced them with 3/16 push to connect fittings off Amazon and held air for the first time in a decade. I'm sharing this so others will know those fittings work on the stock air line.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Thanks for sharing, I'm sure it will help someone!

[@scottrpope]

Your comment helped me, read mine! My Air Line was completely plugged!

[@davidemley6116]

Thank you i learned a lot of how to fix the 99 navigator many good pointers you gave.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Great to hear!

[@scottrpope]

Posted from the Ford Truck forum but this is my issue: My PROBLEM IS RESOLVED!!! I always like to update threads with what fixed it. This needs to be a sticky, or at least for my case here goes: The air line from the compressor was 100% plugged. It was like someone poured Gorilla Glue in it. Not sure if the old desiccant in the old dryer/compressor lodged in, but I couldn't blow through it or get my shop compressor to make any air budge through it. After the fronts failed to raise, I put the Navi on jack stands, removed all four wheels, and disconnected the air lines at all 4 wheel solenoids so the lines are open. Tried to push air through the compressor line and absolutely NOTHING as stated. I could blow air through each one of the wheel lines easily without restriction. There are two Tee unions on the passenger frame rail below the compressor. I cut the first one out and tested the line and it was the first one that was bad. I replaced with 3/16 OD air line hose and another Tee union from Amazon, and put it all back together. While it was raising I sprayed it all down with soapy water and no leaks, plus the car raised amazingly fast. Anyway, I think more people should focus on the air lines first, I can't be the only one to ever have this issue, or how many were forced to convert to coil overs.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Great information and thanks for sharing. I've had issues with the air lines on my daughters Land Rover, so I agree we have to look at the whole system. Thanks again for sharing!

[@howardsnell9340]

You purchased an O Ring kit to replace the old pinched one but didn't show the PN of the kit or mention where I might find one. Can you please tell me where you found such a "O ring Kit" so I can get one? Can't tell you how much I appreciate your postings. You do a fine job explaining all facets of the project and never miss a detail. Few can accomplish that. Well Done!

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Sorry about that. You can find the oring kit on Amazon or Rockauto and other places. Dorman 949-795

[@howardsnell9340]

First time I've ever gotten someone to reply in such a forum. Just ordered a set. Don't know why but they sell them in sets to rebuild two solenoids and then throw in an extra big Oring. Oh well, guess I'll see what I get for my $25. Don't know what I'd have done without your help. Lincoln dealer said he couldn't help me. Thanks again. @@mountainviewsgarage

[@sgbabyflex]

I changed my 2 front solenoids and it loses air every night . The compressor kicks on every start up but doesn't raise until the engine is completely hot and has been running a long while . When it's below 90 degrees out it stays low and never raises. Any idea why it only holds air in hot temperatures? Thank you .

[@mountainviewsgarage]

That’s a tough one. Not sure on the hot temperatures. But it sounds like the pump is getting worn out. I’d raise it all the way up and then shut the switch off in the rear and see which corner drops the fastest and most. Then focus on that corner. I didn’t have a lot of confidence in those solenoids. Good luck!

[@sgbabyflex]

@@mountainviewsgarage thank you!! I'll start with the pump and solenoids . Just in case

[@sgbabyflex]

It's the compressor!!! I'll be making a video to show where it's leaking from. I sprayed with soapy water and bubbles formed !! Thanks for your help!!

[@mountainviewsgarage]

@@sgbabyflex Awesome, great job locating your leak! Thanks for letting us know where you found your leak.