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Air Leaks

Air Leak Troubleshooting Guide for Your Range Rover’s Suspension System

Discovering and addressing air leaks in your Range Rover’s air suspension system is vital for maintaining its performance and longevity. Air leaks can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s suspension, causing discomfort, instability, and increased repair costs. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the common sources of air leaks, provide step-by-step instructions for identifying them, and offer valuable tips for resolving these issues efficiently. Don’t let air leaks compromise your driving experience; let’s get started on keeping your Range Rover in optimal condition.

Section 1: Understanding the Impact of Air Leaks

Air leaks pose a significant threat to your vehicle’s air suspension system. These leaks can result from various components within your Range Rover, leading to issues like uneven ride height, loss of pressure, and potential damage. To maintain the health of your air suspension system, it’s essential to identify and address air leaks promptly.

Section 2: Common Sources of Air Leaks

  1. Front Air Springs
    • Issue: Loose Mounting and Seal Breakage
    • Resolution: Check and secure the top mounting of your front air springs. Avoid letting the wheels hang down without disabling the air suspension system to prevent seal damage.
  2. ‘O’ Ring Seals
    • Issue: Leaking Seals at Air Pipe Connections
    • Resolution: Replace ‘O’ Ring seals at air pipe connections and inspect air springs for small age cracks, especially if your vehicle has been exposed to hot climates.
  3. Valve Block
    • Issue: ‘O’ Ring Seal Leaks and Internal Leaks
    • Resolution: Consider replacing the valve block. Reconditioned valve blocks may also be an option.
  4. Engine Exhaust Pipe Flange
    • Issue: Melting Air Pipes
    • Resolution: Address exhaust pipe flange leaks promptly to prevent damage to air pipes on top of the chassis.
  5. Battery Acid Spill
    • Issue: Air Pipe Damage Under the Battery Tray
    • Resolution: Attend to battery acid spills promptly to prevent corrosion and air pipe damage.
  6. Air Tank
    • Issue: ‘O’ Ring Seal and Threaded Connection Leaks
    • Resolution: Inspect and replace ‘O’ Ring seals as needed, along with any threaded connections showing signs of leakage.

Section 3: Detecting Air Leaks – Step-by-Step Guide

Identifying air leaks is a crucial step in preserving your air suspension system’s integrity. Follow these steps to pinpoint and confirm the presence of air leaks:

  1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a spray bottle filled with a soapy water solution to detect leaks effectively. We recommend using diluted Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid for creating visible bubbles.
  2. Prepare your vehicle: Start the engine and raise your Range Rover to the highest height setting. Open a door or tailgate to prevent further height changes while checking for leaks.
  3. Inspect the EAS-Box: While the compressor is running, use the soapy water solution to check for leaks around the bases of the black solenoids on top of the EAS-Box.
  4. Examine the Exhaust Port: Unscrew the silencer from the exhaust port and check for steady airflow. If present, it may indicate a damaged diaphragm in the Air Operated Solenoid Valve.
  5. Check for Dryer Media: Inspect the inside of the silencer for white powder residue, which could indicate issues with the dryer media.
  6. Spraying the Compressor Air Pipe: While the compressor is working at its hardest, spray the blue compressor air pipe, dryer, solenoid valves, and air pipes on the side of the valve block.
  7. Investigate ‘O’ Ring Leaks: Spray the top fittings of the front and rear air springs for any signs of leaking ‘O’ rings.
  8. Suspension at Standard Height: After the air tank is full, set your suspension to standard height. This is where most wear on the air springs occurs.
  9. Measure and Drive: Measure the corner heights, then drive your Range Rover for 10 to 20 minutes to heat the air springs. Be alert to any drops in the front.
  10. Recheck for Leaks: Park your vehicle on a level surface and measure corner heights again. Use the spray bottle to check for leaks at air springs, air pipe fittings, and the air tank.
  11. Observe Over Time: Leave your Range Rover for half a day and check for any significant drops in height. Land Rover recommends a maximum drop of 20 mm (3/4 inch) in 24 hours.
  12. Locate Persistent Leaks: If leaks persist, use the soapy water solution to find the source. Suspect the valve block if no external leak is found.
  13. Confirm Internal Leaks: To check for internal valve block leaks, place your soapy finger over the exhaust port opening and watch for air flow.