August 2022 - 36

TOOL BRIEFING
* STEELMAN ELECTRONIC
CHASSIS EARS
* PICO 4425A LAB SCOPE
* LOW AMP CURRENT PROBE
* ATS BULLSEYE LEAK
DETECTOR SYSTEM
* ANY CAPABLE SCAN TOOL
(MUST HAVE ENHANCED
OEM DATA/NOT GENERIC)
* DVOMS
* SERVICE INFORMATION
SYSTEMS
* ALIGNMENT MACHINE
* TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE
Valve blocks: They allow air to enter the
system. Valves isolate and control where air
is directed and how. While valve blocks are
rugged, air line fittings have rubber seals
that might dry rot and fail, causing damage
to the rest of the valve block.
Solenoids: They are used in electronically
controlled air suspension systems to
fill and release air from each air spring.
Control module: Electronic air suspension
systems are managed through a control
module. The controlling software can be
very basic, offering not much more than
an analog on/off switch, or it may be more
sophisticated, monitoring pressure and ride
height in real time.
DIAGNOSING AND FIXING AIR
SUSPENSION PROBLEMS
Many consumers miss the early warning
signs of an air suspension issue.
Unfortunately, these problems only get
worse and more expensive over time.
The main signs of air suspension problems
include:
The dashboard warning light. One
of the obvious signs of an air suspension
problem is when a dashboard warning
light comes on. Even if the light doesn't
stay on, the vehicle should be checked.
Using a capable scan tool (with adequate
p Figure 2- Ride height sensors may be adjustable for rod length. When replacing, measure
the original as a reference. If original sensors are removed and reinstalled, be careful to
avoid altering rod length.
p Figure 3- ATS BullsEye Leak Detector
software) should be enough to allow for
proper initial analysis.
Suspension sagging. One of the first signs
of an air suspension problem is when a car
sags in a corner or entire side. Typically, this
is due to the rubber air spring developing
tiny cracks or holes because of dry rot or
road debris. If a customer notes that their
vehicle drops in height overnight or after
they park, they most likely have leaks in
their air spring or strut. Leaks can be easy
to detect but can also be difficult. Utilizing
a scan tool (for bidirectional control) to isolate
portions of the system should allow you
36 PTEN AUGUST 2022 www.VehicleServicePros.com
to focus on an area of the system where a leak
is present. Using a soapy solution of water in
a spray bottle will allow you to pinpoint the
exact leak location. A popular approach to
finding these tiny leaks is by using a combination
of CO2 gas and a leak detection
system, such as the BullsEye Leak Detector
from Automotive Test Solutions (Figure 3).
Air suspension compressor constantly
working. If there is damage to the air springs,
the compressor will constantly be pumping
air to keep the air bladders inflated. If the
compressor is constantly running, the system
should be examined as soon as

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August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2022