How to Detect BMW Air Strut Problems
Post on March 25, 2021 by ultimateauadmin
The best in German automotive engineering comes from BMW. That includes performance air struts, which are a great option for vehicle suspension that can give your Bimmer the feeling of literally riding on a cloud. However, some BMW models have issues with the air struts that can lead to performance complications and potentially damage components in the suspension. Regular maintenance by a professional BMW technician is the best way to stay ahead of these potential issues, but even then, sometimes things just happen. In this article, we will discuss BMW air strut problems, how you can detect them, and what you’ll need to do to fix them.
What the Air Struts Do
Air suspension uses an electrical air pump or compressor to supply pressurized air to absorb the shocks of driving on the road. The air struts are a component of your BMW’s suspension system that helps to maintain the vehicle’s height by resisting compression via the air pressure from the compressor. When there are problems with the air struts, a number of things can go wrong with your car’s suspension, including handling, irregular chassis height, and damage to other suspension components.
Let’s look at some of the common problems associated with air struts in a BMW. Below are the easiest ways to detect them:
Excess Moisture
The compressed air in your BMW’s suspension system is meant to have a low moisture level. To ensure that this is the case, your car has an air dryer, which can at times malfunction, leading to an excess of moisture in the compressed air. When this happens, rust can accumulate in the suspension because of the water in the air, accelerating the corrosion of the metal components, including the struts.
The main method of detecting excess moisture is to check your suspension system for rust. This is a sure indication that those parts should be replaced, especially when there is a lot of rust accumulation. Moisture in the air could also affect the air compressor and the ability of the vehicle to maintain its level on all wheels, so be sure to check if the car is standing properly and performing well.
Air Springs
Air springs absorb the shock from driving over bumps and holes in the road. They have rubber parts that can wear out and tear over time, allowing pressurized air to leak out. This will lead to a bumpy ride when driving on rough roads, since there isn’t enough air to properly absorb the shock.
Another indication of an air spring leak is if the air compressor won’t turn off. This part keeps the air-containing parts of the suspension properly inflated, and it is not meant to run all the time. If it does, then it’s usually trying to compensate for an air leak. Plus, the car’s stance will dip on the wheel where the faulty air spring is located, so watch for that.
Air Compressor
Air compressors can malfunction because of normal wear or because they are overworked. If there is a leak in the suspension system and the compressor runs constantly, it will fail at an accelerated rate. This is an example of why regular maintenance keeps one problem from snowballing into multiple, expensive issues.
To detect air compressor failures, check the height of the vehicle. Since the compressor is meant to send air to the struts to maintain the vehicle’s level, if the car is riding low, the compressor might not be working. Also, if you hear noises coming from the compressor, then it surely needs to be looked at by a qualified service professional.
Electrical
The air suspension components of your BMW are operated via electrical power. In some models, the air compressor and electrical relays are located in a place where water can tend to pool because of clogged drains in the car frame. This certainly can cause electrical problems that will lead to failed air struts. You can check for standing water around the electrical relays in the trunk of your BMW under the spare tire compartment.
Ultimate European Repair Will Service Your Struts
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* BMW Coupe E92 image credit goes to: kurmyshov.
Posted in BMW Repair