What goes into an Air Strut rebuild?

What goes into an Air Strut rebuild?

Oct 7th 2024

When it comes to luxury and high-performance vehicles, air struts are often the unsung heroes of a smooth and adjustable ride. These components combine air springs with a shock absorber to provide superior ride comfort and adjustable height settings. Over time, however, air struts can wear out, leading to decreased performance and comfort. Rebuilding an air strut can be rewarding, offering both cost savings and a chance to restore your vehicle’s handling.

Understanding the Air Strut

An air strut is a crucial part of an air suspension system, integrating an air spring with a shock absorber. It helps maintain ride height, absorb road shocks, and improve vehicle handling. Unlike traditional coil spring struts, air struts use compressed air to adjust ride height and offer a more customizable driving experience.

Signs You Need to Replace an Air Strut

You might need a rebuilt air strut if you notice:

- Sagging or uneven ride height: If your vehicle appears to be uneven or sags in certain areas, the air strut might be failing.

- Excessive bouncing or instability: A rough ride or excessive bouncing after hitting bumps can indicate problems with the air strut.

- Air leaks: If you hear hissing sounds or notice that the air strut isn’t holding air, there may be a leak in the system.

The Rebuilding Process

- Inspect Components: We retain the OEM shock absorber during the rebuild process. We will check the air strut body, shock absorber, air spring, and all associated parts for damage or excessive wear. We look for leaks, cracks, or corrosion. Please note not every core is rebuildable.

- Clean Parts: We sandblast and clean all components thoroughly to remove dirt and debris that could affect the performance of the rebuilt strut.

- Replacement of Parts: We replace the air bladder, internal seals, and O-rings. Everything air-related is replaced with new and improved parts. We also replace the mounting hardware, ensuring a smooth installation.

- Assembly: All assembly of each rebuilt unit is done in house right here in sunny South Florida! Crimps are made with a state of the art crimping machine in house. The steel rings used for crimping are US sourced and also made to size in house.

- Testing: Upon completion of rebuilding, we rigorously bench-test all shocks to make sure they are holding air and free of air leaks.

Final Tips: Consult a Professional

We recommend that an ASE-certified technician install the air struts.

Recalibrate your level sensors

Regular Maintenance: Regularly check your air suspension system to catch any issues early and maintain optimal performance.