Land Rovers are recognized for being dynamic, and their owners depend on them for many reasons. The Land Rover brand is iconic because it combines design, durability, performance, and efficiency into a great car to drive and offers unparalleled utility.
Even though Land Rovers are tough and high-performing vehicles, they can still experience problems such as problems with the air suspension from time to time. Many clients ask us, "How long does Land Rover air suspension last, and what are its common problems?" It is important to address these issues and stay on top of maintenance and care to ensure you get the performance you anticipate and rely upon from your Land Rover.
Air suspension is a first-class feature of Land Rovers and other top-quality vehicles. It refers to a suspension system powered by electric compression, engine, or air pump. It differs from traditional suspension because it does not rely on steel springs. This air suspension system has numerous benefits, the most crucial being providing a much more enjoyable, smoother ride.
Air suspension systems are helpful in vehicles such as Land Rovers because they can drive in many conditions. They are also usually adjustable, enabling more control of the system. Even though the benefits of an air suspension system are important, they also mean that the entire system is more complex. This heightened complexity makes it crucial to rely on professionals with experience working on advanced cars to take care of any problem and inspect your vehicle to catch future issues.
One of the system's core components is the suspension airbag. These inflated bags sit under the vehicle (at the axles) and replace mechanical springs and shocks/struts. The only real issue with them is that they are made of rubber. As such, they are subject to wear and tear and damage from external sources.
The results regarding lifespan will differ depending on the automaker in question and their specific system. One company estimates that you'll have to replace each air suspension bag every 50,000 to 70,000 miles, while another estimates replacement every ten years.
Suspension airbags are always in use, whether you're driving or not. Even when your car is parked, the airbags are still filled with air. Eventually, the rubber dries out and becomes brittle. Airbags can begin to leak or fail outright. Once that happens, the side of the car supported by the airbag will sag dramatically, and the air pump will run constantly.
There are a few visual signs to look for if you're hoping to spot early suspension issues on your Range Rover, including the following:
Your Land Rover is equipped with a suspension warning signal. When the problem escalates, the amber indicator lights up with a message alerting you that the suspension is faulty. However, this message may only appear after the situation worsens, so it helps to pay attention to other signs.
A standard suspension problem indicator is when your Land Rover "squats" — when the back end sags while the front end stays elevated. Other times, the car leans to one side rather than front to back.
When you come to a complete stop, you may feel the vehicle dip in front while the back springs up. That's a sure sign of a soft suspension that you should fix immediately. These kinds of suspension issues drastically increase your stopping distance, making it challenging to avoid accidents.
Your suspension system's springs, shock absorbers, and airbags wear out over time, preventing them from absorbing road energy. The result is obvious: bumpier rides. Replace worn-out or leaking parts immediately to restore your vehicle's smooth performance.
The compressor is a part of the air suspension that ensures all airbags are correctly inflated. It is designed to stop once the proper air pressure is achieved, so if it keeps running, consider replacing the suspension kit. There could also be a technical malfunction that requires a professional to check the airbag.
Use the bounce test if you want a quick and easy way to test your suspension at home. Walk to each corner of your Range Rover and push down on the bumper. You should be okay at the wheel if it springs back into place. However, if it takes a long time to rise back up or bounce up and down before settling, you likely have a problem.
The most common Range Rover suspension faults include the following:
The air springs in Range Rovers tend to wear out over time at the top and bottom. Road debris may cause them to blow out suddenly, and slow leaks in air springs can also overwork the air compressor pump.
As you use the vehicle, the air compressor wears, reducing pumping speed. An error message may show when the pumping system works slower than usual.
The valve block transmits air into the springs that lift or reduce your vehicle's height depending on the message it receives from the control unit. Compressed air cannot enter the air springs when the valve block fails, causing the suspension system to fail.
Manufacturers install air suspension sensors to monitor your vehicle's driving height, one on each wheel. They move up and down as you drive and determine how much air your vehicle needs to inflate or deflate. This constant movement causes the sensors to wear out.
The control module controls your Range Rover's entire air suspension system. When this electronic control unit (ECU) fails, the suspension system may not perform optimally. The best way to fix this problem is by replacing the ECU.
The air compressor produces pressurized air, which is contained inside the rubber airbags. The pressurized air powers the air springs in your vehicle, but the airbags may leak or bust due to dry rot or punctures, causing the air suspension system to malfunction.
Excessive wear is a major cause of Range Rover suspension problems. This problem is common among suspensions or machines and not limited to Ranger Rovers, so it's a matter of "when?" not "if." Punctures are another cause of air suspension failures—let's explain this further.
The air suspension system has several components made of solid rubber. Sharp objects may puncture these parts, and overloading or using the car to tow heavy loads may damage them.
Again, air suspensions are complex systems with multiple interdependent components. One part's failure may affect the others unless it is fixed early.
While avoiding air suspension problems altogether is unlikely, there are things you can do to reduce their severity. To begin, keep your Land Rover serviced consistently. Air suspension problems can be dealt with early to avoid severe complications. A mechanical expert will partner with you to care for your Land Rover.
Avoid driving your car until you can receive professional help. Since your air suspension system operates directly with your steering wheel, it is best to keep it passive until someone can look at it. You'd hate to lose control of the wheel or experience a sudden stop since you kept driving in an unfit vehicle.
Next, limit the weight you put on your car. The Land Rover may seem like a tank, but every vehicle has limitations. Try to avoid pushing it too much, beyond what it can handle. Toting around heavy items could stress your car more, leading to air suspension failure. Avoid putting elaborate rims on your car to avoid friction with the road.
Land Rovers depend on sophisticated mechanics and design to give their owners the best driving experience. Air suspension systems make driving a Land Rover enjoyable, but complex systems require professional care.
Taking your Land Rover to a professional is important if you are experiencing issues. Still, it's also critical to take it to a service provider with experience working on cars like Land Rovers with air suspension systems. Proper training and experience can allow you to address the complex workings of an air suspension system.
Ultimately, the best way to handle suspension problems and avoid possible failure is to keep your vehicle well-maintained. Taking it in for routine services and addressing problems immediately helps to keep the Land Rover in good shape. Our team is trained to offer exceptional customer services that are trustworthy and affordable. Please reach out to us today!