Air Ride Suspension

kappocheno · December 18, 2010

I called myself scouring the forum high and low for something on this, but didn't find what I was looking for. If I overlooked it or posted this incorrectly, please forgive me in advance...I really need some help.

I have a 97 Explorer 4x4 4.0L SOHC Limited with Air Ride Suspension.

I've noticed lately that the Air Ride tends to kick in a little more frequently and stays running alot longer than it used to. If you ask me (and I really don't have much experience with this), it almost sounds like it is either leaking or just isn't functioning properly either way. It's quite loud.

I understand that it's sole function is to raise and lower the truck for a smoother ride, but it doesn't seem to do that at all...

Can anyone tell me their experience with the repair of this or it's replacement? When I took it to the shop to have them look at it, the guy was in awe that I had this system on the truck and appeared at a loss for words. I assume the word "dinosaur" was fixing to explode from his mouth...LOL

When I asked him what the cost was to even repair it or replace it, he couldn't give me an answer...Go figure...:thumbdwn:

Either way, If it is in fact faulty, I guess I'd like to weigh my options as to the "ideal" repair/replacement, without getting screwed in the process. The problem is i've been smelling this faint burnt smell when I get out of the truck, and I want to make sure that there isn't something wrong that requires my immediate attention. I've been feeling like this smell has something to do with the Air Ride, but not sure...

Any insight/help/input would be greatly appreciated guys!!!! :thumbsup:

Bree

bobflood · December 20, 2010

Another potential problem if you don't resolve issue - the pump will run down your battery and leave you dead in the water. I have a Navigator with rear air suspension that happend with and it eventually killed the battery. Eventually I replace the air springs with regular coil springs and canned the whole system.
My understanding is that the Explorer system has air shocks, not air springs. Most likely you have leaks in the air lines; the most likely source of your burning smell is the pump overheating from running too much. First thing I would do is find the fuse to disable the air ride system until you decide what to do re repairs. Do a search for "arc" and/or "air ride control" to find more info.

kappocheno · December 20, 2010

Bobflood--Thanks for the input....I've heard that there might be an issue in the line, but again, there don't seem to be many people that deal with that system.

I'll do the search to see what I can find out. By any chance, do you know what fuse it is that should be disabled? Forgive me for not knowing, but as well, will the removal of that fuse cause any other issues?

Thanks again for your insight....

Bree

bobflood · December 20, 2010

Per the owners manual: Fuse #10; 7.5 amp; covers EATC system, rear blower, speed control, GEM system, brake interlock, overhead console, automatic ride control, lamp out warning. Looks like too many things you need to pull this fuse.

However - fuse #12: 50 amp; Air ride control relay in the power distribution box (under the hood) ought to accomplish the same thing (kill ARC pump) without bothering anything else. Let us know if this works.

PS - Just found this - you can turn it off!!
Service switch: The Automatic Ride Control service switch is mounted in the jack storage area. The switch should be turned off to deactivate the system during jacking, hoisting, towing or transport of the vehicle to avoid unexpected vehicle movement.

kappocheno · December 20, 2010

Great! Thank you for the leg-work! I will look for that switch and go from there. At least that will buy me some time to come up with a sufficient repair/replacement without imposing more damage than there already is.

I assume that it will be okay to drive the truck with this system disabled for the time being?

Besides, I'd hate to end up stranded somewhere....

sean99 · December 20, 2010

Spray the air ride connections and shocks with soapy water to find your leaks. You might get lucky and find a cracked air line. If your line is cracked at the shock you could cut off the bad section and reconnect it to buy some time.
Rockauto and ebay have the arc shocks if they are bad.

kappocheno · December 20, 2010

sean99 said:
Spray the air ride connections and shocks with soapy water to find your leaks. You might get lucky and find a cracked air line.

That one I think I'll refer to my husband to do....LOL I'm just beginning to embrace the idea of "DIY," so bear with me.....

I'll get my hands dirty one of these days....

Seriously, if we do get lucky and find a cracked air line, what will that save us, if anything?

sean99 · December 20, 2010

The air lines are the cheapest part of the system. I think you can still get them for around $40.

kappocheno · December 20, 2010

Cool! Thanks a lot guys for all of your help....I really appreciate it!

sean99 · December 20, 2010

Try craigslist for arc parts too. I just picked up a new pair of rear shocks for $40.

kappocheno · December 20, 2010

Yea, I've been scouring Craigslist lately too....Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Hevyg · December 22, 2010

becareful after you turn it off. think NO SHOCKS. not really, but it will sag and tend to body roll a LOT. But, it does make the drive interesting.

kappocheno · December 22, 2010

Yea, I figured that out today...Turned it off, hit a pothole, and not an ounce of bounce...LOL As long as I'm not in any real danger, I'm cool.

My main concern was after the guys said the battery was at risk of being drained. I am taking the truck about 2 1/2 hours away for the holidays and want to make sure that it will handle the freeway drive....Think so?

Thanks!
Bree

sean99 · December 22, 2010

If its leaking bad enough to drain the battery, it should be easy to find the leak.
Might be an easy fix, take a quick peek.

kappocheno · October 25, 2011

Update....

Hey guys..

I know it's been a minute, but thought I would update you on my runs with this ARC system on my :exp:. I had it checked again, and come to find out, I have a leaky air strut on the right rear.

Bummer!

I've been scouring the net again for a fix/adequate replacement and came across two different sites.

Has anyone had any experiences with Strutmaster's conversion kits??? Or what about the replacement kits from Suncore Industries. The prices sure are more attractive than the factory replacements.

If anyone has done the cheaper conversion, any pro's or con's to share?

I would like to make sure that the fix is proper so as to not have more money down the drain or bigger problems later.:thumbdwn:

Any help would be great!!!

Bree

bobflood · October 26, 2011

kappocheno said:
Hey guys..
Has anyone had any experiences with Strutmaster's conversion kits???

Not on my Explorer, but I used Strutmaster coil springs to replace the air suspension bags on my 98 Lincoln Navigator due to leaks. The springs were pretty easy to change out and have been on for almost three years with no problems.

kappocheno · October 26, 2011

Bob, what have been the major differences you've noticed on the Nav? My Exp has the Auto Leveling in the rear, will that matter? Was it easy to disable the system? Have you had any issues with that?

I don't mean to sound like a dummy, but this system is really kicking me in my rear right now....... Any knowledge/advice will help.

Joe Dirt · October 26, 2011

Why not just dump the system entirely and put in gas-charged shocks? Lots of people do that, for under $200 you're all set with a nice set of Monroe Reflex...

kappocheno · October 26, 2011

Joe, can you explain/elaborate?

Joe Dirt · October 26, 2011

Just a matter of replacing them with regular gas shocks, and unhooking the ARC module which I think is behind the radio, so you don't get ARC idiot lights showing up.

Junk the whole air-ride system. My Ex used to have air-ride, and the previous owner replaced them with gas shocks also...

Some have said that the rear rides a little lower without them due to softer leafs in the ARC trucks, I haven't seen that.

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