What is the Air Suspension Dryer Assembly all about?

The vast majority of passenger cars in the US use a spring/strut or shock assembly in the suspension. However, there are others that use a different type of suspension – an air suspension. You find this frequently with luxury cars, as well as some European imports, and it’s offered on some high-end SUVs as an upgradeable option. Air suspension provides a very high quality, comfortable ride, and it works very well initially. However, over time, it’s subject to a number of problems not found with other types of suspension.

The most common problem with air suspension systems is compressor airbag deterioration, but equipment failure can also be an issue. In order to adjust to different driving surfaces and needs, an air suspension is equipped with an air compressor/air suspension dryer. This assembly is responsible for inflating the airbags to the proper level. The dryer serves the same purpose as the one in your HVAC system, namely to remove unwanted moisture from the air.

Over time, the air suspension dryer assembly will degrade and eventually fail. Replacement is necessary to keep your suspension in good condition.

Keep in mind:

• If the compressor/dryer assembly fails, it’s possible that the compressor airbags will not inflate, causing the vehicle to sag and the suspension quality to drop drastically.
• In many vehicles, the compressor/dryer is a single assembly and must be replaced together.

How it's done:

• The air suspension dryer assembly is verified to see if it needs to be replaced
• The defective air suspension dryer assembly is removed
• The new air suspension dryer assembly is installed
• The air suspension dryer assembly is tested for operation
• The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the air suspension dryer assembly

Our recommendation:

Your air suspension requires an operational compressor/dryer assembly in order to work. While a failed dryer won’t make your vehicle unable to be driven, it will compromise the performance and your comfort on the road. Have your suspension properly maintained by one of our professional mechanics and replaced if required.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Air Suspension Dryer Assembly?

• Sagging suspension
• Loose or bouncy ride
• The compressor will not run

How important is this service?

The air suspension dryer assembly works in tandem with the compressor to first remove moisture, and then to inflate the air bags that form your suspension. As such, it’s a critical component. If the air bags do not inflate properly, you may be driving with soft, uneven suspension that is unable to compensate for aggressive driving maneuvers. If you have noticed any change in your suspension’s performance or ride quality, have the air suspension system inspected. Have the air suspension dryer assembly replaced if it is deemed faulty.