Front Passenger side sagging

[ofcrimson]

The past few mornings, I have noticed that my front passenger side is sagging. A few seconds after unlocking the car, the front passenger side will inflate and raise. Is the sagging likely due to a leaky air bag, or air strut? I don't know the difference. Thanks for your help.

2005 BMX X5 4.8is

[Ricky Bobby]

Leaking air struts - Replace them with Arnott units, and do both sides. Do it somewhat quick, eventually driving on that leaking strut will burn out the compressor seal, and then you'll need to either replace or rebuild the compressor (ask me how I know) - a visual test can confirm whether its leaking, just get under the car and look at the bag, it will probably have small micro cracks on the bottom fold.

Just confirming, the side raises itself when the car is started? Or it pumps itself up when the car is not running?

[ofcrimson]

Thank you Ricky Bobby. The front passenger side pumps itself up a few seconds after I unlock the car, prior to starting. It inflates when the car is not running. Is your assessment still the same?. I appreciate your advice. Thanks again.

[David.X5]

I agree with RB. Classic leak. Front are struts. I have also used Arnott products with good luck. They are good quality parts.

[Ricky Bobby]

Yeah I mean mine would pump up when I started the car when it leaked but I don't think I had it locked, but technically when you unlock the car you are "waking" up the electronics which includes the air compressor.

If the air struts are original I'm sure the one is leaking, do them both. Do you have any errors on the dash? If not, good.

[ofcrimson]

Thankfully, I do not have errors on the dash.

I have searched for discount codes, but haven't found one that works for Arnott. Anyone used a discount code at Arnott's? Thanks.

[Ricky Bobby]

^I haven't seen discount codes for Arnott. I have the rebuilt struts on the front of my X and they have been working out just fine for almost 4 years now

[trojanman]

I had the same symptoms on my '03 4.4, but i was also getting a susp. inactive code.
I took it into the dealer and they said all of the bags were good, but that I had a faulty sensor. They did not recommend replacing it and said it only flashed the code once. They reset and it seems fine.

[ofcrimson]

Thank you Trojanman for your input. I ordered the front air struts from autozone and they will arrive tomorrow. I will install them this weekend and see if that fixes my problem. I will update the forum on the results. I appreciate all of your help.

[ofcrimson]

This afternoon when I unlocked the x5, the front passenger side did not raise to the normal level. I cranked the vehicle, and it still did not race to the normal level. Does this change your recommendations on how to troubleshoot it?

I'm thinking of adjusting the ride height to see if it will raise the other wheels. If it does, then I know the compressor is still working.