Anyone replace a front Air Strut- DIY?

[corima]

Originally Posted by JustinR

Sorry for the hi-jack, but do you know if the front steel springs are upgradeable to the air springs? Would it just be a matter of changing front springs out and hooking up the switch/wiring?

If you are talking about upgrading/retrofitting your x5 to the system used on the 4.8is. It is a good deal more complicated than that. Somewhere on this site there is a diagram that shows the location of all the parts. Then comes the problem of hooking the together and attaching the wiring harness. Which might not be compatible with yours. Would be interesting to find out what the harness compatibility is. Then again, you could do all of that, then you will have all the problems us 4.8is owners have.

[Weasel]

Yeah, not an easy retrofit... And the main reason to do this would be to play with the ride height button? (which is fun at times) But I would personally rather the coil springs in the front.

[gnavejr]

Does anyone know if just the bladder (air bag) is replaceable? My driver's side drops after a short while EVERY time, when it is shut off. I'm having fits locating the actual "leak". It seems obvious that it's a leak since it's level and normal while the truck is running. I 've replaced the sensor also just to be certain. Oh yeah, it's out of warranty. Is a new strut assembly inevitable?

[Chris_731]

Originally Posted by gnavejr

Does anyone know if just the bladder (air bag) is replaceable? My driver's side drops after a short while EVERY time, when it is shut off. I'm having fits locating the actual "leak". It seems obvious that it's a leak since it's level and normal while the truck is running. I 've replaced the sensor also just to be certain. Oh yeah, it's out of warranty. Is a new strut assembly inevitable?

The strut and air bag are one part, so you can't just replace the air bag. It's probably not much more work than replacing a regular strut though, other than the air line fitting going to the bag. Tischer BMW has them for about $675 or so.

My RF had a slow leak and you could spray soapy water on the lower part of the bag and see it bubbling. It was a slow leak and would be completely flat after a few hours.

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by gnavejr

Does anyone know if just the bladder (air bag) is replaceable? My driver's side drops after a short while EVERY time, when it is shut off. I'm having fits locating the actual "leak". It seems obvious that it's a leak since it's level and normal while the truck is running. I 've replaced the sensor also just to be certain. Oh yeah, it's out of warranty. Is a new strut assembly inevitable?

Damn, I just got home from Folsom, visiting the Grandparents. Tell you what, coming back over the bumpy side of the causway I wish I had the 4 wheel air.

But if the front bag on the strut is leaking, then yeah it is part if the strut unfortunately...

[gnavejr]

Originally Posted by Chris_731

The strut and air bag are one part, so you can't just replace the air bag. It's probably not much more work than replacing a regular strut though, other than the air line fitting going to the bag. Tischer BMW has them for about $675 or so.

My RF had a slow leak and you could spray soapy water on the lower part of the bag and see it bubbling. It was a slow leak and would be completely flat after a few hours.

Thanks Chris. I think you're right. Seems a waste since it still rides good however, but I need to preclude any further problems. I'll start shopping.

[gnavejr]

Originally Posted by weasel56

Damn, I just got home from Folsom, visiting the Grandparents. Tell you what, coming back over the bumpy side of the causway I wish I had the 4 wheel air.

But if the front bag on the strut is leaking, then yeah it is part if the strut unfortunately...

Yeah, the 4 wheel air is nice. It still rides well, just drops after a while when shut down. I'll start shopping with a vengeance now.

Close to home; I know what you mean about the causeway. I'm a mile south on 25 if you're in the neighborhood again. Thanks for the help.

[Weasel]

Sounds like I was right by you... I visited family right at lake Ramsey.