Air Suspension to Coil Spring Conversion

[PhilUK]

• Been having the occasional "suspension inactive" message recently but has always gone away without issue but yesterday I noticed the OSR suspension had dropped to the floor.  >:(
  
  No dash error message but when you open the car door you can hear the pump fire up and then a hissing air sound but no movement from the corner in question so I am presuming I have a leak?  :'(
  
  My questions are as follows:
  1. If it is a leak what possible components could need replacing
  2. Has anyone carried out the air bag to spring conversion and would you recommend it

My X is a 3.0d Sport so only has air bags on the rear.

I will get under the car with some soapy water to try and trace the source of the leak but wondered what possible costs would be involved in a repair.

[Raj]

Basically it will be the airbag that has gone pop. No need to really get under there with soapy water as you will clearly hear the air coming from the airbag as the compressor fills it.

As for options. The complete kit option you linked is putting the springs at £160ish as you correctly linked to show the spring perches them selves that are required are not hugely expensive.

If you can source the rear springs then just buy the OE perch bits and away you go.

[PhilUK]

Thanks Raj. I figured it would be a popped bag but just wanted to make sure that it couldn't be a pipe or something inexpensive that had split before making the change over to springs.

What parts can be salvaged from the old set-up for resale? I am guessing the compressor and the one still working air bag. Anything else that could/should be removed whilst carrying out the conversion?

[Raj]

As you've guessed only the compressor and the one good airbag really.

But you should cover a lot of the cost from the sale of the compressor.

The hoses are pretty robust and very very rarely go but do check first to be sure.

[Jamee]

How much is just the replacement airbag then?...I take it not worth the money and to just upgrade to springs instead.

[Raj]

[quote="Jamee"]
How much is just the replacement airbag then?...I take it not worth the money and to just upgrade to springs instead.
[/quote]

Tbh you can get replacement bags from the states heap and with lifetime warranty etc from Arnott industries but as one has gone then you'll ideally find that the other will probably not be too far behind. Plus you still have the issue of the compressor going at some point too.

Depends on the individual really. 

[Raj]

Haven't done a how to but did post up some pics when I did my conversion to coilovers.

In all honesty it's not a major job if you have any competency of working on cars. Getting the old airbags out is very straight forward as you just need to remove the plastic boot trim pieces under the floor to reveal the top of the bags. Remove the hose off the top and a rush of air from the still in fact airbag and they will deflate. Gettin the springs in is a bit more work but again not too bad.

[PhilUK]

Will I need to disconnect the shocks to get the springs in Raj or is it just a matter of lifting the car and working them in?

[PhilUK]

Just found this DIY on Xoutpost. 

It's a bit involved for me, think it's a job better suited to my local Indy. 

[Raj]

You do need to undo the shock. It's a one man job if your up for it as I did a full coilover conversion myself for a fellow forum member. Pity your too far away from.

An Indy will have no trouble doing it though and shouldn't charge you too much.

[PhilUK]

Thanks Raj. I am up in Brum tomorrow, put the kettle on! 

Only kidding, I don't think the X would make it that far with a limp!

[Nat]

I have to be honest and say that I would just replace the airbag. Its not at all difficult to do and I like the rear self leveling suspension and I may well be wrong but xenon headlights are only allowed on cars with self leveling suspension and it may be an issue at MOT time. I'd also like to add that I've had 2 E53's , one of them a 4.8 iS and I had loads of trouble with the suspension, it was always the front units, never ever the back ones. That was over 8 years of combined ownership and probably some 130,000 driven miles.
Also, don't forget to tell the insurance company.....................any excuse to wriggle out of paying if they need to.
Just my opinion,

Regards,

Nat.

[Sanj]

[quote="Nat"]
I may well be wrong but xenon headlights are only allowed on cars with self leveling suspension and it may be an issue at MOT time.
[/quote]

Not a requirement for cars with xenons and only an MoT failure if not OEM with the washers. They have their own levelling sensors.

Good to have an opinion and like you I'd like to keep the self-levelling too (should it ever go Pete Tong).

But if mine ever was more than a bag replacement and started to get expensive compared to this alternative fix, then perhaps the springs would win.

[Raj]

[quote="PhilUK"]
Thanks Raj. I am up in Brum tomorrow, put the kettle on! 

Only kidding, I don't think the X would make it that far with a limp!
[/quote]

Lol. Pop round buddy.

[Raj]

Nat, as Sanj has stated that xenons do require levelling sensors but these are linked to suspension arms, etc so work on standard suspension set ups too. The sensors (if you do remove the airbags) remain in place and still work as pre airbag removal.