FAQs about air shocks/air leveling systems.

• If I put an air shock on my vehicle, can I increase my payload? (GVWR information)

  No. The maximum carrying capacity is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) typically listed on the door jamb. This GVWR number, minus the weight of the vehicle, is the amount of additional weight the vehicle is designed to safely carry, stop with, etc. For example a vehicle weighing 4,000 lbs. with a GVWR of 6,000 lbs. can carry 2,000 lbs. of gear, passengers, etc. Putting in an air shock does not increase you GVWR. This is because the vehicle, its component and systems (tires, brake system, bearings, transmission system) are only designed to handle the listed GVWR.

• Can air shocks be used to replace a damaged rear air spring/air bag suspension?

  No, an air shock cannot replace a rear air spring/air bag suspension. Here’s why:

  • An air spring is the primary structural component supporting the rear
    of the vehicle and setting the permanent ride of the vehicle. The air
    spring and its connected components set the ride height of the vehicle
    and are designed and sized for the size and weight of the vehicle in
    which they are placed.

  • An air shock satisfies a different purpose altogether. It is a secondary
    assist to maintain ride height in temporary situations. It is designed to
    help level the vehicle during a temporarily overloaded state, such as
    traveling where all family members are riding in the car and the trunk
    is loaded with weighty luggage vs. one driver and no luggage the rest
    of the time.

    Never install an air shock in a car that has air spring/airbag structural
    support.

• Why won’t my air shocks take air?

  You may need to check a number of things:

  • Check the air line fittings on both the shock and the T-valve. Make sure that the two rubber O-rings (located in front of the plastic nut and compression fitting) are no more than 1/8” away from the end of the air line.

  • Check the line from the shock all the way back to the T-valve and make sure there are no kinks.

  • Make sure all fasteners along the line are not too tight. If they are, they may cause the line to kink.

  • If these measures don’t help, please call the AnswerGarage tech services line at (800) 999-3903 to resolve your problem.

• Troubleshooting Factory Air Leveling System Issues:

  My vehicle is not maintaining a level height. I never hear the compressor run. What could be the cause?

  • If the compressor doesn’t seem to be running, you should check your vehicle’s electrical system and verify that a fuse or circuit breaker is not blown or tripped. If these are fine, it is likely that there is an issue with the compressor or system hardware and the problem needs to be diagnosed by a qualified service technician.

  I hear the compressor run normally, but the vehicle doesn’t sit at the right height. What could be the cause?

  • If the compressor is running normally but the vehicle doesn’t seem to maintain height, the vehicle’s height sensor is most likely the cause. Inspect the height sensor for damage or corrosion. Many height sensors can be adjusted. Reference the original equipment service manual for vehicle specific procedures, or have the vehicle repaired by a qualified service technician.

  My compressor runs constantly, or frequently for long intervals. What is the cause?

  • This could be caused by a number of things: a ruptured air shock or strut, a leaking air line or a leaking air fitting.

  How can I find out where the leak is?

  • These leaks can typically be identified by using a spray bottle with soapy water and checking for bubbles, in the same way you would check for a leak in a tire. Be sure to spray the air supply lines down all the way to the compressor paying careful attention to areas where the air lines may contact parts of the vehicle.

  I believe my air shock / strut is ruptured. It’s leaking air. What can I do?

  • Air shocks and air struts cannot be repaired. We recommend that you replace air shocks and struts in pairs as this will ensure that the capacity and function between the two will be equivalent and provide proper leveling performance.

  I think I have a bad air line – how can I replace it?

  • In many cases our 1/8th inch air line kit part number 141099 can be used to replace the original equipment air line, assuming the line size matches. Please call the AnswerGarage tech services line at (800) 999-3903 to determine if there is a match for your system, how to replace the air line and for help in identifying if this is the problem.

  If I find the fitting is leaking, what should I do?

  • Most of the time, the fitting is either contaminated, damaged, or was improperly installed. Try removing it, inspect for damage or contamination, then clean and reinstall it. If this does not work, please call the AnswerGarage tech services line at (800) 999-3903 for vehicle-specific troubleshooting details.

GABRIEL CANNOT DETERMINE WHETHER ANY PARTICULAR CUSTOMER IS QUALIFIED TO CHECK OR REPLACE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS OR STRUTS. CUSTOMERS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN ASSESSMENTS OF THEIR EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL RESULTS AND IF IN DOUBT, SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF A QUALIFIED TRAINED MECHANIC.

THESE VIDEOS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS, BUT ARE INTENDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.

EVERY VEHICLE IS DELIVERED WITH AN OEM OWNER’S MANUAL. IF YOU CANNOT LOCATE YOURS, SEVERAL PUBLICATIONS EXIST THAT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PARTS ON THE VEHICLE YOU ARE ABOUT TO REPAIR. READ THE OEM MANUAL SPECIFIC TO THE MAKE AND MODEL OF YOUR VEHICLE AND THE INSTRUCTIONS THAT ACCOMPANY YOUR GABRIEL PRODUCT BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROJECT. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OR ASSISTANCE OF A QUALIFIED, TRAINED PROFESSIONAL WHEN NEEDED.

BEFORE STARTING AND VEHICLE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROJECT, YOU MUST HAVE THE PROPER TRAINING, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY TO SAFELY AND CORRECTLY COMPLETE THE PROJECT. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE A WORN STRUT OR SHOCK ABSORBER, BECAUSE FAILURE TO REMOVE THE WORN PART OR INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT PARTS CORRECTLY ON YOUR VEHICLE MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.