Use a fitter who knows air suspension
We recommend that your kit is fitted by a garage or specialist with experience of air suspension. A fitter who has done this before will route lines properly, mount the compressor where it will survive, and set the system up so it behaves as designed. Most problems we see are fitting problems, and the warranty does not cover them.
If you do not have a fitter, ask us. We know workshops around the UK who fit AirForce regularly, and many of our trade customers will fit kits bought from us.
What is involved
A full AirForce kit replaces your existing suspension and adds an air system to control it. At a high level:
- Struts and bags. The original springs and dampers come out. The AirForce struts, with their air bags, go in their place. Front and rear are usually different designs; some rear setups use a separate bag and damper.
- Air lines. Air line runs from each bag to the valve block, usually along the underside, clipped away from heat and moving parts.
- Compressor and tank. The compressor fills the tank, which supplies the valves. These normally go in the boot or under the floor, with a water trap and a pressure switch.
- Management ECU and valve block. This is the brain. It takes height or pressure readings, opens valves to raise or lower each corner, and stores your presets.
- Height sensors. On height-managed kits, a sensor at each corner tells the ECU where the car is sitting.
- Controller. The handheld or dash-mounted controller connects to the ECU and is where you set and select heights.
- Wiring. Permanent power with a fuse, ignition feed, earth, and the harness from the ECU to the compressor, valves, sensors and controller.
- Calibration and presets. Once everything is installed, the system is calibrated, the bags are checked for leaks, the car is set at the heights you want, and those heights are saved as presets. Wheel alignment should be done at your normal driving height.
Tools and time
Fitting needs a lift or proper axle stands, a spring compressor for removing the originals, torque wrenches, a drill for mounting, and the usual hand tools. Expect a full day for a skilled fitter. A first-time fit, or a car where the compressor install is awkward, takes longer.
MOT and insurance
Tell your insurer that the car has aftermarket air suspension. It is a modification, and not declaring it can invalidate your cover.
Air suspension is legal on UK roads and passes an MOT when it is in good condition and the car is driven at a safe height. The ride height must give you full steering lock, no tyre contact with the arches, correct headlight aim, and ground clearance for speed bumps and crests. Set your driving preset accordingly and use the low preset when parked.
Aftercare
- Check all fittings, brackets and bolt torques after the first 100 miles. Air suspension settles, and things that were tight can loosen.
- Listen for the compressor running more often than usual. That normally means a slow leak. Soapy water on the fittings will find it.
- Keep lines clear of exhausts, moving suspension parts and sharp edges. Look under the car every few months.
- Drain the tank water trap regularly, especially in winter.
- Book your two-year strut service to keep the warranty.