Air Spring/Air Bag

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear air spring (air bag) on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with air ride suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring/air bag assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or compatible aftermarket
• Air line O-ring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. If equipped, turn off air suspension system using the compressor override switch or disconnect power to the air compressor
3. Allow air suspension to fully deflate (may take 5-10 minutes)
4. Chock front wheels
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or frame rail. Position jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Access air spring upper mount
   From inside the vehicle bed or under the rear cargo area, locate the air spring upper mount access panel. On crew cab models, this is typically accessed by removing the rear seat bottom cushion or through a panel in the bed. Some models may require removal of interior trim panels to access the upper mount.
3. 3

   Disconnect air line
   Locate the air line connection at the top of the air spring. Press the release collar on the quick-connect fitting and pull the air line straight out. If equipped with a threaded fitting, use a 10mm wrench to loosen the connection. Inspect the O-ring on the air line for damage and replace if necessary.
   ⚠Any residual air pressure may cause a hissing sound. Ensure system is fully depressurized before disconnecting.
4. 4

   Support rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle near the air spring being replaced. Raise the jack just enough to take the weight off the air spring, but do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This allows controlled lowering of the axle to access mounting hardware.
5. 5

   Remove upper mounting hardware
   From the upper mount location accessed in Step 2, remove the upper mounting bolts or nuts securing the air spring to the frame. Typically there are 2-3 bolts arranged in a circular pattern. Keep track of any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lower mounting hardware
   Working from under the vehicle, locate the lower air spring mounting bracket bolted to the rear axle. Remove the lower mounting bolts securing the air spring to the axle. There are typically 2 bolts on the lower mount.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove air spring assembly
   Carefully lower the rear axle using the floor jack to create clearance. Guide the air spring assembly downward and out from between the frame and axle. You may need to compress or manipulate the spring slightly to clear mounting points. Remove the air spring from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   Clean the upper frame mount and lower axle mount surfaces with a wire brush. Remove any rust, debris, or old rubber residue. Check mounting bolt holes for damage or elongation. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks or deformation.
9. 9

   Install new air spring
   Position the new air spring between the frame and axle mounts. Align the lower mounting bracket with the holes in the axle housing. You may need to raise the axle slightly with the floor jack to align the upper mount. Ensure the air fitting port is oriented correctly for air line routing.
   ⚠Do not pinch or kink the air spring bladder during installation. Keep it in a natural, slightly compressed state.
10. 10

    Install lower mounting bolts
    Insert and hand-tighten the lower mounting bolts through the air spring bracket into the rear axle housing. Torque the lower mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install upper mounting bolts
    Raise the rear axle with the floor jack to align the upper air spring mount with the frame mounting points. Install the upper mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Torque the upper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect air line
    Route the air line to the air spring fitting. If using a quick-connect fitting, push the air line firmly into the connector until it clicks and seats fully. Tug gently to verify it is locked. If using a threaded fitting, hand-tighten then snug with a wrench (do not overtighten plastic fittings).
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands, remove the stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Pressurize and test system
    Restore power to the air compressor or turn on the air suspension system. The system should automatically begin inflating the new air spring. Listen for air leaks at the connections. The vehicle should rise to normal ride height within 1-2 minutes. Check that both sides are level.
    ℹ️Some vehicles may require a brief drive cycle or key cycle to calibrate the air suspension system.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed to reach the upper mount
2. If rear seat cushion was removed, reinstall and secure all clips
3. Double-check all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Verify air line connection is secure with no leaks

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the air compressor cycles on and pressurizes the system to normal ride height
• Check for air leaks by listening around all connections and applying soapy water to fittings
• Verify the vehicle sits level side-to-side at normal ride height
• Test drive the vehicle and verify normal suspension operation with no unusual noises or sagging
• Check that the air suspension warning light (if equipped) is not illuminated on the instrument cluster

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