Replace or repair air supply lines for the air suspension system on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Air suspension line kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air line retaining clips × 4 — Included with line kit or order separately
• Zip ties × 5 — Secure routing as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn off air suspension using the switch in the rear cargo area or via the message center
4. Wait at least 60 seconds for system to fully vent and deflate
5. Raise vehicle at manufacturer-specified jacking points and support with jack stands
6. Remove wheels if access requires (typically rear wheels for rear air line service)
7. Locate the air line routing from compressor to air spring - typically runs along frame rail
8. Spray penetrating oil on any corroded fittings and allow to soak 10 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental air suspension activation during service. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the terminal clamp and move cable away from battery post.
2. 2

   Access air compressor and solenoid assembly
   The air suspension compressor is located on the driver side frame rail near the rear axle. Remove any protective covers or splash shields using trim tools or appropriate sockets. The solenoid block is mounted to the compressor assembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector from solenoid
   Press the tab on the electrical connector and pull straight away from the solenoid valve block. Ensure connector is moved completely out of the work area to prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Release air line from compressor fitting
   Locate the push-to-connect fitting at the compressor outlet. Push the collet ring toward the fitting body while pulling the air line straight out. Do not twist or bend the line excessively. If fitting is stuck, apply additional penetrating oil and wait 5 minutes.
   ⚠Even after deflation, residual pressure may remain in lines - release slowly and keep face away from fitting
5. 5

   Trace and disconnect air line at air spring
   Follow the air line from the compressor to the air spring assembly at the wheel. The air spring has a similar push-to-connect fitting at the top. Release the collet ring and remove the air line from the air spring. Note the routing path and any retaining clips for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove air line routing clips
   The air line is secured to the frame rail and body with plastic clips or metal brackets. Use needle nose pliers to release the clips without breaking them (if reusable). Note the exact position of each clip for proper routing of the new line.
7. 7

   Remove damaged air line
   Carefully pull the air line from its routing path along the frame rail. Inspect the entire path for sharp edges, heat sources, or abrasion points that may have caused the failure. Clean the routing area with a wire brush if corrosion or debris is present.
8. 8

   Prepare and route new air line
   Cut new air line to the exact length of the original line, ensuring clean, square cuts with no burrs. Route the new line through the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving suspension parts. Maintain at least 25mm clearance from heat sources.
9. 9

   Install routing clips and secure air line
   Install new or reuse original routing clips to secure the air line to the frame rail. Ensure the line has no kinks, twists, or tight radius bends. Use additional zip ties if necessary to prevent line movement, but do not overtighten and crush the line.
10. 10

    Connect air line to air spring
    Push the air line straight into the air spring fitting until it bottoms out and you hear/feel a click. Tug gently on the line to verify it is fully seated and locked in place. Install the retaining clip if equipped.
11. 11

    Connect air line to compressor assembly
    Push the air line straight into the compressor outlet fitting until fully seated with an audible click. Verify the connection by pulling gently on the line. Install the retaining clip to lock the fitting.
12. 12

    Reinstall electrical connector and shields
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the solenoid valve block, ensuring it clicks into place. Reinstall any protective covers or splash shields that were removed for access.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. The air suspension control module will perform a self-test. Listen for the compressor to activate and pressurize the system.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    If wheels were removed, reinstall and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and perform final wheel lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all air line connections are fully seated and locked with retaining clips installed
2. Verify air line routing does not interfere with suspension travel or contact exhaust/sharp edges
3. Confirm electrical connector is fully engaged at solenoid valve
4. Double-check all fasteners and clips are secured before lowering vehicle

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and ignition ON, turn air suspension system ON using the switch or message center
• Listen for compressor operation - it should run for 30-90 seconds to pressurize the system
• Observe rear of vehicle rising to normal ride height within 2-3 minutes
• Apply soapy water solution to all new air line connections and fittings - look for bubbles indicating air leaks
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool - there should be no air suspension faults
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal ride quality and height with no compressor cycling excessively
• Recheck all connections after 24 hours of operation and verify no leaks are present

More procedures for this vehicle