This procedure covers the replacement of the rear air spring (air bag) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring/air bag assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air spring mounting bolts (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Access the air suspension control module and disable the air suspension system, or disconnect the air line from the air spring being replaced
4. Allow the air suspension system to fully deflate (at least 5 minutes)
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or frame rail. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the cab. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove the rear wheel completely.
2. 2

   Disconnect air line from air spring
   Locate the air line connection at the top or side of the air spring. Press the release collar on the quick-connect fitting and pull the air line straight out of the air spring. Be prepared for a small amount of residual air pressure to release.
   ⚠Do not bend or kink the air line during disconnection. Mark the orientation if needed for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Support rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle near the air spring being replaced. Raise the jack just enough to support the weight of the axle, but do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the axle from dropping when the air spring is removed.
4. 4

   Remove lower air spring mounting bolt
   Locate the lower mounting bolt that secures the air spring to the rear axle bracket. Apply penetrating lubricant if necessary. Remove the lower mounting bolt completely using a socket and ratchet. Retain the bolt if it is in good condition.
   ⚠Ensure the floor jack is securely supporting the axle before removing the mounting bolt.
5. 5

   Remove upper air spring mounting fasteners
   Access the upper mounting area of the air spring from inside the bed or under the vehicle, depending on your F-150 configuration. Remove the upper mounting bolts or nuts that secure the air spring to the frame bracket. There are typically 2-3 fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove air spring assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle slightly to create clearance. Guide the air spring out from between the frame and axle. You may need to rotate or angle the air spring to clear any obstructions. Remove the air spring completely from the vehicle.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points and clean surfaces
   Inspect both the upper frame mounting bracket and lower axle mounting bracket for damage, corrosion, or cracks. Use a wire brush to clean mounting surfaces and threads. Check that the air line is not damaged, cracked, or kinked.
8. 8

   Install new air spring assembly
   Position the new air spring between the frame and axle. Align the upper mounting holes first and install the upper mounting bolts or nuts finger-tight. Use the floor jack to raise the axle slightly to align the lower mounting hole. Install the lower mounting bolt finger-tight.
9. 9

   Torque air spring mounting fasteners
   Torque the upper mounting bolts to specification. Then torque the lower mounting bolt to specification. Ensure all fasteners are secure and properly seated.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect air line
    Push the air line firmly into the quick-connect fitting on the air spring until you hear or feel a click. Gently tug on the air line to verify it is securely connected and will not pull free.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the floor jack from under the axle. Raise the vehicle slightly and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground completely. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Re-enable air suspension system
    If the air suspension system was disabled via the control module, re-enable it now. Start the vehicle and allow the air suspension system to pressurize. This may take 2-5 minutes. Listen for any air leaks around the new air spring connections.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification before operating the vehicle
2. Verify the air line connection is fully seated and secure
3. Double-check that the wheel lug nuts are properly torqued

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the air suspension system pressurizes the new air spring properly
• Check for air leaks by listening around all connections and applying soapy water to the air line fitting
• Verify the rear ride height is even on both sides and matches factory specifications
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify normal suspension operation with no warning lights
• Inspect the installation after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure all fasteners remain tight

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