This procedure covers the replacement of the rear air spring/air bag on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the factory air suspension system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air spring solenoid O-rings × 1 — Included with air spring or separate kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
3. Locate and turn off air suspension system using the switch in the rear cargo area or trunk (typically passenger side)
4. Wait at least 60 seconds for system to depressurize
5. Chock front wheels
6. 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 axle. Once elevated, place jack stands under the frame rails for safety. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.
2. 2

   Access air spring electrical connector
   Locate the air spring solenoid electrical connector near the top of the air spring assembly. Press the connector release tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the air spring solenoid. Carefully move the wiring harness aside to prevent damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect air line from air spring
   Locate the air supply line connected to the top of the air spring solenoid. Press the release collar on the quick-connect fitting and pull the air line straight out from the solenoid. Some residual air pressure may escape; this is normal.
   ⚠Do not bend or kink the air supply line excessively as this can cause future leaks
4. 4

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle near the air spring being replaced. Raise the jack just enough to support the axle weight but not to lift the vehicle further. This prevents the axle from dropping excessively when the air spring is removed.
5. 5

   Remove upper air spring mounting
   Locate the upper mounting hardware for the air spring attached to the frame rail. Remove the mounting bolts securing the air spring upper mount to the frame. Support the air spring while removing the final fastener.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower air spring mounting
   Access the lower air spring mounting point on the rear axle. Remove the mounting bolts that secure the air spring to the axle bracket. Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle slightly if needed to create clearance.
   ⚠Control the descent of the axle carefully to prevent brake line or ABS sensor wire damage
   Torque spec

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

   Remove air spring assembly
   Once both upper and lower mounting points are disconnected, carefully maneuver the air spring assembly out from between the frame and axle. It may be necessary to slightly adjust the floor jack height to create adequate clearance. Inspect the removed air spring for tears, cracks, or damage to determine failure mode.
8. 8

   Prepare new air spring
   Unpack the new air spring assembly and verify it matches the original configuration. If the solenoid was not pre-installed, transfer it from the old air spring to the new one, replacing O-rings as needed. Ensure all O-rings are properly lubricated with clean air brake grease or silicone lubricant.
9. 9

   Install new air spring
   Position the new air spring between the frame rail and axle. Align the lower mounting bracket with the axle mount first, then raise or lower the floor jack as needed to align the upper mount with the frame rail. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them.
10. 10

    Secure air spring mounting bolts
    Tighten the upper mounting bolts to the frame rail first, followed by the lower mounting bolts to the axle bracket. Use a torque wrench to achieve proper specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect air line and electrical connector
    Push the air supply line firmly into the quick-connect fitting on the air spring solenoid until it clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection. Reconnect the electrical connector to the solenoid until it clicks and locks.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern, then fully lower the vehicle and remove the floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reactivate air suspension system
    Turn the air suspension switch back to the ON position. Start the vehicle and allow the air suspension system to inflate the new air spring. This may take 1-3 minutes. Listen for any air leaks around the connections made during installation.
    ℹ️The suspension may self-level and adjust ride height automatically during initial inflation

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify air line quick-connect fittings are properly engaged with no air leaks
3. Double-check that all mounting bolts are torqued to specification
4. Confirm air suspension switch is returned to ON position

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify air suspension compressor activates and inflates the new air spring to proper ride height
• Visually inspect air spring for proper inflation and no visible leaks
• Check that the vehicle sits level side-to-side at normal ride height
• Listen for air leaks at the solenoid connection and air line quick-connect fitting
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify proper suspension function and no warning lights
• After test drive, re-inspect all connections and mounting points for security

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