This procedure covers the removal and replacement of rear air springs (air bags) on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with the factory air suspension system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Air spring electrical connector (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air line O-ring seal × 1 — Usually included with air spring

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Use diagnostic scan tool to access air suspension module and command the system to deflate/vent mode
4. Allow air suspension system to fully deflate (approximately 5 minutes)
5. Chock front wheels securely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel and tire
   Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point on frame rail. Support vehicle securely with jack stands under frame rails. Remove wheel lug nuts in star pattern and remove wheel.
2. 2

   Access air spring upper mount
   For bed-equipped models, fold back or remove bed liner material at the inner fender well to access the air spring upper mounting area. Some models may require removal of a small plastic access panel inside the bed. Locate the upper air spring mounting nuts inside the frame rail cavity.
3. 3

   Disconnect air line
   Locate the air line connection at the top of the air spring. Press the release collar on the push-to-connect fitting while pulling the air line away from the air spring. You should hear a release of any residual air pressure. Inspect the O-ring on the air line and replace if damaged.
   ⚠If air was not fully vented in preparation, residual pressure may cause a sudden release of air. Ensure system was properly deflated before disconnecting.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector for the air spring height sensor or valve (if equipped on this corner). Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Secure the harness away from the work area to prevent damage.
5. 5

   Support rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle tube near the air spring being replaced. Raise jack just enough to make light contact and support the axle weight, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the axle from dropping when the air spring is removed.
6. 6

   Remove upper mounting hardware
   From inside the frame rail cavity or access panel, remove the upper air spring mounting nuts. There are typically 2-3 nuts securing the upper mount plate. Support the air spring from below as you remove the last fastener.
7. 7

   Remove lower mounting hardware
   Locate the lower air spring mounting bolts that secure the air spring to the axle bracket. Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the air spring. Carefully guide the air spring out from between the frame and axle.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   Clean the upper frame mounting surface and lower axle mounting bracket. Inspect for corrosion, damage, or debris. Check that mounting studs or bolt holes are not damaged or stripped. Apply light penetrating oil to threads if reinstalling bolts.
9. 9

   Install new air spring
   Position the new air spring between the frame and axle, aligning the upper mount studs with the frame holes and lower mount with the axle bracket. Ensure the air fitting outlet is oriented correctly for the air line connection. Install lower mounting bolts finger-tight first.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Secure upper and lower mounts
    Install upper mounting nuts and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Then torque the lower mounting bolts to 34 Nm (25 lb-ft). Ensure all fasteners are fully seated and properly torqued.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect air line and electrical
    Push the air line firmly into the push-to-connect fitting on top of the air spring until it clicks and seats completely. Give it a light tug to verify it is locked in place. Reconnect the electrical connector to the height sensor or valve, ensuring the locking tab clicks into place.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and tire
    Install wheel onto hub and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle slightly so tire touches ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and reinitialize system
    Reconnect battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off). Use diagnostic scan tool to command the air suspension system to inflate and perform a system relearn or calibration procedure. Monitor for proper inflation and check for air leaks at the air line connection.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any bed liner material or access panels that were removed
2. If replacing both rear air springs, repeat entire procedure for opposite side
3. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes from the air suspension module after confirming proper operation

Verification

• Start engine and allow air suspension system to fully inflate to ride height (may take 2-3 minutes)
• Check for air leaks by listening near the air line connection and around air spring seams
• Verify proper ride height matches opposite side using diagnostic scan tool or visual inspection
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal suspension operation, ride quality, and no warning lights
• Re-check air line connection and mounting bolts after first 50 miles of driving

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