This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear air spring (air bag) suspension components on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with rear air suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 2015-2020 F-150
• Air spring mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air line O-ring seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. If equipped with air suspension switch in cargo area, turn air suspension to OFF position
3. Turn ignition off and disconnect negative battery cable to disable air suspension system
4. Chock front wheels securely
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
6. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed on frame rails
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
8. Allow at least 15 minutes for air spring to fully deflate after system is disabled

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper air spring mounting area
   From inside the bed, locate and remove the bed liner or trim panel to access the upper air spring mounting area. On crew cab models, access may be through the rear seat area. The upper mount is typically accessible through an access panel in the cargo area.
2. 2

   Verify air spring is deflated
   Visually inspect the air spring to confirm it is fully deflated and collapsed. The air spring should appear compressed with no tension. If still inflated, verify battery is disconnected and wait additional time for automatic deflation.
3. 3

   Disconnect air supply line
   Locate the air supply line connection at the top or side of the air spring assembly. Press the release collar on the quick-connect fitting and pull the air line straight out. Some residual air pressure may release. Inspect the O-ring in the fitting and replace if damaged.
   ⚠Keep air line away from sharp edges and suspension components during removal to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove upper mounting fasteners
   Remove the upper air spring mounting bolts or nuts that secure the air spring to the chassis or frame. Typically there are 2-3 mounting fasteners accessible from the top. Support the air spring assembly by hand to prevent it from dropping when the last fastener is removed.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Detach electrical connector (if equipped)
   If the air spring has an integrated height sensor or solenoid valve, disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight away from the component. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove lower mounting fasteners
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower air spring mounting bolts that secure the air spring to the lower control arm or axle bracket. Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the air spring assembly. On some configurations, the lower mount may have a clamp-style attachment instead of bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove air spring assembly
   Carefully maneuver the air spring assembly out from between the frame and axle. The air spring may need to be rotated or tilted to clear suspension components. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both upper and lower mounts for corrosion, debris, or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean both upper and lower mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust, dirt, and debris. Apply penetrating oil to mounting bolt threads and clean threads in mounting holes. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks or damage that could affect air spring alignment.
9. 9

   Install new air spring assembly
   Position the new air spring between the frame and axle, aligning it with both upper and lower mounting points. Ensure any alignment tabs or locating pins are properly seated. The air supply line connection should be accessible and positioned to avoid contact with moving suspension components.
10. 10

    Install lower mounting fasteners
    Install the lower mounting bolts or clamp and hand-tighten. Ensure the air spring is properly seated in the lower mount before tightening. Torque the lower mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install upper mounting fasteners
    From the top access point, install the upper mounting bolts or nuts. Ensure the air spring upper mount is properly aligned and seated flush against the mounting surface. Torque the upper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect air supply line
    If installing a new O-ring, lightly lubricate it with clean air brake grease or silicone lubricant. Push the air supply line straight into the quick-connect fitting until it clicks and is fully seated. Gently pull on the line to verify it is locked in place.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector (if equipped)
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the height sensor or solenoid valve, ensuring it clicks into place. Route the wiring harness to match the original path and secure any clips or ties to prevent contact with moving parts.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any bed liner panels or trim pieces removed for access to upper air spring mount
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. If equipped, turn air suspension switch to ON position
4. Start the engine and allow the air suspension system to pressurize the new air spring, which typically takes 2-5 minutes
5. The vehicle may perform an automatic self-leveling sequence upon startup

Verification

• With engine running, verify the air spring inflates and the vehicle rises to normal ride height within 5 minutes
• Listen for air leaks around the air line connection and air spring body
• Check for any fault codes using a scan tool if equipped, or verify the air suspension warning light is not illuminated
• Perform a visual inspection to confirm both left and right sides are at equal height
• Test drive the vehicle and verify normal ride quality and handling with no suspension warning lights
• After test drive, recheck all mounting bolt torque values and air line connection security

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