This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear air spring (air bag) on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 equipped with the factory air suspension system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford air spring or equivalent
• Air spring lower mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. If equipped, disable the air suspension system using the switch in the cargo area or via the vehicle settings menu on the instrument cluster.
3. Allow air suspension to deflate completely (system will automatically vent when disabled).
4. Chock the front wheels.
5. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground.
6. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails.
7. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect air line from air spring
   Locate the air line connection at the top or upper portion of the air spring assembly. Press the release collar on the air line quick-connect fitting and carefully pull the air line free from the air spring. Cap or cover the disconnected air line to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   If the air spring is equipped with a height sensor or solenoid valve, disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector away from the component. Secure the wiring harness out of the way.
3. 3

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle near the air spring being replaced. Raise the jack just enough to lightly support the axle weight, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the axle from dropping when the air spring is removed.
   ⚠The jack must only support the axle, not lift it. Excessive lifting will compress suspension components and make removal difficult.
4. 4

   Remove upper air spring mounting
   Access the upper air spring mounting point at the frame rail. Remove the mounting bolts or nuts securing the top of the air spring to the frame bracket. On some configurations, you may need to access this from inside the bed or through an access panel.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower air spring mounting
   Locate the lower mounting bolts that secure the air spring to the rear axle housing or lower mounting bracket. Remove these bolts completely. You may need to slightly adjust jack height to relieve tension on the bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove air spring assembly
   With both upper and lower mounting points disconnected, carefully maneuver the air spring assembly out from between the frame and axle. The air spring may be compressed or require rotation to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting brackets and hardware for corrosion or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new air spring
   Remove the new air spring from its packaging. Verify it matches the original part configuration. Check that the air line fitting and mounting brackets are in good condition and that protective caps are removed from the air connection port.
8. 8

   Install new air spring
   Position the new air spring between the frame and rear axle, aligning the upper mounting point first. Guide the air spring into position, ensuring no wiring or brake lines are pinched. Align both upper and lower mounting holes.
9. 9

   Install lower mounting bolts
   Insert and hand-thread the lower mounting bolts through the air spring bracket into the axle housing. Ensure proper alignment before tightening. Torque the lower mounting bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Install upper mounting hardware
    Install the upper mounting bolts or nuts, hand-threading first to ensure proper engagement. Torque the upper mounting hardware to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect air line
    Remove any protective caps from the air spring fitting. Push the air line firmly into the quick-connect fitting on the air spring until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the line to verify it is properly seated and locked.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    If equipped with a height sensor or solenoid, reconnect the electrical connector to the component. Ensure the connector locks securely and the wiring is routed away from moving components and heat sources.
13. 13

    Remove axle support and reinstall wheel
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the rear axle. Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle partially so the wheel contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Enable air suspension and test
    Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Re-enable the air suspension system using the switch or vehicle menu. The system should automatically inflate the new air spring to normal ride height. Listen for air leaks around the connections. Start the engine and allow the air suspension compressor to fully charge the system.
    ℹ️Initial inflation may take 1-3 minutes depending on system pressure. The compressor will run until proper pressure is achieved.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all air line connections are fully seated and locked in place.
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern.
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle.
4. If a scan tool is available, clear any air suspension fault codes that may have been set during the repair.

Verification

• With the air suspension enabled and the engine running, verify the vehicle rises to normal ride height on the repaired side.
• Inspect the new air spring for proper inflation and check all connections for air leaks by listening carefully around fittings.
• Test the ride height adjustment function if equipped, cycling the suspension through different height settings.
• Take a short test drive and verify normal suspension operation, proper ride height, and no warning lights on the instrument cluster.
• After test drive, re-inspect air spring connections and mounting bolts for any signs of looseness or leakage.
• Verify the height sensor connector is secure and the system maintains proper ride height when parked.

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