suspension
Air Line
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.6 h
Tools
11
Steps
12
Replace or repair air supply line(s) connecting the air compressor to the air suspension or pneumatic system components on the 2014 Ram 2500 4WD.
Warnings
⚠️Exhaust system air lines on this diesel platform may be under pressure. Depressurize system before disconnecting lines to avoid injury from pressurized air discharge.
⚠Air suspension systems store pressure. Ensure suspension is in neutral/deflated mode before working on air lines to prevent sudden vehicle drop.
⚠Do not route replacement air lines near exhaust components, sharp edges, or moving suspension parts. Follow OEM routing exactly to prevent premature failure.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Trim panel removal tools
Pneumatic line disconnect tool setEssential
Wire brush
Shop vacuum or compressed air
Safety glassesEssential
Work gloves
Shop towels
Parts
- Air line (specify length and routing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Push-to-connect air line fittings (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Plastic clips and retainers × 4 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
- If equipped with air suspension, use dash controls to deflate system to minimum ride height and wait 5 minutes for pressure release.
- Turn ignition off and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent air compressor activation during repair.
- Raise and support vehicle with jack stands at frame rails if accessing undercarriage air lines. Ensure vehicle is stable before working underneath.
- Identify the specific air line to be replaced by tracing from compressor (typically located near frame rail) to destination component (air spring, air tank, or actuator).
- Clean work area around air line connections with compressed air or shop vacuum to prevent contamination entering system.
Procedure
- 1Remove wheel and tire if necessaryIf air line routing passes through wheel well or requires access behind wheel, loosen lug nuts while vehicle weight is on ground, then raise vehicle and remove wheel completely. Store wheel safely away from work area.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
- 2Remove wheel well liner or splash shieldIf air line runs behind wheel well liner, remove plastic push clips and mounting fasteners securing inner fender liner. Carefully pull liner away from mounting points to expose air line routing. Note position of all clips for reinstallation.
- 3Disconnect air line at compressor or supply endLocate the upstream connection point at the air compressor, distribution block, or air tank. Press the collar on the push-to-connect fitting while pulling the air line straight out. If fitting is corroded, use pneumatic line disconnect tool to avoid damaging fitting. Inspect fitting for cracks or damage.⚠Residual air pressure may be present. Cover connection with shop towel and disconnect slowly to control any air discharge.
- 4Disconnect air line at component endFollow air line to destination component (air spring, height sensor, or actuator valve). Press collar on push-to-connect fitting and pull line straight out. Cap or cover open fitting immediately to prevent dirt ingress into component.
- 5Remove air line from routing clips and frame bracketsRelease air line from all plastic routing clips, P-clips, and frame mounting brackets along its path. Note exact routing path, proximity to other components, and clip positions. Take photos if needed for reference during installation. Remove any damaged clips for replacement.
- 6Inspect fittings and portsExamine both connection ports and fittings for damage, cracks, or debris. Use wire brush to clean threads on any threaded fittings. Blow out ports with compressed air if available. Replace any damaged push-to-connect fittings before installing new line.
- 7Route new air line following OEM pathBeginning at compressor end, route new air line through exact same path as old line, maintaining minimum 2-inch clearance from exhaust components, sharp edges, and moving suspension parts. Ensure line does not contact frame welds, control arm pivot points, or areas subject to road debris impact.
- 8Secure air line in routing clipsInstall new plastic clips or retainers where needed. Snap air line into all mounting clips along routing path, ensuring line is held firmly but not kinked or compressed. Line should have slight slack to accommodate suspension travel without pulling tight.
- 9Connect air line at compressor endCut air line end square if needed using sharp blade. Push line firmly into push-to-connect fitting at compressor or supply point until it bottoms out and locks. Tug on line to verify secure connection - line should not pull free with moderate force.
- 10Connect air line at component endEnsure line end is cut square and free of debris. Push line into fitting at air spring, valve, or actuator until fully seated. Verify connection security by pulling on line. Check that line routing allows full suspension articulation without binding or stretching.
- 11Reinstall wheel well liner and wheelIf removed, reinstall wheel well liner or splash shield using all original push clips and fasteners. Position liner to prevent contact with air line. Reinstall wheel and tire, hand-tightening lug nuts in star pattern.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
- 12Lower vehicle and perform final torqueLower vehicle to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Reconnect negative battery terminal.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all routing clips are secured and air line has proper clearance throughout suspension travel range.
- Double-check both air line connections are fully seated and locked into push-to-connect fittings.
- Ensure wheel well liner is properly reinstalled and does not contact air line during wheel turning.
Verification
- Start vehicle and allow air compressor to pressurize system. Listen for air leaks at both connection points and along line routing.
- Apply soapy water solution to all connections and look for bubbles indicating air leaks. Repair any leaks immediately.
- If equipped with air suspension, use dash controls to cycle system through all ride height settings and verify proper operation without leaks.
- Test drive vehicle over varied terrain and verify air suspension functions normally with no warning lights or abnormal compressor cycling.
- Recheck air line routing after test drive to ensure line has not shifted position or contacted any components during suspension movement.