Replace the rear air spring/air bag on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel, including removal of necessary suspension components and proper reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear air spring assembly × 1 — OEM or equivalent air spring for Ram 2500
• Air line O-ring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels to prevent rolling
3. Using scan tool or dashboard controls, exhaust air from rear air suspension system to lower vehicle
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect air line from air spring
   Locate the air line connection at the top or side of the air spring assembly. Push the release collar on the quick-connect fitting and pull the air line straight out from the air spring. Inspect the O-ring on the air line for damage and replace if necessary.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle near the air spring being replaced. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the air spring and take load off the mounting hardware. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
   ⚠The axle must be supported to prevent it from dropping when the air spring is removed, which could damage brake lines or other components.
3. 3

   Remove upper air spring mounting
   Locate the upper mounting bolt or nut that secures the air spring to the frame bracket. Remove the upper mounting fastener using appropriate socket. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower air spring mounting
   Locate the lower mounting bolt that secures the air spring to the axle bracket. Remove the lower mounting fastener. The air spring may still be compressed slightly between the mounts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove air spring assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the axle while guiding the air spring out of its mounting position. Remove the air spring from the vehicle. If the spring is stuck due to corrosion, apply penetrating lubricant and gently pry it free, being careful not to damage mounting brackets.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the upper frame mount and lower axle mount surfaces. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or debris. Inspect mounting brackets for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Install new air spring
   Position the new air spring between the upper frame mount and lower axle mount. Ensure the air spring is properly oriented with the air line connection accessible. Raise the floor jack under the axle to align the mounting holes. The air spring should not be twisted or stretched excessively during installation.
   ⚠Verify correct air spring orientation before securing mounting bolts. The air fitting must be accessible and pointing in the correct direction.
8. 8

   Install lower mounting bolt
   Insert and hand-tighten the lower mounting bolt through the axle bracket and air spring lower mount. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their correct positions.
9. 9

   Install upper mounting bolt
   Insert and hand-tighten the upper mounting bolt through the frame bracket and air spring upper mount. Ensure proper alignment and that any washers or spacers are correctly positioned.
10. 10

    Torque mounting bolts
    Torque both upper and lower air spring mounting bolts to specification. Torque in a cross pattern if applicable to ensure even loading on the air spring mounts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect air line
    Push the air line firmly into the quick-connect fitting on the air spring until it clicks into place. Tug gently on the line to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure the O-ring is properly positioned and not pinched.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but weight is still on jack stands.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Remove floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Inflate the air suspension system using the vehicle's onboard compressor or dashboard controls
2. Allow system to reach normal ride height before driving
3. Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50 miles of driving

Verification

• Start vehicle and activate air suspension system to inflate new air spring
• Listen for air leaks around the air line connection and mounting points
• Verify both rear corners rise to equal height when suspension is inflated
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to ensure air spring is properly seated and not twisted
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal ride quality and handling with no suspension noises
• Check for fault codes related to air suspension system using scan tool

More procedures for this vehicle