suspension
Air Suspension Compressor
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.4 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
Remove and replace the air suspension compressor assembly, which pressurizes the air suspension system on Ram 2500 trucks equipped with air suspension.
Warnings
⚠️The air suspension system operates under high pressure. Always disable the system and allow pressure to bleed off before disconnecting any air lines.
⚠Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require relearning procedures for other vehicle systems.
⚠Do not operate the vehicle or start the air suspension system until all air lines are properly connected and secured.
ℹ️Air suspension fault codes may need to be cleared after repair using a scan tool.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Air suspension diagnostic tool or scan tool
Wire brush
Electrical connector pick set
Shop towels
Safety glassesEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Parts
- Air suspension compressor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Compressor mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Air line O-rings (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Chock rear wheels securely
- If equipped, disable air suspension system using dashboard switch or scan tool
- Allow at least 10 minutes for air suspension system to depressurize
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
- Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
- Remove driver side front wheel for better access
Procedure
- 1Locate air suspension compressorThe air suspension compressor is mounted on the driver side frame rail, ahead of the front wheel well. It is a cylindrical unit with electrical connector on top and air lines connected to the side. Clean area around compressor with wire brush to prevent contamination during removal.
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the electrical connector at the top of the compressor and pull straight up to disconnect. If connector is stuck due to corrosion, use electrical connector pick to release the lock tab. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 3Disconnect air supply line to reservoirLocate the main air supply line running from the compressor to the air reservoir tank. Push the collar fitting inward while pulling the air line out of the quick-connect fitting. Some residual air pressure may release with a hissing sound - this is normal if system was properly depressurized.⚠If significant air pressure releases when disconnecting lines, stop immediately and allow more time for system to depressurize.
- 4Disconnect compressor inlet filter lineDisconnect the inlet air filter line from the bottom or side of the compressor using the same push-collar method. This line typically has a foam filter element inline - inspect filter for contamination and replace if excessively dirty.
- 5Remove compressor mounting boltsRemove the mounting bolts securing the compressor to the frame rail bracket. Typically there are 2-3 bolts holding the compressor assembly. Support the compressor weight while removing the final bolt. Note the orientation and position of any spacers or washers for reinstallation.
- 6Remove compressor assemblyCarefully lower and remove the compressor from the mounting bracket. Check the mounting bracket on the frame for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. If bracket is damaged, it must be replaced before installing new compressor.
- 7Inspect and clean mounting areaClean the mounting bracket and frame rail area with wire brush. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect air line fittings on frame side for damage. Check that quick-connect fittings are not cracked and that O-rings are present and in good condition.
- 8Install new compressor assemblyPosition new compressor in mounting bracket, ensuring proper orientation matches original installation. Install mounting bolts with any spacers or washers in their original positions. Hand-thread all bolts before tightening to ensure proper alignment.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 9Connect air linesConnect the inlet filter line first, pushing air line firmly into quick-connect fitting until it clicks and seats fully. Then connect the main supply line to reservoir. Pull gently on each line to verify proper connection - line should not pull free.
- 10Connect electrical connectorAlign electrical connector and push down firmly onto compressor until locking tab clicks into place. Ensure connector is fully seated and locked - it should not pull off easily.
- 11Reinstall wheel and lower vehicleInstall driver side front wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground, then torque lug nuts in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
- 12Reconnect battery and initialize systemReconnect negative battery cable. If vehicle has air suspension switch, turn it to ON position. Start engine and allow compressor to run and pressurize the system. This may take 2-5 minutes for initial pressurization. Listen for air leaks around compressor connections.
Reassembly
- Torque all fasteners to specification using star pattern where applicable
- Ensure all air line connections are fully seated and locked
- Verify electrical connector is properly locked in place
- Clear any stored fault codes using scan tool if available
Verification
- Start engine and verify compressor runs to pressurize system (may run 2-5 minutes initially)
- Check that suspension height returns to normal ride height
- Listen for air leaks at all connections around compressor - apply soapy water if needed to detect small leaks
- Cycle vehicle between normal and off-road ride heights using suspension controls to verify proper operation
- Check for warning lights on instrument cluster - air suspension light should not be illuminated
- Road test vehicle and verify suspension functions normally without compressor running continuously
- Verify compressor cycles on periodically to maintain pressure but does not run constantly