Can air suspension be directly jacked up?
3 Answers
It is not recommended to directly jack up an air suspension, as doing so may damage the air suspension system. Functions of air suspension: 1. Compensate for shortcomings: The air spring was primarily developed to compensate for certain shortcomings of metal springs. By replacing metal with air as the energy-storing medium, it allows adjustment of suspension stiffness by regulating air pressure. 2. Adjust clearance: In addition to altering suspension stiffness, air springs can also adjust the vehicle's ground clearance. However, since increasing vehicle height inevitably requires higher air pressure, when the suspension is adjusted to its highest position, the overall stiffness will also increase slightly.
I once drove a car with air suspension and almost had an accident when changing tires last year. I placed the jack near the airbag to lift the body, but the airbag tilted, causing the entire system to alarm, and it cost me several thousand to repair. The springs in air suspension are airbags, not traditional metal springs. Directly jacking near the airbag can crush it or damage the control valve. The correct method is to find the dedicated jacking points under the car, usually located on the chassis frame or designated positions, to protect the air system from damage. When parking, it's best to keep the car on level ground to avoid repeated system adjustments that add strain. Remember, safety first—don’t make the same mistake I did by messing around.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I must emphasize the need for extreme caution when jacking up a vehicle with air suspension. Never position the jack directly under the airbag component – that soft air cushion will simply collapse or leak when pressured. You should always locate the specific support points indicated in the vehicle manual, typically along the metal structural edges of the chassis, to avoid damaging the system. Air suspension relies on pneumatic pressure to absorb shocks, and improper jack placement can lead to airbag rupture, seal failure, or electronic control module malfunctions. I've repaired multiple such cases for clients, most requiring replacement airbags and pump repairs. I recommend keeping jacking pads handy to reinforce support points.
