Why is one side of the air suspension higher than the other?
3 Answers
During driving, issues may arise with the air suspension. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. When the air suspension system malfunctions, the following symptoms may occur: the vehicle's air suspension sags, with the wheels and wheel arches touching; the vehicle may exhibit uneven height on either side; the air suspension system warning light illuminates. 2. Common causes of air suspension system failures include: leaking connecting pipes; damaged body height sensors or acceleration sensors; damaged shock absorbers leaking air; faulty air compressor; issues with the control unit, wiring, or distribution valve.
I've also experienced the issue of uneven air suspension height. Last time, the left side of my car was noticeably lower than the right. After inspection, we found a small crack in the air spring, causing slow air leakage and insufficient pressure. This is common in aging vehicles where the rubber of air springs tends to crack or the seals wear out. A faulty height sensor can also mislead the system into thinking the car is level and not adjusting the air pressure. Uneven electronic valve control or blocked air lines can also cause improper air pressure distribution. I recommend starting with simple checks: look for any damage to suspension components and listen for air leakage sounds. If left untreated, the car body will tilt while driving, making cornering unstable, and the air spring may completely fail over time, leading to expensive repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, especially paying attention to the aging cycle of rubber components.
When one side of the air suspension is uneven in height, it is mostly caused by air leakage, such as a ruptured airbag or loose connecting pipes leading to air loss. Blockages in the pipelines can also prevent air from flowing to one side. If the height sensor accumulates dust, gets waterlogged, or is damaged, incorrect signals can cause the system to misadjust. Electronic issues in the control unit, such as software bugs or valve body malfunctions, can also lead to imbalance. Using a diagnostic tool to scan for fault codes is the quickest way to identify the cause. If you notice this issue while driving, don't ignore it—body tilting affects handling safety and accelerates tire wear. Seek professional inspection and repair as soon as possible, as they can accurately test the air pressure system.
