The Ford Explorer’s air bag suspension enhances ride quality by automatically adjusting to load weight and road conditions, providing a smoother, more controlled driving experience. This system replaces traditional coil springs with air-filled bags, offering improved stability, reduced body roll, and better load-leveling capabilities for both on-road comfort and off-road performance.
How Does the Ford Explorer Air Suspension System Work?
The air suspension uses compressible air bags instead of metal springs. An onboard compressor adjusts air pressure based on sensors monitoring vehicle load, acceleration, and terrain. This maintains optimal ride height whether towing heavy loads or navigating uneven surfaces. Drivers can manually select ride modes (Normal/Sport/Deep Snow) for specific driving scenarios through the terrain management system.
What Are the Maintenance Requirements for Air Bag Suspensions?
Ford recommends inspecting air suspension components every 12 months or 15,000 miles. Key maintenance tasks include checking for air leaks (common failure points), testing compressor function, and replacing desiccant filters every 3 years. Use only Ford-approved sealants and avoid petroleum-based cleaners which degrade rubber components. Average system lifespan is 8-10 years with proper care.
Regular maintenance should include visual inspections of air lines for cracks and monitoring compressor runtime. A healthy system activates the compressor for 20-40 seconds during startup. Extended operation times indicate potential leaks. Owners in cold climates should drain moisture traps more frequently to prevent freeze-related damage. Below is a maintenance cost comparison:
Is air suspension better than shocks?
| Component | Inspection Interval | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Springs | 12 months | $400-$700 |
| Compressor | 24 months | $600-$900 |
| Height Sensors | 18 months | $220-$380 |
Can You Retrofit Air Suspension on Older Ford Explorer Models?
Aftermarket conversion kits from brands like Arnott (part #A7843) enable retrofitting air suspension on 2011-2019 Explorers. Installation requires modifying existing strut towers, adding wiring harnesses, and programming the vehicle’s ECU. Professional installation costs $2,800-$4,200 including parts. Note that Ford doesn’t endorse retrofits and may void powertrain warranties if improperly installed.
What Are the Cost Implications of Air Suspension Repairs?
Replacement air springs average $400-$700 per pair, while compressors cost $600-$900. Labor adds $250-$500 due to specialized tools required. Complete system overhauls (common at 100,000+ miles) range from $2,100 to $3,800. Extended warranties through Ford Protect PremiumCARE cover suspension components for up to 8 years/150,000 miles – a $2,000-$3,500 investment that often pays for itself.
How Does Air Suspension Impact Towing Capacity?
The Explorer’s air suspension increases maximum towing capacity from 5,300 lbs (standard suspension) to 6,100 lbs when properly equipped. The system automatically levels the vehicle when hitched, maintaining optimal headlight alignment and reducing trailer sway. At maximum load, air pressure increases to 150 PSI compared to 35 PSI at curb weight.
The adaptive load distribution feature works in tandem with the trailer brake controller to dynamically adjust damping rates. When towing near capacity, the rear suspension stiffens by 40% to minimize sag and improve stability. Ford’s integrated sway control uses individual wheel braking to counteract trailer oscillations exceeding 3° lateral movement. Below are key towing specifications:
| Tongue Weight | Recommended PSI | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 500-800 lbs | 90 PSI | 65 mph |
| 800-1,200 lbs | 120 PSI | 55 mph |
| 1,200+ lbs | 150 PSI | 45 mph |
Expert Views
“Modern air suspensions like Ford’s Adaptive Steering System represent a paradigm shift in SUV dynamics. The latest piezoelectric sensors can detect road imperfections in 0.003 seconds – faster than human neural responses. However, owners must understand these are electro-mechanical systems requiring proactive maintenance. Replacing wear components before failure prevents cascading damage to expensive control modules.”
– Automotive Suspension Engineer, 12+ Years OEM Experience
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer’s air bag suspension offers technological advantages over traditional systems but requires specialized maintenance. While repair costs average 45% higher than coil spring setups, 78% of owners report improved satisfaction in long-term ride quality surveys. Proper care and understanding of the system’s capabilities maximize both performance longevity and resale value.
FAQs
- How long do Ford Explorer air suspension bags last?
- Original equipment air springs typically last 7-10 years or 80,000-120,000 miles. Environmental factors like road salt and extreme temperatures can reduce lifespan by 30-40%.
- Can I drive with a failed air suspension?
- Ford advises against driving with suspension warnings. A complete failure drops ride height 2-4 inches, risking undercarriage damage and loss of stability control. Emergency kits include manual inflation pumps to temporarily restore mobility.
- Does air suspension improve off-road performance?
- Yes. In Deep Snow/Sand mode, the system raises ground clearance 0.6″ while softening damping rates. Combined with torque vectoring, this increases articulation by 18% compared to base models. However, extreme rock crawling requires aftermarket upgrades to protect vulnerable air lines.