All road air suspension advice

[Bob O]

Hi everyone 

 

I guess this won’t be the first request for advice on this topic. I’ve read through a few already but I’d really like to get some thoughts please.

I have 2012 C7 all road. Which I love, by the way. Best car by a long shot.

I’m new to this forum. Apologies if I haven’t read something I should have done before posting.

i have an issue where the o/s rear corner sags overnight. It doesn’t drop on the all road height setting but it does on the auto and dynamic settings.

i have heard that this indicates a pinhole leak in the bag where it folds. As opposed to a leak at the valve body which would result in it dropping on all settings. I can understand the logic.

the thing is I had that corner replaced by Lookers Audi 18 months ago. An independent (Vasstech) agreed it was most likely the bag. 
 

Audi don’t want to touch it. At first they waived the diagnostic as a GOGW. After questioning that they’ve had the car several days and seem to want to look at the level sensors and valve body. Anything but the part they’ve replaced that’s under warranty.

Am I wrong to conclude that the strut is most likely the problem?

Thanks for any comments or advice in advance.

[cliffcoggin]

If you suspect air bags, spray them with soapy water and watch for bubbles.

[Bob O]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately they’re inside a casing or sheath so only the top can be accessed

[Steve Q]

Welcome to the forum you'll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch 🙂 The symptoms indicate the bag. But this is unlikely if it was replaced with a new good quality one. 

Id recommend a second diagnosis from an independent Audi specialist.  

[Bob O]

Thanks Steve. 
already had a second opinion. Another would be a third. 
I was hoping this forum might be a good alternative 

[cliffcoggin]

Tell us what the second opinion was.

The evidence you have presented so far all points to an air bag. The fact that it is fairly new does not mean it can not be defective.

[Bob O]

An independent (Vasstech) agreed it was most likely the bag. 

 

I have already provided the information in my original post

lookers says it’s anything but the airbag. Valve body level sensors etc

[cliffcoggin]

6 hours ago, Bob O said:

I have already provided the information in my original post

 

I realise that. The question is what you are going to do about it. Pay out for another air bag, or claim against the garage that fitted the first?

[Magnet]

Hello Paul,

A simple point, but the replaced bag would now be 6 months out of its 1 year warranty, so….

So is it/isn’t the offender? We cannot know because we don’t have access to the vehicle, but it’s surprising how many replacement parts aren’t of sufficient quality to survive beyond the warranty period. 
Some of the Range Rover models use air suspension systems, so might be well worth your while to search out and tap into experience there.

Another alternative would be to seek advice from Bagpipingandy (eBay and probably website) - obviously north of the border. This is one of the most experienced pioneering chaps on all things air suspension. 
Please let us know how you get on Paul.

Regards,

Gareth.