Air suspension explosion

Hey guys, as title suggests, one of my rear airbags just exploded - sounded like a bomb going off. Fortunately I had just parked up from a long and windy drive on some icy roads back home.

Had recently replaced the opposite one (should have done the pair I know but strapped for cash), so I expected it to die - but not explode!

I noticed that the suspension felt very hard on the way home, and that when I parked the bags were fully inflated (truck was raised), which I thought was clearly odd. A few minutes later - bang.

Now it is very cold here (-5 tonight), and hasn’t got above freezing today, so I expect that’s got something to do with it.

I understand how the cold could affect the integrity of an old bag, but any ideas why they were overinflated in the first place?

many thanks

Robb

Vagabondrobb said:

any ideas why they were overinflated in the first place?

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HI, overinflation can be caused by a sensor or a calibration issue ... unless it's an ECU misbehaviour, you need a diagnostic tool to figure this out, eventually check if a sensor's arm is not snapped...did you disconnect the battery before you changed the bag? cos jacking it up while the air was released from a bag or unplugging a sensor can mix up calibration if the battery was connected

Thanks…

No I did not disconnect the battery. But the bag was replaced several weeks ago and has behaved fine - literally today was the first sign of an issue. Good to know for next time though. The self levelling sensor arms both seem in good working order. I don’t have a diagnostic tool, but there is a local garage who might.
Cheers

sierrafery said:

HI, overinflation can be caused by a sensor or a calibration issue ... unless it's an ECU misbehaviour, you need a diagnostic tool to figure this out, eventually check if a sensor's arm is not snapped...did you disconnect the battery before you changed the bag? cos jacking it up while the air was released from a bag or unplugging a sensor can mix up calibration if the battery was connected

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So I’ve put a new bag in as I needed one anyway and figured it could help diagnose the problem.

What seems to be happening is that the bag that didn’t explode isn’t inflating at all, while the new bag is inflating continually. Neither of the sensor arms are broken.

Does that narrow it down at all?

Difficult getting it plugged in for diagnostics at the moment.

Cheers,

Robb

Vagabondrobb said:

Difficult getting it plugged in for diagnostics at the moment.

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Unfortunately i dont see any way around it without that

sierrafery said:

Unfortunately i dont see any way around it without that

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ok thanks, will see what I can do!

Just to update - I emptied the bags by slowly undoing the connections from the compressor, retightened and then disconnected the electrical plugs. I then manually operated the compressor with some wires and a battery (and a diagram pulled from this site), and then just left it all unplugged at what seemed like ride height.

I’ve had to top up a few times over the past weeks, but they stay inflated for a good while.

Got a pair of new sensors. Now just need to find a nanocom.

Vagabondrobb said:

Got a pair of new sensors. Now just need to find a nanocom.

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Have you checked the rear valve block for dirt or damage?

Nodge68 said:

Have you checked the rear valve block for dirt or damage?

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Yeah it’s all clean/ok. I replaced the valve block about 12 months ago so they shouldn’t be a problem.

Decided I’m going to take the plunge and buy a nanocom…. It’s been a long time coming!

Vagabondrobb said:

Decided I’m going to take the plunge and buy a nanocom…

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Many people like the GAP IID BT tool, which can do pretty much anything straight to your phone or tablet, so it can be kept in the car.

Nodge68 said:

Many people like the GAP IID BT tool, which can do pretty much anything straight to your phone or tablet, so it can be kept in the car.

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Interesting, but seems it isn’t compatible with the Td5 - only disco 3 and onwards. Unless I’m missing something…

Vagabondrobb said:

Interesting, but seems it isn’t compatible with the Td5

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Sorry, my mistake. I thought you had a D3.
Nanocom it is then.

Or a Foxwell!

Stanleysteamer said:

Or a Foxwell!

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Do foxwell do Slabs?

Depends which flavour of Foxwell , but I would think so.
Others may be able to tell you as I have not had to use mine for this but their website or helpline should tell you.
I have had good service from them and of course it deals with all Jags and LR products, without having to pay unlock fees. although I am aware that some producers realise this competition!