Air Suspension "fix"?

[SCVDon]

My 2016 has developed a nasty habit of dropping the front end down to the stops. Been back 3 times to the dealer. Twice with the car still in the extreme low-rider mode (towed both times) and once after it "fixed" itself. I've contacted Hyundai, opened a case #, in regards to the problem and that the dealer is clueless. Dealer has the car now (been a week so far this time) and can't get new front struts until sometime in Jan. 2019 due backordered. I doubt that the struts are the problem and am thinking it's more of an electronics issue since the car works for days/weeks on end and then does it's thing at random. Once down the car does give dashboard warnings and codes are stored in the computer. Also, the high/normal switch function doesn't always raise the car even when the car is maintaining normal road height and otherwise working.

 

[g_490186]

Has anyone had to replace the rear air suspension parts? My equus is sinking down on the rear drivers side. Have done some googling but not for sure which parts I should be looking for. Do they still call them struts on the rear? Where is a good place to get them besides the dealership. Everything for the equus seems hard to find.

Hi The bag is easy to fix you just unhook it and it deflates .
And the new one is easy install . The problem is it won’t inflate itself you have to bring it to a dealer and have put on the computer to get it active again

 

[G-520484]

Had a nasty problem with air suspension. Had front up on jack stands to r&r brake pads (subject of another post). When I lowered the car the front suspension bottomed and the rear raised to max height. The car was extremely "raked" and undriveable. Tried a hard ecu "reset" to no avail. Dealer had no personal history of seeing this problem.
Towed to dealer. No change in suspension while under tow. BUT, when tow truck driver was fixing to lower the car he turn ignition on to aux and moved steering wheel - like magic the suspension was restored to stock position. Dealer checked everything out on dealer's computer - no problems noted. Drove car home.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw "Hella" trademarks on some of the air suspension components. I think Hella is probably the supplier/copyright holder of air suspensions supplied to Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, etc. Saw this reset procedure on a Range Rover site - aux ignition position turn steering wheel. No mention of this "fix" in Hyundai Equus shop CD.
Whatever, this is something anyone can try at home.

This really worked!

 

[G-795188]

Had a nasty problem with air suspension. Had front up on jack stands to r&r brake pads (subject of another post). When I lowered the car the front suspension bottomed and the rear raised to max height. The car was extremely "raked" and undriveable. Tried a hard ecu "reset" to no avail. Dealer had no personal history of seeing this problem.
Towed to dealer. No change in suspension while under tow. BUT, when tow truck driver was fixing to lower the car he turn ignition on to aux and moved steering wheel - like magic the suspension was restored to stock position. Dealer checked everything out on dealer's computer - no problems noted. Drove car home.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw "Hella" trademarks on some of the air suspension components. I think Hella is probably the supplier/copyright holder of air suspensions supplied to Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, etc. Saw this reset procedure on a Range Rover site - aux ignition position turn steering wheel. No mention of this "fix" in Hyundai Equus shop CD.
Whatever, this is something anyone can try at home.

Had same problem. Your tip worked like a charm. But it did take several seconds before the front suspension started to fill back up so don't get fooled if there is a bit of a delay, less than 30 seconds you should hear it kick in.

 

[chiefchief]

I have a 2014 Equus and had an air shock issue. I tried the fix above to no avail, so I had to take it in to see my indy mechanic. Here were the options I was presented with:

1. $850 for a rebuilt air shock,
2. $2100 for a new air shock,
3. $2300 to have my car converted to a strut/spring system.

I'm going with option 3. I believe this is the conversion kit my mechanic is going to use:

2011-2016 Hyundai Equus Conversion Kit (EQ14F) – 2011 Hyundai Equus Air Suspension Conversion Kits | Struts | Suspension Parts – Strutmasters

Find the Strutmasters 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus Conversion Kit (EQ14F) (EQ14F.1) with free shipping on qualifying items at Strutmasters, the home of the original suspension conversion kit. Upgrade your vehicle and save time and money buying and even installing a suspension replacement yourself...

www.strutmasters.com

We'll see how it goes. I'll post another reply after I get my car back to let everyone know how it went.

.cc

 

[chiefchief]

I got my car back today. The ride is somehow better on this Strutmasters setup than it was on the factory air suspension. I wasn't expecting that. It glides as the air suspension did, but it doesn't get "mushy" in the corners if that makes sense. First impression: great decision, definitely an upgrade.

There is one lingering issue. The "Check ECS" CEL is still there. It's not the end of the world as it comes and goes. Also, Strutmasters said they would follow up with Hyundai to see if there is a solution. Fingers crossed, I can go back to my mechanic, or the dealership, to have that sensor disabled.

If you have a suggestion, please share it! I'll add another post as I learn more.

 

[princelybug]

Glad this worked out for you, chiefchief!

 

[FloridaGuy]

The ECS (Electronic Controlled Suspension, not Engine Control System) is telling you the ECU is not receiving the expected signals from the old air suspension system. If you get the trouble code from a OBD2 Scanner, it would be easier to determine the cause. As it comes and goes, it doesn't sound major. First guess would be the height sensors, as you no longer can control the height and the sensors may need to be moved to match your new suspension. If you still have the air suspension compressor, it could be looking for active pressure changes in the air holding tank.

Your car probably thinks it needs a Hyundai GDS ( Global Diagnostic System) check and calibration. You are on the right track about disabling the sensors, you don't want or need the system check anymore. I'm surprised Strutmasters did not include all the info needed to disable the ECS sensors.

Do let us know what resolves the issue for you.

 

[ancdmd]

For my old Lexus LS430 with air suspension, a spring/strut conversion required the removal of a certain fuse to eliminate the CEL. Likely the Equus CEL can be permanently disabled with a fuse removal as well, but I have no idea which fuse.

 

[landarcht]

My front air suspension gave out on my 2013 this morning and the dealer wants about $4500 to replace the front pair. Also found Strutmaster, spoke to them, sounded great, experienced and confident. You also seems very happy with your kit. Did some research and came across some very bad customer service and mentions about a poor quality product, completely opposite from what they claimed. I'm torn now because you sound like this is the way to go. By the way, they told me they will soon have a module to keep the sensor light off.

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[chiefchief]

For my old Lexus LS430 with air suspension, a spring/strut conversion required the removal of a certain fuse to eliminate the CEL. Likely the Equus CEL can be permanently disabled with a fuse removal as well, but I have no idea which fuse.

Thanks for the idea, but unfortunately it didn't work for me.

 

[chiefchief]

My front air suspension gave out on my 2013 this morning and the dealer wants about $4500 to replace the front pair. Also found Strutmaster, spoke to them, sounded great, experienced and confident. You also seems very happy with your kit. Did some research and came across some very bad customer service and mentions about a poor quality product, completely opposite from what they claimed. I'm torn now because you sound like this is the way to go. By the way, they told me they will soon have a module to keep the sensor light off.

I've had my Strutmasters suspension for over a month now and I'm still loving it. I can't begin to understand why this would happen, but my fuel economy has increased a little over 2% since switching to the Strutmasters system. Maybe from losing the weight of the air system? Scratching my head on that part... but hey, I'll happily take +2% MPG.

In addition to my own good experience, my mechanic has done hundreds of conversions from air suspension to Strutmasters. If you want to call up there and talk to them: Superior Imports in Burlington, KY. The number is 859.586.7444, ask for Kenny. If you're anywhere nearby, have them do it. Kenny's recommendation is why I went Strutmasters. If you pull the trigger, I hope you have the same great experience that I've had. If you get a Strutmasters kit and have a top-shelf guy like Kenny put it on for you, I can't see any reason why you wouldn't.

Before my Equus, I drove BMW's. Went through a Z4, X5, Z4M, and a 750Li with Superior Imports and Kenny. As you can imagine, I know him quite well. He has done TONS of work for me over the years and 100% of the time it's done right the first time. I can't recommend him enough.

Whatever you ultimately decide to do, best of luck!

 

[CubSmurf]

Hi Chief,

Considering the Strutmasters kit and wanted to see your thoughts another month into ownership.

Not sure what's going on up there but they've been hit by a bunch of bad reviews lately, but the Equus people I've been able to reach have been satisfied.

Still loving the kit? Any issues creeping in?

Thanks!

 

[chiefchief]

Hi Chief,

Considering the Strutmasters kit and wanted to see your thoughts another month into ownership.

Not sure what's going on up there but they've been hit by a bunch of bad reviews lately, but the Equus people I've been able to reach have been satisfied.

Still loving the kit? Any issues creeping in?

Thanks!

I'm still loving it. I still have the CEL for Check ECS, but I've gotten used to it at this point. That's the only part of the experience that hasn't been perfect. I even called a few Genesis service departments to do my own research and it doesn't seem to be possible to disable the Check ECS CEL.

At any rate, the ride is great and I'm still loving it. I like a spirited drive. Every time I go out on the back roads I'm reminded how superior the conventional system is to air. It's my understanding that the new G90's ditched the air suspension.

If you have technical questions, and don't want to ask StrutMasters, call my man Kenny. He'll be happy to help you out.

 

[SCVDon]

Followup on my 2016 that was dropping its nose for a totoal of about 5 times. The parts changers at my dealer changed the air pump assembly and problem continued. Next they replaced the strut assemblies, but only after many weeks on backorder, and that seems to have fixed the problem for many months. The car is now out of warranty and if the lowrider setting comes back while we still own the car I'm going to not go the OEM strut repair route and would look into the replace with Strutmaster or other solution.

OBTW, the ride in my wife's 2016 Genesis sedan is very much superior vs. the marshmellow air struts "normal" ride of the Equus that I would be tempted to just ride around with the "sports" setting on full time if it wasn't for the shift changes that goes with "sport". It would be nice if you could split out the transmission settings from the strut settings and have just the struts in "sports" mode.

 

[kiwon]

I tried it on my 2011 Equus turn the wheel in auxiliary position left right didn't work disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes still at work if anybody can help me I appreciate it

Does this have to be done with the wheels off the ground?

 

[Dannysmiles13]

Anyone that needs air struts I can get them from a local vendor to me for $450 each rebuilt + core charge if you cant send me your core. I'll go buy them and ship them for anyone that needs. Already replaced 2 of them and no problems after 3 months so far with the rebuilt ones

 

[Clem]

2011 equus. Owned for 6 years. 166 450 miles today.
Hello, after reading all the posts, it makes sense that moving the wheel resets the shocks.
- So I had the back of it always sagging after a night or more (sometimes took longer) but was pretty regular, for about a year. Always drive a bit, at a slow speed and it would rise up. So i never thought about it much.
- 6 days ago, after dropping the car at the dealer for gps update (which didn't work anyway due to card reader unable to "read") they called me and told me that the rear airbags on both were leaking air and needed to be change $1299 each. The woman, even try the fear technique by telling me that if it wasn't done, putting so much extra work on the air pump would cause it to fail and cost $2500 to replace (can buy a pump, non-oem for like $300). Naturally, i declined (multiple time since she was insisting)
- Did 10 min research and found out it was easy to replace by oneself. Ordered the 2 airbarg shocks for a total of 283 before tax.
Took me 2 hours to replace both, and i am no specialist, I don't even have a garage. Just had to ask the wife help to use a lever to put the second one in, but beside that, it was fine. Will see how it go over time and update this forum.

I also did recently replaced the front rearward control arm due to torn bushing at the body side. This made the airbag shocks job looks very easy

But at the end of the day, dealership making someone pay $1299 for something that cost me $152 after tax is insane. I understand they have overhead and the OEM part will be more expensive (despite probably costing the same or close to the same to make)

 

[change741]

OK, is the "aux" position the same as pushing the start button without pressure on the brake pedal?

 

[MarioBBD]

I got my car back today. The ride is somehow better on this Strutmasters setup than it was on the factory air suspension. I wasn't expecting that. It glides as the air suspension did, but it doesn't get "mushy" in the corners if that makes sense. First impression: great decision, definitely an upgrade.

There is one lingering issue. The "Check ECS" CEL is still there. It's not the end of the world as it comes and goes. Also, Strutmasters said they would follow up with Hyundai to see if there is a solution. Fingers crossed, I can go back to my mechanic, or the dealership, to have that sensor disabled.

If you have a suggestion, please share it! I'll add another post as I learn more.

Hello, after 1 year, are you still satisfy with this repair ?