Disclaimer: Please note all information provided is intended for basic knowledge of the vehicle & parts. Suncore Industries is not liable for any damage incurred during any attempt to follow the information shown in the video above.

Troubleshooting: What Part of The C5 Suspension is Failing?

The Audi Allroad Quattro is a dynamic car with the space and cargo of a station wagon but the off roading capabilities that have been compared to the Jeep. While the 2001-2005 Audi C5 is still sought after for its diverse performance features, a common issue with the Allroad C5 is the body dropping and refusing to maintain ride height adjustment features or lift into Jack Mode. When you see signs of failing suspension, the first thing you must do is find the source of the problem.

The Allroad C5 uses an Adaptive Air Suspension system with height sensors in all four corners. You will have electrical components to inspect as well as air supply systems to consider when working on the C5’s suspension. To make these complex systems a little easier, these are some of the basic guidelines to the common issues found in this type of air suspension system.

1. Listen to the air compressor. If it whines, grinds, or clicks the chances are the motor or fan has gone bad and will need to be replaced. Once replaced you can troubleshoot the air springs and struts to make sure they are holding air pressure.
   
   
2. If the compressor doesn’t run at all you will have to check for a blown fuse and bad electrical connections. Replace wires that look distressed and make sure connectors have solid contact. This would also be a good time to check level sensors to make sure they haven’t been bent which will provide the suspension with false readings. If the electrical components all come back as okay and the compressor still isn’t running, it’s time to replace it.
   
   
3. If the air compressor is running fine, your next area of troubleshooting is the air lines and bellows. You can use soapy water in a spray bottle to follow the air lines from the compressor to the wheel well, including the front air struts and rear air spring bellows. Bubbles will form wherever there is a leak and you will know which part needs to be replaced.

TIP: If one air strut is leaking and not the other, you will want to replace them in pairs. They wear down together and when one leaks the other is right behind it. This will also help you keep track of when you repaired portions of your suspension and will help take the pressure off your air compressor.

If you are finding several air leaks, replacing air lines and springs or struts in all corners of the vehicle will maintain a steady level of air pressure throughout the entire suspension system.

Replacing Front Air Struts