If you own a Bentley, you know that it’s a luxurious and high-end vehicle. You also know that it requires special care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. One of the parts of your Bentley that needs occasional repair or replacement is the air strut.
Air struts are a type of air suspension that is used on some vehicles, including your Bentley. Air struts work by using air pressure to support the vehicle’s weight. The air struts are located at each corner of the vehicle and are connected to the air suspension system.
The air suspension system has an air compressor that pumps air into the air struts. The air pressure in the air struts supports the weight of the vehicle and helps to smooth out bumps in the road.
Additionally, air struts can be adjustable, so that the ride height of the vehicle can be adjusted. This can be useful for increasing ground clearance or for lowering the vehicle for better aerodynamics. Overall, air struts provide a number of benefits for vehicles, including a smoother ride and adjustable ride height. When it begins to malfunction, you will notice some problems and oddities that will trigger warning bells in your mind that require inspection by a certified Bentley mechanic. Let’s take a closer look.
If it’s not working properly, you’ll start to notice some warning signs. Here are five of them:
Uneven Tire Wear
The most common reason for air strut failure is leaks in the air bladder or air lines. If air struts are not properly maintained, they can also become frozen, cracked, or damaged. As a result, it is important to have air struts inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good working condition. If air struts do fail, it is typically necessary to replace them in order to restore proper ride quality and prevent further damage to the tires.
Pulling to One Side While Driving
When an air strut fails, it can cause the car to pull to one side. This happens because the air strut is responsible for holding up the weight of the car. Without it, the car will unevenly distribute its weight, causing it to pull to one side.
In addition, air struts help to absorb shocks from the road. Without them, the ride will be much rougher and the car will be more prone to damage. If you suspect that your air struts have failed, it’s important to get them replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be putting your safety at risk.
Nosediving When Braking
If the air struts are not properly inflated, the car can nosedive when braking. This can be dangerous for both the driver and passengers. Air struts help to stabilize the car and provide a cushioned ride. Without them, the car can be more difficult to control.
Suspension Noise
You may hear a clunking noise when going over bumps, or an air leak noise when parked. There are two air struts per each side of your vehicle (four total), and they are located at each wheel. The air struts help with the ride quality of your vehicle by providing a comfortable ride by absorbing bumps in the road.
Over time, air struts can wear out and no longer function properly. When this happens, it can cause suspension noise that can be quite bothersome. In some cases, air strut replacement may be necessary to fix the problem. However, depending on the severity of the air strut failure, other suspension repairs may be needed as well.
Visit Our Certified Mechanics at Iconic Performance
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to bring your Bentley to our qualified air strut repair specialists. They will quickly diagnose the problem and restore your air struts to top condition. Don’t wait too long, as air strut problems can lead to more serious issues down the road.
Iconic Automotive takes pride in being Suwanee’s preferred dealership option for European vehicle service and repairs. Come in and experience our quality workmanship and dedication to our craft. To learn more or to arrange for an inspection with our mechanics, please call or visit our shop today.
* Bentley Continental Car image credit goes to: felixmizioznikov.