Air Spring Refold

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not remove an air spring under any circumstances when there is pressure in the air spring. Do not remove any components supporting an air spring without either exhausting the air or providing support for the air spring to prevent vehicle damage. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they effect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

CAUTION: Failure to observe the following instructions can result in a sudden failure of the air spring or suspension system.

Any rear spring which is unfolded must be refolded prior to being installed in a vehicle.
The air spring refolding procedure should only be used for an air spring which has never supported the vehicle's weight while in the incorrectly folded position.
Improperly folded air springs found on vehicles during pre-delivery inspection or after use must be replaced.
Do not attempt to inflate any air spring which has been collapsed while uninflated from the rebound hanging position to the jounce stop.
When installing a new air spring, care must be taken not to apply a load to the suspension until the springs have been inflated using the air spring fill procedure.
After inflating an air spring in the hanging position, it must be inspected for correct shape.

CAUTION: Prior to installing an air spring, make sure the air spring is in the correct shape with no folds or creases. If the air spring is not in the correct shape, carry out air spring refold before installing the air spring.

CAUTION: Do not clamp any portion of air spring piston.

Fig 1: Placing Air Spring On Flat Surface

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place the air spring on a flat surface.
Remove the air spring solenoid to expand the collapsed air bag.

Fig 2: Removing Air Spring Solenoid To Expand Collapsed Air Bag
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Push the membrane down over the piston to the correct height.

Fig 3: Pushing Membrane Down Over Piston
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the air spring solenoid to help maintain the correct height.

Fig 4: Installing Air Spring Solenoid
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.