X5 rear air suspension query

[gareth82]

Hi my x5 has been parked up for 24 hours and I have just noticed how low it's sitting at the rear. I started it up and both sides of the rear lifted to what I think is normal ride height. Is it normal to lose compression and the rear of the x5 sink over 24 hrs as I haven't noticed this before?

Many thanks

[X5Sport]

Not normal. My '05 can sit for days with no change in ride height. Sounds like you have a leak.

[Black X5]

Yep sounds like a leak. The air shocks can seep, as can the pipeline joints. Get it fixed sooner rather than later or else the pump may fail (it would be working harder and longer to replace lost air).

[gareth82]

Thanks for the replys would I be right in assuming it's unlikely the rear shocks as it sinks and rises evenly on both sides.

[Black X5]

IIRC the car keeps the axle level- terefore if one side is completely down, it will release air from the other side to compensate. I'd start with the red and blue airlines under the boot floor- follow each if these and check at unions (may help to spray weak soap solution onto joints and check for air bubbles) if all this is OK, i'd check the shocks. Shocks that are seeping can go to instant failure (i.e burst) quite quickly. I'm speaking from experience as I had one fail on me :0(

If it does turn out to be the shock- buy new- dont bother with used as the rubber ages and it is impossible to predict lifespan.

[gareth82]

Thanks for the great advice. Is it two separate airlines from the pump running straight into each shock, so if that's right it has to be either the shock, connection at the shock or joint at the compressor?

[Black X5]

Yes one line for each side. (one red, the other blue- cant remember whic is which, but shoudl be easy to work out once spare wheel removed)

[gareth82]

Are the air lines sealed inside the pump? What all needs removed to access the top of the shocks and is it easy to gain access?

Sorry for so many questions your help is greatly appreciated. Guess this is a job for the morning lol.

[Black X5]

The pump unit is inside a domed casing (secured by 4 off 10mm bolts). You also have to remove the Traingular shaped bracing section to be able to inspect the
Pump unit. The hoses are connected at the pump end using threaded unions. On the other end, they go into the accumaltaor (small black metal tank). These are then conencted using a black plastic rigid pipe to the air shock. Check realoem for the diagrams- useful before taking it all apart!