What Arnott air suspension is and why it matters
Arnott is a manufacturer of air suspension parts and complete air suspension systems for vehicles that either came with air suspension from the factory or are being converted to air suspension. The company makes air springs (also called air struts), compressors, dryers, lines, and control modules. If your vehicle has a suspension that uses pressurized air instead of traditional coil springs or leaf springs, there is a good chance some of those parts came from Arnott or are Arnott replacements.
Air suspension systems raise and lower your vehicle by pumping air into flexible rubber and metal chambers. This is different from a spring-based suspension, which uses metal coils or leaves to absorb bumps. Air suspension can adjust ride height automatically, which is why luxury vehicles and some trucks use it. When air suspension parts fail — which happens because rubber degrades, seals leak, and compressors wear out — you need replacement parts that fit your specific vehicle and work with your existing system.
Arnott matters because replacement air suspension parts are not one-size-fits-all. Your vehicle's suspension system is tuned to its weight, frame, and the way the air compressor and control module communicate. Using the wrong part or a poor-quality replacement can cause your suspension to fail again quickly, leave you stranded, or damage other suspension components.
Key Takeaways
- Arnott manufactures air suspension components including air springs, compressors, and control modules for specific vehicle makes and models.
- Air suspension systems use pressurized air instead of metal springs to support your vehicle's weight and adjust ride height.
- Replacement air suspension parts must match your vehicle's year, make, model, and original suspension design to work correctly.
- Common reasons for air suspension failure include worn rubber seals, compressor burnout, and moisture buildup inside air lines.
- Arnott parts are sold through suspension shops, dealerships, and online retailers, and installation usually requires a technician familiar with air suspension systems.
How air suspension systems actually work
An air suspension system has four main parts: air springs, a compressor, a dryer, and a control module. The air springs are flexible chambers that hold pressurized air. When the compressor pumps air into them, they expand and lift your vehicle. When air is released, they deflate and the vehicle lowers. This happens continuously as you drive, adjusting to road conditions and load.
The compressor is an electric pump that draws air from outside, pressurizes it, and sends it to the air springs through rubber and metal lines. The dryer sits between the compressor and the springs and removes moisture from the pressurized air. Moisture inside air lines causes rust, corrosion, and seal failure — the dryer prevents this by absorbing water vapor before it reaches the springs. The control module is a computer that decides when to turn the compressor on and off, how much air to send to each spring, and how high or low to keep the vehicle.
When you start your vehicle, the control module checks the air pressure in each spring. If pressure is low, it signals the compressor to run. Once pressure reaches the target level, the compressor shuts off. As you drive and the springs lose pressure over time (which is normal), the compressor runs again. If the compressor runs constantly or the vehicle sits lower than normal, one or more springs have likely developed a leak.
Common reasons air suspension parts fail
Air springs fail because the rubber and seals inside them degrade over time. Rubber becomes brittle and cracks after years of expanding and contracting. Seals dry out and stop holding pressure. This is not a defect — it is normal wear. Most air springs last between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, though this varies by vehicle, driving conditions, and how often the suspension is used.
Compressors fail when the electric motor burns out or internal seals wear. A compressor that runs constantly but does not build pressure, or one that makes grinding or squealing sounds, is near the end of its life. Dryers fail when they become saturated with moisture and stop absorbing water. A saturated dryer allows moisture into the air lines, which then causes rust and seal failure in the springs themselves.
Control modules fail less often than springs or compressors, but they can develop electrical faults that cause the suspension to malfunction. A module might fail to signal the compressor to run, or it might send incorrect pressure readings to the springs. Some modules fail because water or salt spray corroded the electrical connections.
What Arnott parts are and where they fit in the market
Arnott manufactures both OEM replacement parts (parts that match the original equipment your vehicle came with) and aftermarket air suspension systems (complete systems for vehicles that did not come with air suspension). For vehicles that originally had air suspension, Arnott makes replacement air springs, compressors, dryers, and control modules designed to fit your specific year, make, and model.
Arnott also makes air suspension kits for vehicles that came with coil springs or leaf springs. These kits include everything needed to convert a traditional suspension to an air suspension system: air springs, compressor, dryer, lines, fittings, and control module. These kits are popular for trucks and performance vehicles because air suspension allows drivers to lower the vehicle for highway driving and raise it for off-road terrain.
Arnott parts are sold through suspension specialty shops, some dealerships, and online retailers. Prices vary depending on whether you are buying a single component or a complete system, and whether the part is for a common vehicle or a less common one. Installation requires a technician with air suspension experience, because the system must be properly bled (air removed from lines), pressurized, and calibrated to your vehicle's weight and suspension geometry.
How to know if your air suspension needs replacement parts
The most common sign of air suspension failure is a vehicle that sits lower on one or more corners. If the front left corner is sagging but the others are level, the front left air spring has likely lost pressure. A vehicle that sags on both sides of the front or rear suggests both springs on that axle are failing, or the compressor is not building pressure.
Other signs include a compressor that runs constantly (you hear it cycling on and off more than once per minute), a suspension warning light on your dashboard, a rough or bouncy ride, or a hissing sound when you turn the steering wheel or accelerate. Some vehicles display an error code related to suspension pressure or sensor malfunction.
If you notice any of these signs, have the suspension inspected by a technician before driving the vehicle extensively. A failed air spring can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and stress on other suspension components. A failed compressor will eventually stop building pressure entirely, leaving your vehicle stuck at a low ride height.
Choosing between Arnott and other air suspension brands
Arnott is one of several manufacturers of aftermarket air suspension parts. Other brands include Firestone, Dunlop, and vehicle-specific manufacturers. The choice between brands often comes down to availability for your specific vehicle, price, warranty, and your technician's preference or experience.
Arnott parts are widely available for popular vehicles like Land Rovers, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and some trucks. For less common vehicles, you may find limited options. Some technicians prefer one brand over another based on past experience with reliability or ease of installation. Your suspension shop can tell you which brands they stock and recommend for your vehicle.
When comparing prices, remember that the cheapest part is not always the best value. A part that fails again in 50,000 miles costs more over time than a part that lasts 100,000 miles, even if the second part costs more upfront. Ask about warranty coverage — most air suspension parts carry a one- to three-year warranty against defects.
What to expect during air suspension repair or replacement
If you need air suspension work, the technician will first diagnose which component has failed. This involves connecting a diagnostic scanner to read error codes from the control module, and using a pressure gauge to measure air pressure in each spring. Once the failed part is identified, the technician will remove it, install the replacement, and test the system.
For a single air spring replacement, the work usually takes two to four hours. For a complete system replacement or conversion, expect one to two days. The vehicle must be lifted on a hoist, lines must be disconnected and reconnected, and the system must be bled and pressurized. After installation, the technician will test the suspension at different ride heights and verify that the control module is reading correct pressure.
You will receive documentation showing which parts were replaced, the mileage at replacement, and the warranty period. Keep this documentation for your records and for future service visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a failed air suspension spring?
You can drive short distances, but the vehicle will sit lower and handle poorly. Continued driving stresses other suspension components and causes uneven tire wear. Have the spring replaced before driving long distances or at highway speeds.
How much does an Arnott air suspension part cost?
Prices vary widely. A single air spring typically costs between $200 and $600. A compressor costs $300 to $800. A complete air suspension system conversion can cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the vehicle. Labor costs depend on your location and the complexity of the work.
Do I have to use Arnott parts, or can I use a different brand?
You can use other brands if they are designed for your vehicle. The important thing is that the part matches your vehicle's year, make, model, and original suspension design. Your technician can recommend alternatives if Arnott parts are not available or if another brand is more cost-effective.
What is the warranty on Arnott air suspension parts?
Arnott typically offers a one- to three-year warranty on parts, depending on the component and where you purchase it. Warranty coverage usually includes defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from accidents, improper installation, or normal wear. Ask the seller or installer for the specific warranty terms.
Will replacing my air suspension parts fix my suspension warning light?
If the warning light is caused by a failed spring, compressor, or dryer, replacing that part should turn the light off once the system is properly installed and tested. If the light remains on after replacement, the control module or a sensor may also need attention.