What Arnott suspension does

Arnott is a manufacturer of air suspension components and complete air suspension systems for vehicles. They make air springs, compressors, dryers, and electronic control modules that replace or repair factory air suspension setups. Arnott does not make traditional coil or leaf spring suspensions — they work only in the air suspension space, where compressed air supports the vehicle's weight instead of metal springs.

If your vehicle has factory air suspension that has failed, Arnott produces both individual replacement parts and complete remanufactured assemblies. A remanufactured Arnott suspension system typically includes new air springs, a rebuilt compressor, a new dryer, and updated electronic controls. The company also sells struts and shock absorbers designed to work with air suspension systems.

Arnott parts are sold through independent repair shops, suspension specialists, and online retailers — not directly to consumers. Installation requires a technician familiar with air suspension work, as the system involves pressurized air lines, electrical connectors, and calibration of the control module.

Key Takeaways

  • Arnott manufactures air suspension components and complete remanufactured systems for vehicles with factory air suspension, not traditional spring suspensions.
  • A full Arnott air suspension replacement typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000 installed, depending on the vehicle and whether you replace individual parts or the whole system.
  • Arnott parts come with warranties ranging from one year to lifetime coverage depending on the component and retailer, though coverage terms vary widely.
  • Installation must be done by a technician experienced with air suspension systems, as the work involves pressurized lines, electrical integration, and module programming.
  • Arnott systems are designed as direct replacements for factory air suspension and will not work on vehicles that came with traditional coil or leaf springs.

When air suspension fails and why Arnott parts are used

Air suspension systems fail for specific reasons: air springs develop leaks and lose pressure, compressors wear out and stop building pressure, dryers become saturated and allow moisture into the lines, and electronic control modules malfunction. When any of these components fail, the vehicle either sits low to the ground, rides rough, or will not level itself at all.

Factory air suspension is expensive to repair through the vehicle manufacturer because OEM parts are priced high and labor is intensive. Arnott offers a lower-cost alternative by remanufacturing components to original specifications. A remanufactured Arnott compressor, for example, is rebuilt to factory tolerances but costs significantly less than a new OEM unit.

Arnott does not make parts for every vehicle — their catalog covers popular models from luxury and full-size truck brands that commonly use air suspension, such as certain Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, and Cadillac models. Before ordering, you need to confirm your specific year, make, and model is supported.

Arnott system components and what each one does

Air springs are rubber and metal bellows that hold compressed air. They replace the coil springs in a traditional suspension. When an air spring leaks, the vehicle sags on that corner and the suspension cannot maintain ride height. Arnott air springs are remanufactured to OEM specifications and sealed to prevent leaks.

The compressor pressurizes air and stores it in a tank. It runs intermittently to maintain system pressure as the vehicle settles. A failed compressor cannot build pressure, so the air springs deflate and the vehicle drops. Arnott remanufactured compressors include new internal seals, pistons, and valves.

The dryer removes moisture from compressed air before it enters the lines and springs. Moisture causes corrosion inside the system and can freeze in cold weather, blocking air flow. A saturated dryer allows water into the system and must be replaced. Arnott dryers are new units, not remanufactured.

The electronic control module reads sensors on each corner of the vehicle and commands the compressor and air valves to adjust pressure and maintain ride height. A faulty module may not respond to sensor input, causing the vehicle to ride low or high. Arnott modules are remanufactured and often include updated software to address known issues in older factory modules.

Cost of Arnott suspension replacement

The cost of an Arnott suspension system varies by vehicle and which components you replace. A single remanufactured air spring typically costs $300 to $600. A remanufactured compressor runs $400 to $800. A dryer is usually $150 to $300. A remanufactured control module ranges from $200 to $500.

A complete system replacement — all four air springs, compressor, dryer, and control module — usually totals $1,500 to $3,000 in parts alone. Labor to remove the old system, install the new components, bleed air lines, and calibrate the module typically adds $500 to $1,500 depending on the shop and vehicle complexity.

Some shops offer partial replacements: replacing only the failed compressor and dryer, for example, costs less upfront but may leave aging air springs in place that could fail later. A full system replacement costs more initially but reduces the risk of a second failure within a few years.

Prices vary by retailer and region. Online suspension specialists often undercut local shops on parts cost, but you then pay a local technician to install them. Some independent shops buy Arnott parts at wholesale and bundle parts and labor into a single quote.

Warranties on Arnott parts

Arnott parts come with warranties, but the terms depend on the specific component and the retailer selling it. Most Arnott air springs carry a one-year warranty against defects. Remanufactured compressors often have a two-year warranty. Some retailers offer lifetime warranties on certain components, though "lifetime" typically means the life of the original vehicle owner, not indefinite coverage.

Warranty coverage usually includes defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover damage from improper installation, collision, or normal wear. If an air spring fails within the warranty period, the retailer or manufacturer will replace it, but you typically pay labor to remove and install the replacement.

Warranty terms are set by the retailer, not Arnott directly. A suspension shop selling Arnott parts may offer a longer warranty than an online retailer, or vice versa. Always confirm warranty details in writing before purchase, including what is covered, how long coverage lasts, and whether labor is included.

Installation and what to expect

Arnott suspension installation requires lifting the vehicle, removing wheels, disconnecting air lines and electrical connectors, unbolting the old components, and installing new ones in reverse order. The technician must then bleed air from the lines to remove trapped moisture, pressurize the system, and use a diagnostic scanner to calibrate the control module to the vehicle's specifications.

The work typically takes 4 to 8 hours depending on the vehicle and whether the entire system is being replaced or just individual components. Some vehicles require removal of suspension arms or other structural parts to access the air springs, which adds time.

Not all repair shops are equipped to work on air suspension. Look for a shop that specializes in suspension work or has experience with your vehicle brand. Ask whether they have the diagnostic scanner needed to program the control module — without it, the system may not function correctly even if all parts are installed properly.

Arnott versus OEM and other aftermarket options

Factory OEM air suspension parts are new but expensive — a complete system from the vehicle manufacturer can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more in parts alone. Arnott remanufactured parts cost less because they are rebuilt rather than new, but they meet original specifications and carry warranties.

Other aftermarket brands also make air suspension components. Some are cheaper than Arnott but have shorter warranties or less consistent quality control. Arnott has been in the remanufacturing business for decades and is widely recognized in the suspension industry, which makes their parts easier to find and their warranty claims easier to process.

A third option is to convert the vehicle to a traditional coil spring suspension, which eliminates the air system entirely. This is a more invasive and expensive modification that requires new suspension arms, springs, shocks, and control geometry adjustments. Most owners choose to repair the air suspension rather than convert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Arnott suspension parts myself?

Air suspension work requires specialized tools, a diagnostic scanner to program the control module, and knowledge of pressurized air systems. Most DIY mechanics should not attempt this work. Improper installation can damage components, create air leaks, or leave the vehicle undrivable. Have a may have access to technician do the installation.

How long do Arnott suspension systems last?

Remanufactured Arnott components typically last 5 to 10 years depending on driving conditions and maintenance. Air springs may fail sooner in hot climates or if the vehicle is frequently overloaded. Regular inspection of air lines and connections can catch leaks early and extend system life.

Will Arnott parts work on my vehicle?

Arnott makes parts for specific vehicle models and years. Check the Arnott website or contact a suspension retailer with your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. If Arnott does not make parts for your vehicle, you will need to explore OEM replacement or conversion options instead.

What happens if an Arnott part fails after the warranty expires?

Once warranty coverage ends, you pay out of pocket for replacement parts and labor. This is why some owners choose a full system replacement upfront — it spreads the cost over all components at once rather than replacing individual parts as they fail over time.

Do I need to replace all air suspension components at once?

No, you can replace individual failed parts. However, if the compressor has failed, the dryer should also be replaced because moisture may have entered the system. If multiple components are aging, replacing the full system at once is often more cost-effective than staged repairs over several years.