Hi all,

I've noticed that the driver side rear suspension drops overnight, it goes right down to what I assume is the bump stop, the tyre tucks under the arch. It does this in both access mode and normal height, last night I left it in normal mode and came to it this morning and it was bent right over on that corner. Unlocked it and key to position 1, checked the 4x4 info and saw the below (wheels were straight so not sure why it said I was turned)



Put key to position 2 and the screen changed to the below



Started the car and the rear went to normal height, and the screen showed correct heights.

Can anyone shed some light on the screenshots above, I'm assuming the air suspension is leaking in that corner.

It looks like the air bag on the offside rear has an air leak. Either that or a sticky valve in the rear air block.

Make up a bucket of soapy water (plenty of fairy, but try to keep bubbles to a minimum), put the car in off-road height and throw the soapy water over the rear strut and watch for bubbles.

Thought as much, are the bags not covered by a metal sleeve?

Most likely valve block or damaged pipe. The air bags are pretty reliable and don't seem to be prone to failures.

First step is to disable the air suspension overnight by pulling the relevant fuse. If it still drops then it's a leak. If it stays up then it's probably the sensor. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

German-wheels wrote:

Thought as much, are the bags not covered by a metal sleeve?

Thanks, I'll try the fuse! I did notice that the other rear has a new looking green hose coming from the top but this side has an old looking black one, maybe one side has been replaced already due to this.

Any idea which fuse number it is?

Thanks again!

No database information is available in ignition pos I so the first screen can be ignored.

The 2nd screen does show that wheel up. (one day I might understand that screen!)


Its normal for a pipe to be an odd colour from the factory (orange or green). Helps with identification.

I don't see the point in removing a fuse in this case, It's very clear which corner has the problem,

Last edited by Andy K on Fri Mar 10 2017 4:23pm. Edited 1 time in total

I think it's fuse 26 in the fuse box next to the battery (not the one behind the glovebox). It's a 20A fuse I think. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Andy K wrote:

The 2nd screen does show that wheel up. (one day I might understand that screen!)

So... never noticed any ride height difference when using the car, only in the morning.

Just looked at it and the driver side does appear to sit a bit lower than the passenger. Measured all 4 corners in normal height (from arch to bottom of alloy not including tyre) and results below.

Osf- 74cm
Nsf- 76.5cm
Osr- 75cm
Nsr- 72.5cm

I assume the NSF is adjusting due to the rear being incorrect. But this does suggest that its not just dropping but also not sitting level at any point

For info to measure you put into off road and then drop to normal.

Best to have the handbrake off if you can and be on level ground

Measure from lip to wheel Center.

Ah okay, I'll do that and re-measure

Andy K wrote:

No database information is available in ignition pos I so the first screen can be ignored.

The 2nd screen does show that wheel up. (one day I might understand that screen!)


Its normal for a pipe to be an odd colour from the factory (orange or green). Helps with identification.

I don't see the point in removing a fuse in this case, It's very clear which corner has the problem,

I have pulled the fuse so will find out soon, Is it normal that it was pulled while in normal height, when the fuse is reinserted the car lowers to access mode without touching the switch.

You'll need to leave the fuse out over night. I wouldn't read too much into it lowering.

I forgot to mention, rather than pulling the fuse you could have disconnected the battery (bit quicker and easier).