Arnott says independent repair shops can profit from air suspension work, rather than sending it to the dealership

Today, more and more vehicles come equipped from the factory with air suspension. Arnott says a common misconception among workshops is that air suspension repairs are difficult and unprofitable.
Arnott says as vehicle manufacturers strive to offer customers superior ride quality, increased safety, and load-leveling capability, air suspension repair will become even more common.
Arnott states that its formidable R+D team leads the industry in new product introductions and has assembled the most comprehensive coverage in the world when it comes to air suspension products.
Given that the first time an air strut needs replacing is typically after the vehicle’s warranty has ended, vehicles with air suspension may need repairs two or three times in their lifetime.
Servicing air suspension systems is more straight-forward than many shops realise. If a technician can service chassis, brakes or traditional suspension systems, they most likely have the knowledge and equipment needed to repair air suspension.
Arnott says its engineers have addressed a number of challenges related to air suspension installation through innovative product designs, some of which are reportedly easier to install than their OE counterparts.
Accurately diagnosing air suspension problems can be the first profit point for shops. Consumers often miss the early warning signs of problems in their air suspension including:
• Warning lights on the dash
• Sagging suspension
• Air suspension compressor constantly working/not working
• Vehicle bottoming out over bumps, riding roughly, or pulling to one side
• Vehicle’s front-end pitching forward when stopping or continuing to bounce after hitting a bump
• Uneven tyre tread wear
• Oily or damaged shock portion of the strut
If air suspension failure is detected, replacing the leaking air strut assembly with a remanufactured unit will restore factory active damping (if equipped) and auto leveling functionality.
Shops can also replace a leaking air strut with a new passive aftermarket assembly that provides auto leveling and excellent ride quality but without any core handling charges.
Determining repair options for customers depends on the customer’s budget, the age and mileage of the vehicle, and whether or not they regularly employ their active damping system.
The bottom line is that replacing air springs is not a job only for dealer service departments. Independent shops can partake in this profitable category with a minimum investment in tools and training.
As a global leader in aftermarket air suspension products, Arnott says it offers an extensive line of affordable, high quality, products for more than 40 vehicle makes, including products specifically for the Electric Vehicle market, as well as motorcycle applications.
Customers can choose between Arnott remanufactured struts, Arnott designed and assembled brand-new replacement air springs, struts, shocks, coil spring conversion kits or compressors. Arnott also offers a number of OES Magnetic Ride products, valve blocks and compressors.
Arnott products are available from leading automotive warehouse distributors in Australia.

For more information, visit www.arnottindustries.com/australia