Air Ride Pump Fail - "Level Ride Assembly" Replacement

[BrassAndBucks]

Hey Folks,

So I've been battling an issue for months now that I believe is finally identified and I am reaching out to see if anyone has undergone this repair.

I have a 2013 RAM 1500 Laramie Longhorn I bought used in February (55k miles currently) and for months now my suspension system has failed on long highway drives or very rough terrain. Then it resets after periods of rest with the ignition off (anywhere from 10 mins to an hour). By failed, I mean it basically bottoms out, the whole truck drops and it feels like driving with no suspension system, very rough. I haven't been able to get it into a RAM dealer while actively in error until now.

The dealer said the pump has gone bad and to replace the pump they have to change out the whole pump assembly, which they referred to as the "level ride assembly". Quote was around $2,100 parts and labor, breaking down to $1,300 parts and $800 labor.

Has anyone gone through this repair? Any advice? Success stories?

 

[savage_46]

Parts replacement sound right as does price. $800 labor seems a bit high unless they're including shop supplies & nitrogen in that.

 

[wesplains]

My air suspension went out at 10,000 miles on my 2017 Rebel. Dealer said it was the compressor went bad and blew the fuse. Had it fixed in 2/3 days. Makes me wonder if the fuse blew and they just charged Chrysler for the compression pump?

 

[savage_46]

My air suspension went out at 10,000 miles on my 2017 Rebel. Dealer said it was the compressor went bad and blew the fuse. Had it fixed in 2/3 days. Makes me wonder if the fuse blew and they just charged Chrysler for the compression pump?

Possible, but not a good idea especially if they get caught. Something about that big red flag "F word" that companies don't like & no dealer wants that subsequent audit.

The compressor uses a 40 amp fuse. Tech assist documents say if the fuse blows, then compressor integrity has likely been compromised. Plus they updated the valve block o-rings with new lube to prevent sticking in cold temps.

 

[wesplains]

Thanks Savage for the info. I have a bad habit (?) of not trusting this dealership.

 

[BrassAndBucks]

Parts replacement sound right as does price. $800 labor seems a bit high unless they're including shop supplies & nitrogen in that.

Thanks, I'm going to get a second opinion from another RAM dealer to make sure I'm fixing the right problem before I drop that much. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure they are correct. The consistent response I get calling around is that these air ride suspensions almost never need service so no one has any experience with problems. We shall see.

 

[David Harkness]

I just got hit with my second air ride replacement in 65000 k, and the POS extended warranty (FCCP, I think) doesn't cover it. Hits -25. bye-bye suspension. Seriously, with the high incidence of this happening, shouldn't there be a recall coming? Are you listening Dodge RAM people?

 

[Zac1]

My 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn limited is in the shop and compressor is being replaced. Cost of replacment through dealer around $1000. They charged me 450 for new compressor and rest is labor. Most of the cost covered under extended warranty but they don't cover shop supply or diag $260.00. But taking two weeks to get it fixed. No rental in my extended warranty.