I know this appears to be a stupid topic, but it's got me concerned. I just put air ride on my xB this weekend and now my alignment is WAY out of whack in the front. It's so bad that I can faintly smell burning rubber when driving and I'm certain it's from being way misaligned. I also have a few leaks that need to be fixed and I'm not happy with the tank, compressor & valve setup where it's at and it's going to require me to basically move everything from inside the rear area to underneath the car.

I need to find out where the best height is for the best ride, but I'm afraid of shredding my tires while I drive it around to find out. Should I get it close to where I think a good ride is at and then have it aligned? Should I move the tank, compressor & valves first? My other concern is that if I take it to get it aligned first that the leaks will cause the height to drop some while waiting to get into the shop and then the alignment won't be set for drive height.

Sorry for the rookie questions, but this is my first air ride install.

 

Talk to Spider13,he was one of the 1st with air ride and he can help you out I am sure

 

If you alignment is that far out I would get it aligned as soon as possible. If you have gauges, try and figure out where your "sweet spot" is before you take it in. This will be the spot where the SUSPENSION feel best ride quality wise. And beware that most shops will not guarantee an alignment on an air ride equipped vehicle. Just remember to have it aligned at ride height (the sweet spot) and you should be as good to go as you can get.

 

Thanks again for replying, RT. I had to make a quick "command" decision on what to do so I've actually already made several choices.

I decided I wasn't happy with a leaky setup and the way the valves looked mounted on the tank and the fact that the compressor being inside the vehicle is insanely loud. So, I uninstalled all the valves & the compressor and am in the process of mounting them underneath. The tank will still stay inisde the rear area. As soon as my fittings come in for this new relocation and I get them installed with NO leaks, it's straight off to get it aligned. I bought some pneumatic threadlock stuff, but it doesn't appear to be the red Loctite 545 stuff. It's blue but it says it's made for pneumatic setups and I'm thinking the bottle said it was made by Loctite (it was $28 for a little bottle of it). Is this the right stuff or is the red 545 my best bet?

 

I've heard of the blue, but never used it. I couldn't find it after a quick search on the loctite site. I know the 545 works great though. If you continue to have problems with your current sealant, give that a shot.