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karenpeters1

Buick Royaum's Air Suspension Collapse Needs Urgent Fix

My Buick Royaum (2005, 86k km) has developed serious suspension issues. Vehicle is leaning and wont lift properly, plus getting error messages on the dash. Ride quality has become really bumpy. Based on research, I suspect a faulty air suspension bellows valve might be the culprit. Has anyone dealt with similar suspension failure symptoms? Looking for repair experiences and reliable mechanic tips since my last shop visit was disappointing.

4 comment(s)

jonathannacht1

Had similar issues with a 2008 Buick Lucerne with the pneumatic suspension system. The symptoms matched exactly, uneven ride height, dashboard warnings, and deteriorating ride quality. The air leak diagnosis confirmed a failed bellows valve in the rear suspension system. The repair involved replacing both rear air suspension bellows and associated valves since they typically wear as a pair. This was a serious issue that required immediate attention, as continuing to drive risked damaging other suspension components, particularly the shock absorbers. The repair shop needed specialized diagnostic equipment to properly test the pneumatic suspension system and locate the exact point of failure. A complete system pressure test revealed multiple small leaks at the valve connections. The entire job took about 6 hours in the shop. After repair, there was an immediate improvement in ride quality and vehicle stability. The system needed recalibration to ensure proper operation, which the shop handled with their diagnostic computer. These suspension issues typically dont resolve themselves and usually worsen if left unattended. Would recommend getting it checked soon by a shop that specializes in air suspension systems, as general mechanics sometimes miss the subtle diagnostic points with these systems.

karenpeters1 (Author)

I totally understand your experience. My air spring issues were nearly identical back then. The fix worked great on my Royaum and the ride quality improved massively after replacing those faulty components. Just curious, do you remember roughly what you paid for the complete suspension system repair? Also, has everything stayed solid since the fix, or have you noticed any other suspension issues popping up?

jonathannacht1

Great to hear your Royaum is running better after the repair. The total cost for my suspension repair came to 590€, which covered replacing the defective suspension air bag valve and necessary system components. Since having the faulty air suspension bellows valve replaced, the system has performed flawlessly, no more leaks or error messages. The repair shop did a thorough job testing the entire air suspension system and recalibrating everything properly. The ride quality has remained consistently smooth, with none of the previous bouncing or sagging issues returning. This type of repair, while expensive, usually provides a long-term solution when done correctly. If properly maintained, these air suspension systems are quite reliable. Regular checks for any small air leaks or unusual noises can help catch potential issues before they become major problems. My suspension system has stayed solid for over a year now with no additional repairs needed.

karenpeters1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. I took my Royaum to a certified shop last week and paid around 650€ for the complete suspension repair. They replaced both rear air suspension bellows, valves, and did a full system recalibration. The ride height is now perfectly level and the bumpy ride is completely gone. The mechanic showed me the old parts, the rubber on the bellows was severely cracked, causing the air leak in the suspension system. They also found some worn shock absorbers that needed attention. The entire job took about 5 hours, but the results were worth it. The suspension failure symptoms have all disappeared and the car handles like new again. No more error messages on the dash either. Will definitely keep an eye on the system and do regular maintenance checks to catch any future issues early. Really glad I got this fixed properly instead of trying cheaper temporary solutions.

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