Solution for Creaking Suspension After Install of Air Lift Air Bag Kit in 2011 Honda Odyssey

Updated 12/10/2024 | Published 08/11/2017

Question:

2012 Honda Odyssey EX I installed the Air lift 1000 in my van a few weeks ago and the first few days were without problems or noise. They helped the van ride much better with a load and corner much flatter. Now there is a noise coming from the bags as they rubs on the springs as they flex on speed bumps and driveways. I ran separate lines and have checked the pressures weekly. I have depressurized and filled them back up to 12psi a couple time to see if reseating them would help. It has not. Is there something that can be done to stop the noise?

asked by: Stephen

Expert Reply:

Normally the bags don't make noise if they are rubbing. What is most likely going on is a suspension component is a bit out of alignment and is causing the creaking. The solution for this is to loosen the suspension components you loosened to the install the kit and then torque them down with the the suspension loaded.

When you torque the suspension components with the rear of the vehicle jacked up in the air it can bind up some of the components and they'll make some noise. What you have to do is set the vehicle on the ground and then torque the bolts. If you don't have clearance to get under the vehicle you can use ramps instead as that will get the rear of the vehicle in the air and allow the suspension to be loaded.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Piotr

12/8/2024

I followed your suggestion to torque with rear raised and it did not help at all. The noise is coming from where the bag rubs against the spring.

Jameson C.

12/9/2024

@Piotr That's interesting, is it correct air bag for the vehicle? If it's making that much noise I would assume it's going to wear through it eventually.

Piotr

12/9/2024

@JamesonC I ordered through one of your advisors in the website so should have been correct model, AL60815, for 2016 Honda Odyssey

Jameson C.

12/9/2024

@Piotr If you spray WD40 on the bag does it stop making the sound at least temporarily? I can't imagine the bag material allowing for that much noise unless something else was wrong.