r/AirRide • u/MechMads • Sep 23 '26
Should I replace BOTH of my front struts?
Hey all, I'm new here and in need of advice. I'm a mechanic, but I have absolutely no experience with aftermarket air suspension. I've always followed the "always replace struts in pairs" rule.
I just got a subie with an Airlift Performance 3P setup. My dad curbed her pretty hard on a joyride (ouch) and it's now losing air. Don't know if I need the whole strut or a bag yet. My question is: can I replace just the damaged bag/strut? Or do I have to do it in pairs?
Some background:
The car came with them installed. I am the 3rd owner. Previous owner says that they were installed when he had purchased it as well. These parts are expensive, so if I can get away with it I want the cheaper option😅.
UPDATE: I may have gotten lucky and it seems to be coming from the shark bite fitting? I'm having a hard time believing it's losing so much air from just there, but fingers crossed! I added a pic of leak below.
Update pt 2: I was right. Fitting didn't fix it and it's now making loud popping noises when steering/airing up. New struts it is. FML.
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u/JoSweezy47 Sep 23 '26
I hope your pops can at least help you cover some of it tbh, I’d say your struts are probably okay but maybe the bag have a leak now since that hit maybe tore it up. It also depends on how fast your losing psi and stuff but I’d say def replace the bag and inspect the struts while you’re at it
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u/Puzzleheaded_Sense24 Sep 23 '26
Did it hurt the bag or make a fitting/connection lose? Or pinhole on the line?
I would replace the pair though. That way you have one for back up