My Flying Spur’s air suspension is acting up again

[Veronica Mendoza]

I’m getting really frustrated with my 2018 Flying Spur because the air suspension has started playing up again, and I’m honestly not sure whether to just get it fixed or start thinking about selling the car. I had the front struts replaced about two years ago and it cost me a fortune, but now the rear end is sagging overnight and I can hear the compressor running constantly whenever the car is idling, which tells me it’s struggling to maintain pressure. The car still drives okay once it levels out, but I’m worried that if I ignore this, the compressor will burn out and I’ll be looking at an even bigger bill. I’ve been quoted some ridiculous prices from a couple of places, but a friend of mine who has a Continental GT mentioned that he found a workshop that actually specialises in these systems and could source genuine parts at a more reasonable cost. I’ve been looking for a Trusted Bentley shock absorber installation in Dubai because I want to make sure the job is done properly and the system is calibrated correctly, not just thrown together with aftermarket parts that won’t last. Has anyone here had their rear air struts replaced on a Flying Spur or even a Continental, and can you give me a realistic idea of what it cost and how long the job took? Also, is it worth replacing the compressor at the same time as a preventative measure, or should I just wait and see if it fails? I really don’t want to keep throwing money at this car but I also can’t afford to have it break down on me unexpectedly.

[[email protected]]

<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’ve seen similar issues with air suspension on the Flying Spur, and the first thing I’d look at is whether the car is actually losing air somewhere rather than assuming the compressor itself has failed.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>If the rear of the car is sitting lower after being parked for several hours or overnight, a small leak in an air strut, air line, valve block, or one of the connections can cause the compressor to keep running to maintain the correct ride height. Over time, that extra workload can also damage the compressor, which is why replacing the compressor without finding the original problem can sometimes turn into an expensive repeat repair.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’d recommend having the system checked for:</p>

<ul class=”xonam98 x1epdd7z xemmon1 xn020vs xfl32do xluzp7q x1yc453h x38giro xat24cr xkyrhof x1fv8qjw xdj266r xrxpjvj x1bxe5rh”>
<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Air leaks around the suspension struts and air lines</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Compressor operation and pressure</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Valve block performance</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Ride-height sensors</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Suspension warning messages or stored fault codes</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Whether the vehicle is lowering on one particular corner</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Correct suspension height and calibration after any repairs</p>

<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>If the car is leaning to one side, drops at a particular corner, or takes noticeably longer than usual to raise, those symptoms can be useful clues when diagnosing the problem.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>For a Bentley Flying Spur, I’d have the suspension inspected by a workshop that regularly works with luxury-car air suspension systems. Proper diagnosis is important because the symptoms of a leaking strut, weak compressor, faulty valve block, or sensor issue can sometimes overlap.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’d avoid continuing to drive it for too long if the compressor is running constantly or the suspension is unable to maintain its height. Getting the fault diagnosed early can potentially prevent a relatively small air-suspension issue from turning into a much more expensive repair.</p>

[[email protected]]

<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’ve seen similar issues with air suspension on the Flying Spur, and the first thing I’d look at is whether the car is actually losing air somewhere rather than assuming the compressor itself has failed.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>If the rear of the car is sitting lower after being parked for several hours or overnight, a small leak in an air strut, air line, valve block, or one of the connections can cause the compressor to keep running to maintain the correct ride height. Over time, that extra workload can also damage the compressor, which is why replacing the compressor without finding the original problem can sometimes turn into an expensive repeat repair.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’d recommend having the system checked for:</p>

<ul class=”xonam98 x1epdd7z xemmon1 xn020vs xfl32do xluzp7q x1yc453h x38giro xat24cr xkyrhof x1fv8qjw xdj266r xrxpjvj x1bxe5rh”>
<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Air leaks around the suspension struts and air lines</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Compressor operation and pressure</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Valve block performance</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Ride-height sensors</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Suspension warning messages or stored fault codes</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Whether the vehicle is lowering on one particular corner</p>

<li class=”x1datfip xzngokm xtlupne”>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>Correct suspension height and calibration after any repairs</p>

<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>If the car is leaning to one side, drops at a particular corner, or takes noticeably longer than usual to raise, those symptoms can be useful clues when diagnosing the problem.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>For a Bentley Flying Spur, I’d have the suspension inspected by a workshop that regularly works with luxury-car air suspension systems. Proper diagnosis is important because the symptoms of a leaking strut, weak compressor, faulty valve block, or sensor issue can sometimes overlap.</p>
<p class=”x1yc453h x1hpqcdg x1ekroe6 xutxfr x1fie51u xgyxj25 xkyrhof x1elgs31 x1fv8qjw x1tbvfm1 xb72syl x1iew0xx x1c2l018 x14l7nz5 xuw7688 x1pjt2rx x160d6zm xrxpjvj” dir=”ltr”>I’d avoid continuing to drive it for too long if the compressor is running constantly or the suspension is unable to maintain its height. Getting the fault diagnosed early can potentially prevent a relatively small air-suspension issue from turning into a much more expensive repair.</p>

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