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HildaFisch

Audi S1 Air Suspension Failure Causing Multiple Issues

Vehicle is not standing upright or is leaning to one side

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Error message in the speedometer

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Fault stored

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Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle

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Headlamp leveller malfunction

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The vehicle's air suspension no longer lifts

Looking for advice on my 2018 Audi S1 (gas, 127332km) with air suspension issues. Car is sitting too low, headlights are misaligned, and warning lights keep popping up on the dash. Pretty sure the air suspension compressor is failing since the vehicle wont lift anymore and leans to one side. Has anyone dealt with similar air struts problems on their S1? Worried about getting ripped off at the shop after my last experience. What should I expect for diagnosis and repair costs? Thanks in advance.

4 comment(s)


guenter_mond5

Had the same issue on my 2015 Audi S3. The air suspension system showed similar symptoms, uneven ride height and suspension warning lights. The load leveling system completely failed to adjust, which turned out to be more than just a faulty suspension pump. After diagnosis, the main problem was a damaged wiring harness connecting to the air suspension components. The connector had corroded due to water exposure, causing intermittent electrical failures. The suspension system relies heavily on proper electrical connections to maintain correct ride height and level monitoring. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness and checking all suspension components for additional damage. While not as serious as replacing the entire air suspension unit, it still required careful diagnostic work to pinpoint the exact failure point. Without addressing this issue, there was risk of further damage to other suspension components, particularly the air struts and compressor unit. The car being too low and leaning indicates the system is not maintaining proper pressure, which matches your symptoms exactly. Would recommend having a full suspension system diagnostic performed, focusing on both electrical connections and mechanical components before replacing any major parts.

HildaFisch (Author)

Thanks for such a detailed reply about the wiring harness issue. My air suspension problems sound very similar. The compressor failure symptoms match exactly what I am experiencing with the uneven ride height. Before I book a diagnostic appointment, can you share what the total repair cost was for your case? Also wondering if you have had any other suspension system problems since getting it fixed? Want to make sure I budget properly and know what to watch out for with these air struts going forward.

guenter_mond5

Got good news to share, since my last post I had the car checked by a certified mechanic and the compressor failure issue was fixed. Turned out to be exactly what I suspected, a faulty cable connection to the air suspension components. The total repair cost was surprisingly reasonable at 95 Euro, which covered fixing the defective plug connection. The suspension system has been working flawlessly since the repair. No more uneven ride height or air struts issues. The suspension pump is now maintaining proper pressure, and the car stays perfectly level. I check periodically for any air leaks or unusual noises, but everything has remained solid for several months now. Definitely recommend getting yours checked soon, as catching these electrical issues early prevents more expensive suspension component damage down the line. The diagnostic process was straightforward and the fix was much simpler than initially feared.

HildaFisch (Author)

Thanks for the helpful advice. Just wanted to share how my repair experience turned out. Finally took the car to a certified shop last week for the air suspension problems. The mechanic found the compressor failure was actually caused by a blown fuse and damaged relay switch. All the ride height issues and warning lights were from this relatively minor electrical problem. Total repair came to 175 Euro including parts and labor. The load leveling system is working perfectly now. No more leaning or alignment problems. The air struts themselves were in good condition, just needed the electrical components replaced to restore proper function. Really glad I got it checked out before any major suspension damage occurred. The whole process was much less painful than expected after my previous bad experience. Thanks again for helping me understand what to look for.

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