2053492.10

Technical product information
Topic
Market area
Brand
Transaction No.
Level
Status
Release date
Air spring fault finding guidelines
Bentley: worldwide (2WBE)
Bentley
2053492/10
EH
Approval
New customer code
Object of complaint
running gear -> shock absorber/suspension control -> automatic shock absorber adjustment
running gear -> adaptive suspension, pitch and roll compensation
running gear -> shock absorber/suspension control -> self-levelling suspension
Vehicle data
Mulsanne
Sales types
Type
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y2*
3Y6*
3Y6*
3Y6*
3Y6*
MY
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2017
2018
2019
2020
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
Continental Series and Flying Spur
Sales types
Type
39*
39*
39*
39*
39*
39*
39*
39*
3W*
3W*
3W*
3W*
3W*
3W*
3W*
MY
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
INTERNAL
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
Complaint type
Position
functionality -> without function / defect
functionality
functionality -> without function / defect
3W*
3W*
3W*
4W*
4W*
4W*
4W*
4W*
4W*
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
New Continental GT
Sales types
Type
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
3S3*
MY
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
Bentayga series
Sales types
Type
4V1*
4V1*
4V1*
4V1*
4V1*
4V1*
4V1*
ZV1*
MY
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2023
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
New Continental GTC
Sales types
Type
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
3S4*
MY
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
New Flying Spur
Sales types
Type
ZG2*
ZG2*
ZG2*
ZG2*
MY
2020
2021
2022
2023
Brand Designation Engine code Gearbox code Final drive code
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
E
*
*
*
Documents
Document name
master.xml
INTERNAL
Technical product information
Air spring fault finding guidelines
Transaction No.: 2053492/10
Customer statement / workshop findings
The front and/or rear suspension appears to have dropped
Technical background
VERY IMPORTANT: Before proceeding with the instructions, the operative MUST be aware that all procedures within the
repair manual MUST be strictly followed in particular when replacing air spring dampers and other air suspension
components as the procedures differ depending on the vehicle model type
CAUTION
VERY IMPORTANT: Should the vehicle be specified with a High voltage system only be suitably qualified personnel should work on the vehicle
Bentley vehicles which are applicable to this TPI are fitted with air springs as part of the suspension system. Should air leak from the air spring
dampers, this will cause the suspension to drop. However, the dropping of the suspension does not necessarily mean that the air spring is
faulty.
The “Measure” section of this TPI describes how and where to check for air leaks on the front and rear air springs, the air supply unit, pipes,
valve unit and air reservoirs. This includes potential air leak points on the air spring dampers and also the locations of an air leak that can be
repaired without the need to replace an air spring damper.
These checks should be carried out in conjunction with the Elsapro procedure “Air suspension – To check” with the use of
the special tool “Air suspension leak tester VAS 751 001” shown in Figure 1 as item (1). Refer to Elsapro, Repair Group 43,
“Air suspension – To check”.
Figure 1
Please follow and complete the check list within the “Measure” section of this TPI to help in diagnosing the issue (the check list does not need to
be sent as an attachment should a DISS technical query be raised).
Should a leak be found from an air spring damper, compressor, valve unit or reservoir, please raise a DISS technical query and include as much
information as possible including photograph/s of the leak/s location. Once the DISS ticket has been submitted please await clarification before
commencing with replacing any of the suspected faulty air spring dampers.
Mandatory reporting is applicable for all air spring related issues.
VERY IMPORTANT:
The examples shown below are taken from a Bentayga front air spring damper and are shown for photographic purposes only
NOTE: The operative MUST always refer to the applicable Rep.Gr within the repair manual as the procedures differ
INTERNAL
depending on the vehicle model type
The operative MUST be aware that when disconnecting the air supply line from the air spring damper ONLY the brass nut
connector (Figure 2 - Point A) should be used for disconnection/installation
Figure 2
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ATTEMPT TO DISCONNECT THE AIR SPRING DAMPER AIR SUPPLY LINE FROM
ANY OTHER CONNECTION OTHER THAN AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 2 - Point A
Referring to Figure 2 - Points B and C the operative MUST be aware of the following:
•
The operative MUST ensure the grip ring (B) is correctly installed and not damaged
•
The operative MUST also ensure the O-ring (C) is correctly installed and not damaged
Figure 3 - Shows an example of a Bentayga front air spring damper minimum pressure valve, the valve was damaged during disconnection of the
air supply line from the front air spring damper
Please note: In this scenario the front air spring was replaced, as damage was caused to the minimum pressure valve during the disconnection of
the air supply line, please be aware that warranty payments will be cancelled should any damage be caused to the air spring assemblies due to
the applicable procedures within the applicable Rep.Gr not being followed
Figure 3
VERY IMPORTANT: When the air supply lines are disconnected the operative should ensure the pipes and connections are
fitted with plastic caps/bungs to eliminate the risk of contamination within the air suspension system
Revision history
TPI 2053492/8
•
Technical background section now amended to include care points relating to the disconnection of the air spring damper supply line
INTERNAL
•
Warranty accounting instructions amended
TPI 2053492/9
Section 3 within the Measure section (Air supply unit check points) has been updated requesting further checks/ and feedback in the event a
leak or an issue is found on the air supply unit
TPI 205342/10
Section 3 within the Measure section (Air supply unit check points) has been updated requesting further checks/ and feedback regarding the
correct fitment of the air pipes
CAUTION
The operative should be aware that all instructions regarding attaching photographs and videos to DISS queries is followed as advised within
Section 3
Production change
Not applicable
Measure
Reference chart
Please use this generic “Reference Chart” (Figure 4) in conjunction with the customer description of the fault and the “Standard Ambient
Conditions” of the DTC's if present, to focus on the relevant area (ie: if a DTC is pointing out to the accumulator and the event data from the DTC
and the customer description explains that the issue appear while the vehicle was driving, then the potential source of the leak well might be in
between reservoir, valve unit or compressor as these three components are active in these particular conditions).
Figure 4
Component
Description
1-5
Solenoid valves
6&7
Front axle suspension struts
8&9
Rear axle suspension units
10
Pressure accumulator
11
Pressure sensor
12
Pressure reading
13
Electrical activation of solenoid valves
14
Compressor connection
Procedure
Position the vehicle on a flat and level surface and allow it to cool down.
•
Important: Set the vehicle suspension into “Jack” mode.
Apply strips of masking tape (1) from the centre of each wheel to the highest part of the wheel arch as shown, making sure the masking tape is
applied ‘taut’
Using a tape measure (2), measure and take note of the ride heights (A-A) at all four corners of the vehicle. See Figure 5.
INTERNAL
Figure 5
Leave the vehicle overnight and again measure the ride heights (A-A) at all four corners of the vehicle. Compare these values with those taken
previously.
If there is NO difference in ride heights, and the strips of masking tape are still ‘taut’ then no air leak is present. Please explain to the customer
the long term storage or changing climate conditions would cause a drop in ride height which is normal. As soon as the vehicle is started, the
compressor will level the vehicle automatically. No further action is required.
If there IS a difference in ride heights, and the strips of masking tape (1) have ‘sagged’ (shown in Figure 6), then refer to the following leak
finding procedures below.
Figure 6
It should be noted that if these checks involve a claim through warranty then photographic evidence of the vehicle sagging
and air leak should be included.
Always select “Jack mode” before raising the vehicle and exhausting the air from the suspension system. Refer to Elsapro.
Repair Group 43.
Section 1 - Front suspension air spring fault finding
Before any other checks are made to the front air springs check to confirm the pipes are fully inserted and firmly connected
within the brass fitting.
Air leakage may not be audible. A possible symptom of air leakage is excessive operation of the air supply unit. If no air
leakage is apparent at the pipe unions and there is excessive operation of the air pump compressor, there may be a
damaged air supply pipe to an air spring.
With the air suspension fully charged, use leak detector spray or a mild soap solution to check the connections for leaks as shown in the
accompanying table.
INTERNAL
Place an X in the appropriate column next to each check.
Front air spring check points - Continental series (pre 2018) and Flying Spur
Check
Brass fitting to air spring (1)
Brass intermediate connection (2)
Air feed pipe connection (3)
Top of air spring (4)
Air spring gaiter condition (5)
Air canister and canister to air spring (6 & 7)
Bottom of the air spring (8)
Top of the air spring (9). Within engine compartment, pull dust
seal back to inspect!
INTERNAL
Yes
No
Comments
Front air spring check points – Mulsanne
Check
Air connection to air spring (1)
Upper air spring (2)
Top of air spring (3)
Air spring gaiter condition (4)
Bottom of the air spring (5)
INTERNAL
Yes
No Comments
Front air spring check points – Bentayga
Check
Air connection to air spring (1)
Top of air spring (2 & 3)
Upper areas of air spring gaiter (4 & 6)
Air spring upper gaiter condition (5)
Lower areas of air spring gaiter (7 & 9)
Air spring upper gaiter condition (8)
INTERNAL
Yes
No Comments
Front air spring check points – New Continental GT/C and New Flying Spur
Check
Air connection to air spring (1)
Sealing area of top nut (2)
Top crimp area (3)
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
Top of air spring (4)
Air spring gaiter condition (5)
Lower areas of air spring gaiter (6)
Switching valves, solenoids and welds (7&8)
Section 2 - Rear suspension air spring fault finding
Before any other checks are made to the rear air springs check to confirm the pipes are fully inserted and firmly connected
within the brass fitting.
Air leakage may not be audible. A possible symptom of air leakage is excessive operation of the air pump located above the
rear diffuser. If no air leakage is apparent at the pipe unions and there is excessive operation of the air pump compressor,
there may be a damaged air supply pipe to an air spring.
With the air suspension fully charged, use leak detector spray or a mild soap solution to check the connections for leaks as shown in the
accompanying table.
Place an X in the appropriate column next to each check.
INTERNAL
Rear air spring check points - Continental series (pre 2018) and Flying Spur
Check
Brass fitting to air spring (1)
Top of air spring (2 & 3)
Air spring bellows (4)
Air feed pipe connection (5)
Air spring gaiter condition (6)
Air canister and canister to air spring (7, 8 & 9)
Electrical cable route for air escaping (10)
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
Rear air spring check points – Mulsanne
Check
Yes
No Comments
Air feed pipe connection (1)
Top of air spring (2 & 3)
Upper air spring bellows (4 & 5)
Lower air spring bellows (6 & 7)
Air spring gaiter condition (8 & 9)
Rear air spring check points – Bentayga
Check
Air feed pipe connection (1)
Top of air spring (2)
Air spring gaiter condition (3 & 4)
Lower areas of air spring (5 & 6)
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
Rear air spring check points – New Continental GT/C and New Flying Spur
Check
Yes No Comments
Air feed pipe connection (1)
Top of air spring (2)
Air spring gaiter condition (3 & 4)
Lower area of air spring (5)
Section 3 - Air supply unit check points
Check for any air leaks on or around the air supply (compressor) unit.
Place an X in the appropriate column next to each check.
Air supply check points - Continental series (pre 2018) and Flying Spur
Check
Air pipe connections (1 to 6)
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
INTERNAL
Air supply check points - Mulsanne
Check
Yes No Comments
Air pipe connections (1 to 6)
Air supply check points – Bentayga
Check
Air pipe connections (arrows)
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
Air supply check points – New Continental GT/C and New Flying Spur
Check
Yes No Comments
Air pipe connections (2 & 3)
NOTICE
In the event an air leak is evident at the air supply unit, the operative must conduct all remaining checks within this TPI, once complete the
operative should provide all additional findings via a new or existing DISS query as per the examples below:
NOTE: The photos below are shown as examples and do not refer to a particular vehicle type
•
Check if there any kinked, split or damaged air pipes HINT: The operative should also check to confirm that the heatshield is not contacting
the air pipes as shown below
CAUTION
IMPORTANT REQUEST FOR NEW GT/C AND NEW FLYING SPUR VEHICLES: Before any of the air supply unit air lines are disconnected
Photographic evidence showing all air lines fitted is required as shown below
HINT: The air lines must be connected with only one single ‘paint marking’ visible (Figure 7)
Figure 7
•
Referring to Figure 8 - To assist in finding the leak, the operative must apply soapy water to the air supply unit in the area shown below,
this is required to establish the source of the leak (air supply unit or air pipe connections)
INTERNAL
•
Figure 8
NOTICE
VERY IMPORTANT: In the event a leak is found at the air supply unit (Figure 9) a video and photographs of the leak is required to be attached
to a new or existing DISS query
Figure 9
•
Referring to Figure 10 - Ensure the air pipes are not kinked or damaged
CAUTION
A minimum radius of 30mm MUST be observed HINT: The pipes shown (CIRCLED) are bent and kinked and do not meet the minimum radius
of 30mm
INTERNAL
Figure 10
•
Referring to Figure 11 - The pink air line routing IS NOT CORRECT
Hint: The pink air line is restricting the other air lines
Figure 11
•
Referring to Figures 12,13 and 14 attach clear photographs of the components shown
Figure 12
INTERNAL
Figure 13
Figure 14
NOTICE
In the event an air leak or any other issues were found at any of the afore mentioned locations the operative should attach clear photos or
video (if requested) to a new or existing DISS query
Hint: Warranty payments may not be processed should the required information not be provided
Section 4 - Air reservoir unit check points
Check for any air leaks on or around the air reservoir.
Place an X in the appropriate column next to each check.
INTERNAL
Air supply check points - Continental series (pre 2018) and Flying Spur
Check
Yes No Comments
Air pipe connection (arrow)
Location - GT & Flying Spur: LH rear wheel arch
Location – GTC: Behind backboard trim panel
Air supply check points - Mulsanne
Check
Air pipe connection (arrow)
Location – Boot floor
INTERNAL
Yes No Comments
Air supply check points - Bentayga
Check
Yes No Comments
Air pipe connections on the twin tanks (arrows)
Location – Rear footwells beneath carpets
Air supply check points – New Continental GT/C and New Flying Spur
Check
Air pipe connection (2)
Location – Refer to the repair manual depending on model
INTERNAL
Yes No
Comments
Section 5 - Air pipe repairs
If no evident air leak has been detected in the previous sections, refer to Elsapro, Repair Group 43, “Air suspension – To check”.
The “Air suspension leak tester VAS 751 001” is used to check the air spring struts, solenoid valve block, accumulators, compressors, air
reservoirs and air pipes for leaks.
In the event of an air leak from the air pipe/brass fittings on the supply unit the brass fittings and internal olive can be
replaced individually.
To repair an air pipe, refer to Elsapro, “Air Supply Pipe - To Repair” - Repair Group 43.
Using a “Vehicle Tester”, recharge the air system. Refer to Elsapro, “To discharge and charge” - Repair Groups 40 and 42.
Warranty accounting instructions
Warranty type
110 or 910
Damage Service Number 43 25 - Air spring related claims
43 85 - Air supply line issues
Damage Code
00 50
Time to conduct the air suspension fault finding check
Labour Operation Code 44 96 01 00
Time
20 TU
Time to conduct the initial diagnosis
Labour Operation Code 44 96 03 00
Time
50 TU
Time to repair x1 air supply line
Labour Operation Code 44 96 41 00
Time
20 TU
Due to the numerous vehicle models which are covered within this TPI, please refer to the Elsa pro labour operations in the
event that an air spring damper was replaced
It should be noted that if checks involve a claim through warranty then photographic evidence of the vehicle sagging and air leak should be
included with the DISS technical query where possible.
Pictures should include the following:
•
Tape (1) applied before and after, showing the tape sagging. See Figure 15
•
All ride height measurements (A-A) before and after. See Figure 15
•
Soap solution bubbling at the point of air leak (where possible).
Figure 15
INTERNAL