Quadra-Lift Air Suspension Problems [5 Common Issues]

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra-Lift air suspension delivers class-leading ground clearance—up to 4.1 inches from park mode to a maximum ride height of up to 10.7 inches. In addition, it features water fording capability and electronic adaptive damping.

In other words, the Quadra-Lift air suspension automatically adjusts the shock tuning to variable or changing road conditions for improved stability, control, and comfort. Also, you don’t have to stop the SUV if you want to lower or raise the suspension, allowing for ample utility.

Nevertheless, the Quadra-Lift air suspension is somewhat problematic. This is probably why Jeep no longer includes this system on its newer Grand Cherokee L models.

In this post, we’ll look at common problems with the Quadra-Lift air suspension and some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome the issues.

5 Common Problems with the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension

1. Compressor Malfunction

Air suspensions generally function well as long as the air is available. This is because the compressor fills the airbags supporting your SUV and relies heavily on a well-designed motor to generate air.

However, you will notice some strange noises when the compressor starts malfunctioning. The motor powering the compressor could be dying if you hear extremely loud clicking, grinding, or whining.

The compressor will eventually fail if you do nothing about fixing the issue.

If you’re facing this issue, check and replace the motor that powers the compressor. If the air suspension problem persists, get your SUV to the nearest auto shop for proper diagnosis and repairs.

2. Bringing the Vehicle to a Stop Becomes a Challenge

Another significant symptom of a failed Quadra-Lift air suspension is when you find it somewhat challenging to bring your vehicle to a stop. The sports utility vehicle starts lurching, making your car feel as if it’s nose-diving whenever you come to a stop.

When you experience these developments, it is most likely that your air suspension is severely compromised. Therefore, drive your SUV to your auto mechanic for a proper check-up.

3. Vehicle Rides or Looks Low

The Quadra-Lift air suspension system offers full-time load-leveling capacity, including the benefit of adjusting your vehicle at the push of a button. At higher speeds, your vehicle lowers to an aerodynamic ride height. When operating off-road vehicles, it raises the ride height accordingly.

However, your Quadra-Lift air suspension has gone bad if you notice your vehicle is noticeably lower, by ride height or visually. It is one of the common symptoms plaguing the Quadra-Lift air suspension.

So, if your SUV looks like it’s sagging backward or forward, the probable reason for this is that the Quadra-Lift air suspension can no longer keep your SUV at the ideal ride height.

When you notice this, get your SUV to the local auto mechanic workshop for diagnosis and repairs.

4. Leaking Quadra-Lift Air Suspension

When your Quadra-Lift air suspension starts leaking, the front of your vehicle will be lower than its ideal position. The way to easily diagnose this problem is by checking the air suspension system.

When you wiggle the air hose and hear the blown-out noise, you may have to change it.

5. Broken Air Spring

Your air suspension may sometimes develop issues because of a broken airbag spring.

The airbag spring has soft rubber components. Unfortunately, these soft rubber components wear out and tear over time. As a result, the airbag spring goes bad and affects the overall function of the Quadra-Lift air suspension.

Therefore, in this case, you will need to replace the soft rubber components or the entire airbag springs.

More so, the Quadra-Lift air suspension functions well with the help of a compressor.

However, the compressor can wear out over time, especially when one of the air springs fails and starts leaking—as the compressor work much harder than usual to maintain the required pressure.

This will eventually influence every other air spring. This implies that when one air spring fails, you should expect every other air spring in your Grand Cherokee to follow soon. When you decide to replace the air spring, get ready to replace the entire kit.

This is a primary downside, since every suspension element relies heavily on each other for optimal performance. The compressor problem usually occurs when your air suspension isn’t functioning correctly.

However, before you think of replacing the compressor, check the air dryer and airline of the air suspension. You may need to trace every line from the tank to the air struts/springs to the compressor, checking for leaks.

You may prepare a simple soap and water solution and spray it on all fittings, joints, connectors, creases, and crevices in order to check for bubbling.

If they are worn out, which will be proven by bubbling soap and water solution, you’ve found the source of the leak. You may have to replace them as soon as possible.

Can You Drive a Grand Cherokee with a Bad Quadra-Lift Air Suspension?

If you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a bad Quadra-Lift air suspension, driving with it is possible. However, you will need to bear some risks if you drive your vehicle in this condition.

So, driving your SUV with a problematic Quadra-Lift air suspension is not recommended. One of the risks involved with driving with a faulty air suspension includes losing control of your vehicle due to the bouncing and shaking resulting from everyday driving.

Another risk is that the gas mileage will decrease considerably since the engine will need to work much harder than usual in order to keep up with your vehicle’s movement.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Quadra-Lift Air Suspension?

According to RepairPal, the average cost of a Jeep Grand Cherokee active suspension air spring replacement ranges from $2,711 to $3,225. In addition, labor costs range from $180 to $227, while components are generally priced between $2,531 and $2,998.

Bear in mind that these price ranges do not include fees and taxes. In addition, your unique location and specific model year are not factored in. Moreover, related repairs may also be required.

The price ranges are based on the age and number of Jeep Grand Cherokees on the road.

Stay away from auto repair companies offering to repair or re-manufacture your faulty air springs. Remanufactured air springs may survive another 10,000 miles before malfunctioning again, as all components of air springs will wear out pretty fast.

However, after repairing it, this will cause several problems with your air suspension. Therefore, these auto companies never provide good, long-lasting results.

The best way is to replace all your air springs and enjoy them for the next 100,000 miles as designed.

Related: How to Reset Quadra-Lift Air Suspension.

Wrapping Up

The Quadra-Lift air suspension of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a class-exclusive mechanical system that provides comfortable and smooth rides on any road surface.

But the Quadra-Lift air suspension can go bad, making it one of the most typical problems for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Due to these ongoing problems, the Quadra-Lift air suspension has been discontinued.

However, if you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Quadra-Lift air suspension, some of the challenges you may face have been highlighted in this article.