What is Air Suspension?

What is Air Suspension?

Air Suspension is a suspension system that replaces the conventional steel spring in automotive and light-truck applications.a8d5 air suspension It allows for a higher ground clearance to increase off-road capability and improve ride comfort in everyday driving conditions. These systems can also be raised or lowered to change the vehicle height. This type of system was originally used in heavy vehicles like buses and trucks and is now becoming more popular in passenger cars.

An Air Ride system works by replacing the normal metal spring with an air bladder that can be inflated and deflated to adjust the vehicle height as needed.a8d5 air suspension A large amount of research went into the development of this technology to provide a balance of ride comfort and handling capabilities. This is achieved by using a multi-chamber system that uses both the rear and front air springs as well as a control module to manage the suspension function.

Some luxury car manufacturers have included this suspension option in their models since the early 2000s.a8d5 air suspension Some of these include Audi, Cadillac, Genesis, Hummer, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls Royce. The Air Suspension is an expensive alternative to a normal steel-sprung setup, but provides a much more luxurious ride and improved off-road ability when properly maintained.

The system consists of several parts, some of which are more expensive than others.a8d5 air suspension One of the most costly components is the compressor that provides the air pressure for each air strut. The compressor is usually located in the trunk of the vehicle and is driven by a electric motor or by the car's engine. The air lines are tubes that carry compressed air from the onboard compressor to the rubber air springs. These are the number one source of leaks in an air suspension system and can be caused by dry rot or normal wear and tear.

Another common failure point is the ride height sensor that determines when to activate the compressor to inflate and deflate the air struts.a8d5 air suspension These sensors can be affected by debris or even a slight thump on the road that causes the strut to rise slightly, causing the sensor to send an incorrect signal to the compressor. If this happens frequently it can cause premature compressor failure.

Lastly, the solenoid valves are responsible for regulating the air pressure to each of the air springs. These can be prone to failure due to poor design or excessive duty cycle. The air lines are connected to each of these solenoids and any loss of o-rings in the line can lead to failure.

The best way to keep your Air Suspension in good working condition is to regularly perform maintenance on the vehicle. This will ensure that your vehicle is always ready for a fun day on the trails or a quick trip into town to run errands. If you are experiencing an air suspension issue it is important to consult with a professional. These professionals are qualified to diagnose the problem and can recommend a solution.

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