Everything You Need To Know About Air Suspension Parts

The first and the foremost thing which should be discussed is basically what is air suspension and how it is different from traditional suspension systems? A major difference between a traditional shock or strut is that they have a dampening mechanism set to a certain ride control feel while an air suspension system would utilize an air compressor in combination with air struts and suspension air bags to control the feel of the ride.

There are several advantages of air suspension over traditional shocks and struts. The first one is that the ride quality is often controlled by the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, if you want a softer ride you can set your air suspension system to deliver that and vice versa if you are searching for a stiffer, rougher ride. Then the second advantage is that the height of the ride can be controlled, some systems are advanced in that they automatically control this for you. The final advantage of an air suspension system is its weight management. If you would load the back of your SUV with a large amount of groceries from the store, then the air suspension system would either automatically adjusts to handle it or you can manually adjust it. For traditional shocks and struts, the level of rebound would be set and therefore no matter what the weight of your load is, you have to stick with it. It would many times create a sagging rear end when carrying a heavy load.

An air suspension system is more complex, but its advantages are clear. This system comprises a central air suspension compressor as well as air struts within an air bag at each wheel. The air compressor would then pressurize the air struts as per the need so that the feel can be controlled. There is also an airline which helps in transferring the pressure and driers (filter) to complete the system.

Do you want to know the essential features of air suspension? Then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below to know the important features of air suspension:

• It should increase driving comfort.
• It should have a better drivability.
• It should offer the driver a safer feeling.
• It should automatically adjust the ride height according to vehicle speed.
• It should reduce wind resistance effectively.
• It should reduce the fuel consumption.
• It should increase firmness and improve towing capabilities.
• It should provide a smooth and constant ride quality.
• It should be adjustable.
• There are a lot of truck models feature height adjustable suspension which is controlled by the driver.
• It should make it easier to enter the vehicle, clear bumps or clear rough terrain.
• It should be specially designed to moderate shock and minimize vibration.
• It should offer better road handling and stability of the truck and trailer.
• The air suspension system should filter the unevenness of the road which increases comfort.
• It should have a raising or kneeling facility for easy loading and unloading the vehicle.

Are you searching how do the air suspension actually work? Then all you have to do is to have a look below and then you will be able to understand everything.

The air suspension systems are the latest replacements to the older spring suspension systems. Their power source could be electric or can be an engine driven compressor or an air pump. The compressor would pump the high-pressure air to the strong and flexible bellows. These bellows are generally made up of textile-reinforced rubber. The air at high pressure would expand the bellows and would then help in raising the chassis from the axle.

The air suspension system would have greater advantages over the conventional suspension systems. It would offer instant tuning, better handling in variable situations and varying load capacities. It would absorb and direct road force and helps in maintaining the rebound, jounce and wheel oscillations.

The air suspension system would start with the onboard air compressor which would get power from the electrical system of the car and at the same time would enable inflammation of each bag. The compressor would feed high-pressure air to each spring by using either polyurethane pipes or stainless steel tubes.

There are a lot of times when people get a separate tank which would help in maintaining the instant pressure within the system. It would allow smoother transitions during large pressure changes. This part can be inbuilt or one can even customize it as per the needs.

Do you want to know some frequent problems which might start occurring in the air suspension? Take a look below to know some frequent problems with the air suspension:

The most common issue with the air suspension parts are air leaks. Since an air suspension system would use air throughout the system to maintain the ride height and ride quality, if there is a leak in the air spring or air suspension compressor then your vehicle will sag. Common symptoms of an air leak would include a lot of wheel play and excessive swaying of the vehicle of the body.

There are a few things which might cause your air suspension to malfunction. Watch for the following symptoms if you suspect a bad air suspension:

1. Compressor - The heart of your vehicle air suspension is the compressor and it is most prone to failure. Under normal circumstances, the compressor would keep the system inflated, but with the passage of time it can wear out from being overworked or running more than it’s supposed to. The best way with which you can spot a defective compressor is if your vehicle is sitting lower than it normally would. When lower pressure would be provided to the air springs, then the suspension itself will droop and the car will sit lower to the ground. The compressor might eventually lift the vehicle up to the correct height, but at some point, it won’t be able to build enough pressure to counter the weight of the car.
2. Air Springs - The other essential part in an air system is the air springs. The rubber seal which is inside the springs can wear out with the passage of time or the rubber air bags can crack, leaking air out of the system and then it would cause the suspension to malfunction. You would notice a less-than-comfortable ride, or your vehicle may even be visually crooked. Aside from that, another indicator would be hearing the compressor running more than normal as it tries to keep up with the air that’s leaking out of the system as you drive. Do not let the leaking air spring go for too long, as it would eventually wear out the compressor as well.
3. Air Dryer - The compressor would draw the air from the atmosphere and then it would compress it into the system. Then as a result, it would take in moisture suspended in the air. All the air systems would have an inline dryer which would remove moisture, but if it would fail, then the water can start corroding seals and moving parts and then it would cause them to deteriorate. While this type of damage isn’t something you’d feel when you drive, you can see that upon visual inspection of the lines and other components. If rust or corrosion would be spotted, then there might be some issues with the air dryer.

The air suspension systems would provide extra-smooth handling and at the same time they can help with towing/hauling ability of your vehicle. But just like any other part of a car, they can start failing with the passage of time. You would need some careful visual inspection and assessment of the overall ride and stance of your vehicle, then you can spot issues early and get them repaired before they become bigger problems.

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for air suspension.

Are you familiar with basic car Air Suspension Parts related parts? If no, then what are you waiting for? Have a look at some important components of the car Air Suspension Parts.

• Suspension Conversion Kits
• Rear Suspension Kits
• Suspension Air Compressor
• Air Helper Spring
• Suspension Air Strut