Although the concept of an air suspension system on passenger cars was already introduced in the sixties, the functioning of the system is still not common knowledge, according to Arnot.
The remanufacturing specialist fears this is one of the reasons why some workshops do not have air suspension maintenance and repair as part of their servicing offer.
The suspension struts and shock absorbers of the air suspension system are similar to a conventional suspension system, but the metal coil springs are replaced by air springs.
The air spring does have different characteristics than a coil spring therefore the dampening setting of the shock is tuned differently.
An Arnott spokesperson said: “The air spring itself is made of durable rubber, with a premium multi-ply cross-corded construction to provide a long-lasting structural integrity.
“Although air suspension components are wear and tear parts, it can withstand high and low temperatures, and abrasion from dirt and road debris.”
Air suspension components
- Air suspension struts and/or air springs with separate shock absorbers
- Electronic control unit (ECU)
- Air compressor
- Valve block
- Pressure reservoir
- Height sensors
- Air hoses/lines
An airtight construction is provided by stainless steel crimping rings that connect the rubber below with the top and bottom part.
The spokesperson added: “The electronic control unit is the brain of the system and monitors the system pressure, processes the input signals from the height sensors, controls the valve block and activates the compressor.”
The compressor is used for the air supply to inflate the air springs and often contains an integrated dryer as well.
Moisture is stored in the dryer and evaporates by the heat of the compressor itself.
“When the height sensors give a signal to the ECU that the vehicle is not at the predetermined height, the compressor is activated,” explains the spokesperson.
“The air pressure flows through the valve block and air hoses to the air bellow(s).
“The valve block regulates the direction in which the air pressure flows.
“Excessive pressure follows the same path back from the air bellow to the valve block.
“The pressure is either released (by a pressure-release valve) into the open air or stored in a pressure reservoir.”
A pressure reservoir contains pressurised air and works like a buffer, to quickly deliver the required air pressure.
The spokesperson added: “Although the ECU reacts on the signal of the height sensors, it is a common misconception that the system continuously changes the air pressure of the bellows.
“For example, when the vehicle is cornering, the air springs located on the outside corner do not instantly get more air to keep the vehicle leveled.
“In this instance, the more advanced systems use electronic shocks that change the damping characteristics in a split second to minimise the body roll.”
Although air suspension and conventional suspension systems have similarities, air suspension has some additional benefits like adjustable ride height, improved driving comfort and load leveling capabilities.