Air suspension: principle of operation, device, pros and cons, owner reviews. Air suspension kit for car

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The latest mid-range cars are almost without exception equipped with air suspension. In any case, such an opportunity is offered optionally by large manufacturers. Also, machines, the design of which was not initially oriented towards the integration of such systems, are often provided with pneumatics. She has many advantages, so experienced motorists, if there is a possibility of such restyling, do not advise to refuse it. With a greater degree of probability, in the coming years, the air suspension will be the dominant mechanism of the undercarriage of the bearing part. The principle of operation of this mechanism is rather complicated, which is caused by the conjugation of diverse systems. Suffice it to say that traditional compressor units have to interact with typical automotive mechanics. This is partly due to the shortcomings of such mechanisms. However, it is worth considering in more detail.

Suspension device

The system is formed by a whole group of components, which ultimately provide suspension functionality. The mechanical basis is made up of suspension actuators,thanks to which adjustment and support of clearance is possible. One of the key elements is a compressor that supplies the air mixture to the receiver - the so-called pneumocylinder. By the way, the Mercedes air suspension is equipped with the most modern sleeve-type receivers, which, however, has a significant drawback. The surface of the cylinder, despite the presence of protective shells, can accumulate sand, the friction of which wears out the metal walls in the long term, leading to the need for replacement. On the other hand, this moment comes only after a few years, so the update can be carried out in a complex with other outdated mechanisms. From the receiver, the air environment is sent to the executive group of mechanisms, which have the necessary physical impact on the design of the chassis.

Air suspension kit

A complete air suspension package includes even more components than the basic design. All additional components can be divided into two parts - functional fittings and measuring instruments. As for the first category, it is represented by mechanical valves with fittings, pipes, protective equipment for the compressor itself and a moisture trap. It must be understood that moisture for such suspensions is the most dangerous exposure medium. Measuring instruments include manometers. This device is necessary to adjust the pressure indicators - it can be mechanical or electronic. A modern air suspension kit often includes digital pressure gauges, workwhich is closely connected with pressure sensors. The presence of the detector indicates the possibility of automatic adjustment of the compressor parameters to certain operating conditions.

Working principle

Like most pneumatic systems, this type of car suspension works by supplying an air mass, that is, compressed air. The source of the working environment is the compressor unit - it is integrated into the suspension system. And the receiver and the direct mechanical regulator of the clearance is the so-called spring cushion. Each wheel has its own part of the common infrastructure of the springs, which is served by the air suspension. The principle of operation is as follows: the compressor supplies air to the receiver, then to the distribution system, and it, in turn, fills or releases the spring cushions. As for the distribution system, it is formed by air supply channels, as well as a system of sensors and control units that are physically responsible for the manipulation of the suspension.

Types of air suspension

Classification of air suspension is determined by the possibility of equipping the wheels with leaf springs. So, the simplest single-circuit system can be integrated into only one axis of the machine. The user can install it on the rear or front axle to choose from. Classical air suspensions were installed on the rear axle of trucks, which made it possible to adjust its rigidity, adjusting for the load on the body. A dual-circuit air suspension can function somewhat differently. The principle of operation of thismechanism makes it possible to integrate spring units on one or two axles. If the mechanism is installed on one axle, then the driver gets the opportunity to independently adjust the wheels, but only on the selected axle. Accordingly, a two-circuit system allows for independence of adjustment for two axes simultaneously. The four-loop system provides the most control options. Therefore, for its control, automation is used, using sensors to track the positions and operating parameters at each spring point.

Installing air suspension

The installation process consists of the following steps:

• A spar of a suitable size is sawn down, after which a pipe is welded into it. Do not forget at this stage about greasing and cleaning metal surfaces.
• Racks are being installed. You can perform this operation in the service, or you can do it yourself - but in any case, the procedure will be long and very tedious.
• The air suspension is directly installed with all the main components - a receiver, a moisture trap, a compressor and a set of valves. Elements are fixed mechanically by twisting or welding, depending on what options a particular design provides for this.
• The infrastructure is being installed in the form of electrical wiring (connected to the battery), circulating nodes, a control unit, etc.
• All installed components are paired with complete fittings. If necessary, use adapters and fittings.

Suspension control

Adjustment can be done both automatically and manually. Most often, an automatic control unit is provided. It is located near the compressor itself and serves to command the valves through the electrical wiring. There is also a control panel output in the cabin - through it the user himself can give commands. At a minimum, the operator should be able to adjust the clearance for specific heights. The value of 1 mm is the base value that almost any air suspension has by default. The principle of operation, interconnected with the function of the compressor and the transmission of compressed air through several channels, of course, does not allow you to set the level of the body position with a high degree of accuracy. But thanks to highly accurate indicators, drivers of modern systems, nevertheless, can count on receiving more or less reliable ground clearance data, as well as on its automatic correction.

Mechanism benefits

The main benefit of air suspension comes down to ride comfort. Neither the driver nor the passengers feel sharp shocks when driving on uneven surfaces, for example, when compared with traditional types of springs. Flexibility in installation, management and operation in general is also noted. Point adjustment of mechanisms allows more rational use of the resource of elements and assemblies on which the air suspension is based. The pros and cons in this regard can converge anddiverge, since the separate control of the components also causes the complexity of setting up the system. And another significant plus lies directly in the possibility of raising the clearance, which is not available for alternative suspension options.

Disadvantages of air suspension

Again, the complexity of the suspension mechanisms comes to the fore. The point is not only the problematic installation of such systems, but also the further complexity of the repair. Even if you manage to find a good specialist, individual components can fail so that a review of the entire infrastructure is required. True, if a single-circuit rear air suspension is used, then serious problems in this regard can be avoided. Such kits are characterized by simplicity, a minimum amount of fittings and auxiliary components.

There is a whole group of disadvantages associated with the sensitivity of the compressor. It has already been said that the system does not tolerate liquid flooding, but it is also afraid of frost. To this, it is worth adding the requirements for the road surface that the air suspension imposes. The pros and cons in this part are also intertwined when compared with other mechanical types of suspensions. Pneumatics is good because its actuating units are characterized by strength and wear resistance. However, the functional working part with the compressor and electrical components may be damaged without proper protection.

Air suspension reviews

During operation, air suspension users note stabilitymovement, smoothness and convenience in the management of mechanisms. This is especially true for automatic systems. On the other hand, all of the listed properties are relevant only in cases where a standard factory air suspension is used. Owner reviews of packages that were implemented in artisanal ways contain a lot of criticism. It is expressed both in the need for constant replacement of individual parts, and in violations in the on-board electrical circuit, as well as in the mechanical weakness of the structure as such.

Conclusion

The choice of a factory pneumatic package as an option does not always justify itself. It should be borne in mind that initially such systems were developed for trucks, in which they show their best qualities. Thanks to a well-installed air suspension, the minibus can provide a high body lift, its automatic leveling under conditions of uneven loading, etc. These and other advantages may be useful to the driver of a passenger car, but we must not forget about the high financial costs. In addition to the considerable price tag of pneumatics as an option, the driver will also need regular investments in the maintenance of the mechanism.