Pneumatic suspension on "Gazelle Next"

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

As you know, truck suspension in the 20th century was of the spring type. However, in the 90s, European manufacturers began to install air systems. Thus, vibration damping was carried out by pneumatic cushions. Now such a suspension is installed on domestic cars. Basically, these are 5- and 10-ton trucks. However, there are a number of examples of installing an air suspension on a Gazelle, the carrying capacity of which is 1.5 tons. This is a really effective refinement of the chassis. What is the air suspension on the Gazelle Next and how much does it cost, consider below.

Characteristic

Pneumosuspension provides regulation of vehicle clearance relative to the road surface. Also, this system provides vibration damping. Works on a similar principle. Only in contrast to the spring elastic elements here are pillows.

Inside them air is pumped from the receivers under pressure. Currently used on mainline tractors, as well as on passenger cars as an option.

Benefits

Why do "gazelists" switch to using such a suspension? Its main advantage is reliability. Springs sag over time. Of course, they can be re-rolled. But this is an additional waste of time and money. Pneumopillows do not require such maintenance and pay off already in 2-3 years of operation. In addition, the installed air suspension on the Gazelle ensures a smooth ride. After all, pillows are an elastic element and compensate for all buildups, as well as vibrations. A car with this suspension rides more smoothly.

Another plus is handling. Yes, the pillows will not turn the Gazelle into a racing car, but they will significantly reduce roll, especially on long turns. After all, as you know, there is a continuous bridge behind. And on the old versions of the Gazelles, there is also a dependent beam in front. The car wobbles a lot on corners and in the pits. Installing air suspension on the Gazelle improves the truck's handling, which has a positive effect on safety.

The next advantage is suspension strength. When fully loaded, the leaf springs are strongly bent. The ground clearance is also reduced. With pneumatic cushions, the driver himself can adjust the clearance and suspension stiffness on the rear axle. In addition, "glasses" have a high margin of safety.

Views

There are several typesair suspension:

• Single-loop.
• Double-circuit.
• Four-circuit.

For the Gazelles, it is the first type that is chosen. This is the simplest and cheapest suspension for commercial vehicles. Mounted on one axle (usually on the rear). The airbags are controlled by a single solenoid valve and inflate evenly.

Dual-circuit mounted on both axles of the car. In this case, they are controlled by different valves. The driver can choose his own pressure setting on each of the vehicle's axles.

Four-circuit - the most complex and expensive suspension. Used only on premium cars or SUVs. In this case, each pillow is independent. The driver can adjust the pressure not only on each axle, but also on each side of it.

Cost

The average price for a single-circuit suspension for the Gazelle Next is from 15 to 20 thousand rubles.

This parameter depends on the completeness of the goods. So, the minimum set includes:

• Fastener.
• Pneumatic springs (manufactured by AirCraft or AirTech).
• High pressure plastic tubing.
• Nipple adapters.
• Fitting.

A complete air suspension kit for the Gazelle consists of:

• Fasteners.
• Compressor.
• 9 liter receiver.
• Plastic tubes, fittings, nipples, pillows.
• Manometer.
• Blockfuses.
• Air pressure sensor in the circuit.
• Dehumidifier.
• Pneumatic distributor.

Installation

It is worth noting that the installation of pneumatic elements is carried out between the spring and the frame channel. The pillow is fixed on aluminum plates that come with the kit. To do this, you need to drill the appropriate holes. Next, the plate is installed on the bolts. The pillows themselves are placed in a deflated state. The structure is clamped from below with ladders. The receiver is installed in any convenient place. It can be the lower part of the body or the engine compartment. But in the latter case, you will have to lay long hoses through the entire car. Also lay the control wires for the solenoid valve and connect the compressor. The latter is powered by a 12 volt network. The fittings are securely twisted in the seats.

Additionally install control buttons in the passenger compartment and a pressure gauge. This will allow you to monitor the pressure in the system remotely and adjust the parameters if necessary. This is how the air suspension is installed on the Gazelle. You can repeat it with your own hands. The technology is similar to the one described above. However, remember that self-assembly will void your warranty. The manufacturer allows installation only on specialized services.

Maintenance

The main enemy of pillows is dirt. When accumulated on the surface of the pad, it acts as an abrasive. After all, when the pressure is released, the rubber parts of the element are in close contact with each other. The same thing happens when the cushion is damped when the car passes an uneven section of the road. As a result, the element cracks. Involuntary bleeding of air begins. If this problem is not corrected in time, replacing the pillow with a new one, the compressor may burn out from constant loads.

How to avoid premature failure of the pillow? In order for the air suspension on the Gazelle to last for a long time, its condition should be periodically checked and the pneumatic elements should be washed. In anticipation of the winter cold, it is recommended to treat the pillows with silicone lubricant (for example, in the form of a spray). Do not use VD-40 and others for this. Lubricant should only be silicone. It will create a dense greasy layer on the surface, which will prevent the ingress of s alts and dirt. Spray should only be applied to a thoroughly washed and dry surface. To ensure that the composition penetrates all the grooves, apply it to fully inflated pillows. It is also not allowed to operate the suspension at a pressure of less than 1 bar.