What is air suspension? How does an air suspension system work? What are the benefits of an air suspension system and what are its drawbacks? What are the main components of the air suspension ?….
What is an Air Suspension System (ASS)?
An electric compressor or pump that pumps air into flexible bellows of rubber and polyurethane type makes an air suspension system. Air suspensions on older models are manually controlled, but modern vehicles include sensors that enable the system to automatically adjust for any changes.
For vehicles with an air suspension system, rubber and polyurethane air bellows are used in place of leaf suspension or steel coil springs. These air bellows act in the same way as spring suspension systems by being inflated to a specific pressure by an electric pump or air compressor. Air can be controlled by an electronic control module or air valves to allow air to enter different parts of this system.
Air Suspension System Components
Air suspension is a well-known invention. The first patent for it was granted in 1901. It was first used in WWII by the US military on heavy trucks to maintain ride height irrespective of vehicle weight. It was used as standard equipment on Cadillac Eldorado Brougham’s late 1950s Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. Nowadays, it is widely used in high-end luxury vehicles, SUVs, and SUVs.
The early versions of this system were simple. Coil springs were replaced by air bellows. The bellows were inflated to the right pressure using an external compressor. A valve was attached to the bellows. Technology has allowed for more components to be added to the system. Air suspensions today have many similarities, despite the fact that there are very few differences between manufacturers.
The material used to make the air bellows is not changing much over time. The bellows, a composite material made of rubber and polyurethane, is resistant to abrasion and can be used to maintain structural integrity, prevent leakage and resist chemicals.
There are many ways to make bellows. Double-decker bellows are in the form of an hourglass. This design allows for greater lateral flexibility than other models. The conical bellows are the same as other models, but they can be adapted to fit in tighter spaces. The preferred shape is round depending on the application and desired ride height.
Air suspension systems almost always have an independent compressor. A compressor is an electric pump which supplies air to the blowers via a series compressed air hoses. The compressor is typically found on the vehicle’s chassis or trunk. Most compressors include an integrated dryer. The compressor draws outside air into it, compresses and then sends it to blowers. Humidity can cause system damage. The dryer’s job is to absorb moisture before it is sent to the blowers.
Simple systems rely on the compressor for pressure maintenance, increasing or decreasing. Advanced systems require an additional air tank to maintain pressure. This allows for a smooth transition between pressures. You can either activate the compressor manually, or by an electronic system that allows you to control it remotely.
Today’s air suspension systems use valves that control the flow of air. In electronic controlled systems, solenoids inflate and deflate the bellows. The solenoids can inflate and deflate bellows by opening or closing them according to the required driving conditions.
All of this is managed by an electronic control unit. The suspension control module controls on/off switches and monitors pressure. It also adjusts ride height. The suspension control module gathers data from many sensors, including height sensors. It then turns on or off the compressor as necessary. It can, for example, automatically lower the vehicle’s height when it exceeds a speed limit or raise the vehicle’s height on bumpy roads. All these can vary depending on the suspension system and features in the vehicle.
Air Suspension System Advantages
A car with air suspension has the greatest advantage: it can be adjusted in height. The height can be adjusted in seconds by increasing or decreasing the volume in the bellows.
Comfort
Air suspension systems are a great option for cars that offer better driving comfort. Air suspension adjusts to provide a more comfortable driving experience, especially on bumpy roads. It also significantly improves vehicle handling. Passenger comfort is also improved by using air bellows rather than springs on the wheels.
Vibration and noise reduction
Air suspension has another advantage: it is more wear-resistant than traditional suspension systems and less vibration in heavy-duty vehicles. Air suspension compensates for bumps and potholes in the road. This keeps your vehicle quiet.
Better Handling Ability
Air suspension allows drivers to customize their vehicle according to their preferences. They can switch between soft, normal and hard modes. A stiffer suspension may be preferred for highway driving, while a soft suspension is more suitable for bumpy roads. The driver had complete control, regardless of road conditions. Safety is increased by the fact that the vehicle’s height can be adjusted to suit the road conditions, especially when turning. The vehicle will not skid around corners at high speeds by lowering its height. In off-road conditions, raising the height can be extremely beneficial as it reduces the chance of hitting the ground.
Some cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lincoln Aviator, have cameras that monitor the roads. These cameras are integrated with the air suspension. It activates the suspension system automatically when it detects large objects in the road.
Easier Load Handling
Air suspension’s ease of transporting loads is another advantage. Air suspension can be adjusted to fit the load. This makes loading easier right from the beginning. Air suspension provides consistency across all wheels. Air suspension reduces the risk of your vehicle skidding or tilting in corners. This makes the suspension system more stable, reduces the burden on the components, and lowers the chance of it causing damage. This improves vehicle traction and provides better control regardless of how heavy the load.
Fuel savings
Air suspension systems allow vehicles to be adjusted in accordance with road conditions. This allows for greater fuel savings. You can lower the vehicle’s height on the highway to improve aerodynamics and wind resistance. Suspension that suits the road condition will allow for better vehicle control and fuel consumption. If you are driving on extremely curvy roads, it is possible to accelerate at higher speeds and not have to stop.
Air Suspension System: The Downsides
Higher cost
Air suspension systems have the disadvantage of being more expensive than spring suspensions. This is why it is only available as an optional equipment on high-end cars. Mercedes’ AirMatic system is the most well-known. To switch to air suspension for the Volvo XC90, you will need to pay $2000 more.
Repair and maintenance costs
Air suspension has a disadvantage in that it is expensive to maintain and repair. While air suspension cars are relatively reliable for the short term, older vehicles tend to have problems. The malfunctioning of any bellows could be caused by over-inflation. Over time, metal and composite parts can crack, leak, and become brittle. You should have your suspension repaired if you notice that your car is leaning to one side when driving. The coil spring system is cheaper but does not offer the same benefits of air suspension.
Mechanical Problems
Mechanical problems can also be a problem with air suspension systems. Your suspension might fail because of rust or moisture damage to the interior or the air assembly. Common problems include leaks in the air bellows, which can lead to the compressor burning out.
