Air Ride Suspension Systems

Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an engine driven Electric air pump or compressor. Using an air Suspension Compressor, it will turn on to fill the air bags when needed. This pump pressurizes the air, using compressed air as a spring. An air suspension dryer is attached directly to the compressor. The function of the air dryer is to capture the moisture that is released when the air is compressed. Air suspension replaces conventional steel springs. With a height sensor the vehicle height can be determined. Working together, the air compressor and computer will allow the proper amount of air to be dispersed to the bags. There is a solenoid in the air bags; the solenoid will close once the correct amount of air has been achieved. If for some reason there is a surplus of air the solenoid will open letting the air out and bring the vehicle to factory height. All this is possible with a control module; this is the brain of the system. The control module controls the air suspension compressor through a solid state relay. If the height sensor determines a change, the information is sent to the control module and the air suspension system begins to work. The purpose of air suspension is to provide a smooth ride quality and in some cases self-leveling. Air suspension has been installed on vehicles for years and is one of the most dependable systems if properly maintained. These Air Suspension Systems can have many benefits, great ride quality, increase handling, decrease tire wear, and the ability to adapt to changing loads.

How This Air Suspension System Works: they are 2 air springs bags at the rear that are filled with air by a suspension compressor pump. The number one reason for compressor failure is old dry rotted air spring bags. If you have a leak in the bags for a period of time chances are it will damage the air compressor by lowering its output capacity, or by burning out the motor. If the air compressor is still in working condition a good thing to consider is to change the dryer, in order to extend the life of the compressor.

What is a compressor dryer? It is a small container that holds a powder desiccant that removes the moisture from the suspension system.

Your vehicle has 2 gas shocks in the front and 2 gas shocks in the rear. It is recommended that these shocks are replaced every 50,000 miles for improved handling and braking.

Air spring bags dry rot over time, usually between 5-7 years. Making sure that the air bags are in good condition is a great way to insure the life of the compressor.

Here are some vehicles with an Air Spring Bags and Gas Shocks Suspension System:

Functions of this air suspension system: the two air spring bags, located at the rear of the vehicle, are inflated with air when the system recognizes a change. The system works as a unit to maintain ride height as the vehicle is in motion. A height sensor sends a message to the control module that the height of the vehicle is incorrect. Control module will power the air compressor on, in order to fill the air spring bags. Solenoids located at the top of the air bags allow the air to flow in and out of the bags as needed. The same will apply to the air shocks at the front of the vehicle, although there are no solenoids, the system acknowledges the change. Also located at the rear are gas shocks, these pressurized gas shocks help the vehicles suspension ride. Good for at least 50,000 miles these gas shocks should be changed to ensure good ride quality.

Here are some vehicles with an Air Spring Bags and Air Shocks Suspension System:

In this air system you have an air spring bag strut assembly. The struts are covered with an air spring bag that is inflated with air by an onboard compressor. The Air Suspension Compressor turns on to fill the air bag strut, the solenoid attached to the air bag strut closes when the bag has been filled to the proper height. All of this is possible with the help of a control module. The control module works like the brain of the system, and tells the compressor to come on as needed.

Here are some vehicles with an Air Spring Bag Struts Suspension System:

Electronic self leveling system is an air suspension system that adjusts as the load of the vehicle changes. If the control module reads a change it sends a signal to the air compressor to fill the shocks with air. At the top of the shock there are electronic connectors that work with the computer of the vehicle to correct the height of the vehicle. The front of the vehicle has electronic gas shocks that also work together with the computer to maintain good ride quality. An air compressor dryer is connected to the air compressor; this dryer helps eliminate moisture in the air that is caused by compressed air.

Here are some vehicles with an Electronic Air & Gas Shock Suspension System: