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Conversion Kits Aftermarket conversion kits for the older cars with air ride suspensions have become a hot item in recent years because the kits provide a repair solution for vehicles that might otherwise be too expensive to fix. read more... |
Performance Possibilities A whole new generation of younger vehicle owners are spending serious money these days customizing sport compact cars. The hot nameplates are Honda, Accord and Mitsubishi, but you'll also see Chevy Cavaliers, Ford Focuses and other nameplates among their ranks. read more... |
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Air Ride Basics Understanding the operating logic of an air ride suspension system is important when trying to make a diagnosis because all of these systems are different. If you don't understand the logic, you can't always tell if the system is functioning correctly or not. read more... |
Lincoln Logic On the older Lincoln systems, the control module monitors ride height for up to an hour after the ignition is turned off, venting pressure as needed to maintain correct ride height. During this time it will lower, but not raise the vehicle. read more... |
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Air Ride Problems Air suspension problems fall into one of three categories: Electrical, Electronic and Air Supply. One of the leading causes of compressor failure is air leaks (usually in the air springs or lines). read more... |
General Service Precautions The first thing to keep in mind when servicing vehicles with electronic air suspensions is to watch out for those that are self-leveling - especially if the vehicle is going to be raised on a lift to change the tires or work on the brakes. read more... |
Air Ride Basics
With an air ride suspension, hollow inflatable rubber bags (air springs) are used in place of ordinary coil steel springs or leaf springs. The rubber bags are flexible and have a certain amount of give, so they help absorb and dampen bumps to better isolate the suspension from the vehicle's occupants. Air springs also provide a variable spring rate and offer increased stiffness the more they are compressed.
On some vehicles, an air bladder is incorporated into a strut or shock to provide additional dampening and/or ride height control. Air shocks are one such example, and are often used on the rear for automatic load leveling. On some applications, a strut may have both a conventional steel spring with an additional air bladder on top to vary ride height and/or spring stiffness.
Most air suspensions and automatic load leveling systems use some type of height sensor to monitor ride height. When the suspension is lower than its normal ride height, the system module energizes a relay to turn on a compressor and pump air into the air springs, shocks or struts through solenoid valves. When the desired ride height is reached, the module turns the compressor turns off and remains on standby until further corrections are needed. If ride height is too high because a heavily loaded vehicle has just been unloaded, the system module will open solenoids to vent air from the springs.
Maintaining a consistent ride height is important because ride height affects wheel alignment, tire wear, handling, traction and the aiming of the headlights. It can even affect fuel economy at highway speeds. Some late-model SUVs with air ride suspensions automatically lower themselves an inch or two at highways speeds to improve their aerodynamics and reduce wind resistance. The driver may also have a ride height switch that allows him to increase ride height and ground clearance when driving off-road.
On many applications, the air ride system may remain active for a certain period of time after the engine has been turned off. The system continues to monitor ride height and may make corrections by adding or venting air as needed. There may be a built-in delay so the corrections do not occur immediately when the occupants exit the vehicle or unload the trunk.
Understanding the operating logic of an air ride suspension system is important when trying to make a diagnosis because all of these systems are different. If you don't understand the logic, you can't always tell if the system is functioning correctly or not.
