The suspension system in cars is responsible for making vehicles more comfortable to drive and safer too. But air suspension hasn't always been as advanced as it is today. Although it dates back to the early 1900s, air suspension didn't become a thing in cars up until 1955.
Back then the Citroen DS used hydropneumatic suspension which was similar to what air suspension looks like today, without the fluid. The air suspension system we know today has gone through several changes and it has been brought to more affordable vehicles too. Once, only luxury cars could have an air suspension system but today anyone can have it with an air bag suspension kit.
Benefits of Air Suspension
Ride
The first and most notable difference you feel with air suspension is the level of comfort it provides over any other suspension system. If you want to get the most comfortable ride on any car over any terrain an airbag suspension system is the best solution.
Versatility
The latest versions of air suspension allow you to also adjust the level of comfort of your car. This is done by adjusting the ride height which also allows you to increase or decrease ground clearance depending on the type of terrain you're driving. This makes your driving experience more versatile even if you have a sedan and not just a large SUV.
Economy
By being able to adjust your ride height you're able to accommodate your vehicle to perform well on any terrain but also to not use a lot of fuel on each of them. This is especially the case when you lower your ride height. This makes for a more aerodynamic vehicle thus one that uses less fuel to propel itself.
Components of Air Suspension
Compressor
The main component of any type of air suspension system nowadays is the air compressor. In order for you to be able to have a comfortable ride and to adjust the ride height of your car you need to get air from somewhere. This is where an air compressor comes into play as it gets air from outside and it distributes it to the load assist air bags in order to keep your vehicle level. But you need another component for this.
Accumulator
The accumulator is where all the air the compressor gathers, goes to. This is a tank in which the pressurised air sits. The air is then used at different times to increase ride height. When you're lowering ride height air is released. An air accumulator also helps provide an even transition between different pressures.
Supply Line
If it isn't for the supply line, nothing of the above would happen. All that air moving around from one place to another needs a path that guides it through. Therefore supply lines are used to essentially carry the air to the airbags. Although mainly made of rubber or polyurethane, supply lines can also be made of steel.
Airbag
The airbags themselves are where the air is held. They are what provide the structural support for your vehicle be it when standing still or moving. Also known as air bellows, load assist air bags are made of rubber which has great compressive abilities and it also helps absorb vibrations quite well.
Control Valve
In order to be able to adjust ride height an air compressor needs a height control valve. This is essentially a sensor that is able to detect the change of height when it comes to the axle in regards to the frame of your vehicle. Although these valves are mainly mechanical there are also electronic ones which are referred to as HCV.
Solenoid
When it comes to electronically operated air bag suspension kits you also have one more component, the solenoid. A solenoid is part of the ECU of the suspension system which is opened and closed when it comes to inflating or deflating the airbags.
Types of Air Suspension Systems
Bellow Air
The most commonly used air suspension system is a bellow air system. This airbag suspension system is made of circular rubber that has two convolutions. When air is compressed, these convolutions allow for the proper displacement and transition of air. When you want to replace your coil spring suspension, you should go for a bellow air bag suspension kit.
Piston Air
A piston-type air suspension system has a metal air container that looks like an inverted drum. This container is sitting on a spring and it has a sliding piston that's connected to the lower wishbone. The seal is provided by a diaphragm with its outer circumference connected to the lip of the container.
Elongated
With an elongated bellows-type air suspension system you have a suspension system employed directly to the rear axle of your car. Although similar to the bellow air system, an elongated bellow-type system has a rectangular shape with two semi-circular ends. Shaped like an elbow, they are linked to both the frame and rear axle.
