The basic air suspension system comprises a compressor, storage tank, air springs, lines and fittings, and a control mechanism. When integrated, these components constitue the vehicles' primary suspension system, and allow for adjustable ride height by changing air pressure, which alters the air spring load and rate characteristics.
An air spring employs a flexible membrane to capture compressed air. The spring is the air, and an air spring takes advantage of the physical properties of air that allow it to be compressed. As the bag is compressed, the air pressure in the bag increases, forcing the bag to seek a return to its static height, or to rebound, similar to a steel spring.
The suspension set-up on a car is there to even out the bumps and dips you go over when you drive. It serves a sort of leveling function. A good suspension set-up will easily smooth out a choppy ride, but when a car sports a wonky suspension, you’ll definitely feel it. Traditionally, the suspension is fashioned from steel with steel springs, but the increasingly popular air-adjustable suspension works with air sacs filled with compressed air. An air bag, or an air spring, replaces the conventional metal spring and when the air pressure is supplied, the suspension is smoothed and leveled while driving. A pump (also known as a compressor) pressurizes the air and uses it as a spring.
An air bag, or an air spring, replaces the conventional metal spring and when the air pressure is supplied, the suspension is smoothed and leveled while driving. A pump (also known as a compressor) pressurizes the air and uses it as a spring.
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