Air Springs
Air springs are an essential component of the air suspension. Basically, it is an air bag found at the corners of a vehicle that support the vehicle and absorbs shocks hence providing a smooth ride. Compressors inflate air springs with pressurized air through air lines until the car is at height of your choice.
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The whole assembly of air springs consists of valves, pipes, air supply tank, and bellows. They have been in use for decades, especially in heavy-duty vehicles. Air springs can be use as shock absorbers, tensioners, vibration isolators, and linear actuators. Under loads air springs are quite flexible. However, they become stiffer when compressed massive loads
Air springs have some advantages over coil or leaf springs. First, they offer comfort since you can change the air pressure inside the springs accordingly. This feature enables one to vary the spring rate and hence the quality of the ride. Additionally, new suspensions systems can use air springs without an air compressor.
Benefits of air springs
- Eliminating Sag or squats when inside of your car is sitting low due to heavy load.
- Reducing poor steering and braking
- Air springs ensure that weight is distributed properly to all the wheels of the vehicle for optimal steering and raking.
- Prevent Vehicle swaying
Your vehicle swaying on the road is one of the worst things that can happen to you on the road. Air springs allow precise height adjustment. They virtually eliminate vehicles sway.
Improve ride quality
Air springs eliminate rough rides and provide ride quality. It keeps your tires on the road for perfect handing. These springs also improve vehicle stability, especially in emergency situations.
Types of Air Springs
Rolling Lobe
These air springs consist of a rubber bladder that can either fold inwards or roll outward. This movement depends on the direction and distance the springs are moved. Rolling lobs air springs have little strength and force capacity.
Convoluted Bellow
Convoluted bellow air springs consist of three short below with several units each reinforced by one girdle hoop. These air springs have high force capacity. In fact, they are capable of producing power ten times than rolling lobe air springs and last twice longer. However, stroke is less usable.
Signs of Bad Air Springs
- Suspension sagging
When air springs wear out, they will not be in a position to offer the needed suspension. As a result, your vehicle will sag in the particle side decreasing comfort and handling.
- Air compression running constantly
Damaged air springs allow air to escape. Compressor constantly runs to compensate for pressure loss.
Air springs help to level vehicle suspension. They are essential to the overall ride handling and characteristics. If you notice a problem with air springs do not hesitate to have, it checked by a professional mechanic.
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Read more about your car’s suspension systems: