A Technical Guide to Its Key Components
Air suspension systems have revolutionized the automotive industry by offering superior comfort, enhanced handling, and customizable adaptability. Unlike traditional coil-spring suspensions, air-spring suspensions utilize pressurized air chambers to provide a smoother, more tailored ride. In this guide, we will explore the key components of an air suspension system and how they work together to deliver a dynamic driving experience.
Key Components of an Air Suspension System
Air Struts & Springs
At the core of an air suspension system are the air struts and/or air springs, paired with separate shock absorbers. In a full air suspension setup, each corner—both front and rear—is equipped with either an air strut or a combination of an air spring and shock absorber.
Each air spring features a multi-ply, cross-corded rubber design for durability and long-lasting performance. Stainless steel crimping rings ensure an airtight seal between the rubber sleeve and the upper and lower mounting components. While air springs are subject to wear and tear, they are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and resist constant exposure to dirt and road debris. Air springs have an expected lifespan of 6 to 10 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
But how does air suspension work in practice? Well, the struts, springs, and shock absorbers in an air suspension system function similarly to those in conventional coil suspension systems, with one key difference, instead of coil springs, pressurized air springs bear the vehicle’s weight. Shock absorbers work alongside the air springs to control damping and smooth out road impacts. Together, they help the vehicle maintain the right ride height, enhance suspension performance, and adjust seamlessly to different loads.
The Compressor
The compressor supplies and regulates the air pressure needed to maintain the air springs at the desired level. Many compressors include an integrated dryer that absorbs moisture from the system. This moisture evaporates due to the heat generated by the compressor and is expelled into the atmosphere each time the pressure-release valve opens to release excess air pressure.
When height sensors detect that the vehicle has deviated from its preset height, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) activates the compressor. The compressed air flows through the valve block and air hoses to the air springs, adjusting the ride height as necessary. In case the system has a pressure reservoir, the pressure normally comes directly from the reservoir, and the compressor is activated to restore the pressure of the reservoir.
The Valve Block
The valve block regulates airflow to control the inflation and deflation of the air springs. It ensures that each air spring receives the correct amount of air, based on input from the ECU. When excess pressure needs to be released, air flows back from the air springs to the valve block, where it is either expelled through a pressure-release valve or stored in a pressure reservoir for later use.
The Pressure Reservoir
The pressure reservoir, typically positioned towards the rear of the vehicle, acts as a buffer and storage unit for compressed air. Maintaining a reserve of pressurized air allows for rapid height adjustments while reducing the frequency of compressor activation. This minimizes wear and overheating of the compressor, helping extend the system’s lifespan and improving overall efficiency.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) serves as the brain of the air suspension system. It processes data from height sensors while monitoring engine speed, acceleration, and system pressure to determine whether the air springs need to be inflated or deflated to achieve the predetermined ride height. The ECU accomplishes this by regulating the solenoid valves within the valve block and activating the compressor to supply the necessary air pressure, ensuring that the suspension dynamically adapts to changing driving conditions.
A common misconception is that the air suspension system continuously inflates or deflates the air springs to adjust for every movement, such as during cornering. In reality, advanced suspension systems incorporate electronically controlled shock absorbers that instantly adjust stiffness. These absorbers adapt to driving conditions, stabilizing the vehicle during turns, braking, or acceleration without the need for constant air adjustments. This results in a more responsive and efficient system that maintains a smooth and controlled ride.
Ride Height Sensors
Mounted between the axle and the chassis—typically at each corner of the vehicle—ride height sensors continuously monitor the vehicle’s position and ride height, transmitting this data to the ECU. When a deviation from the preset ride height is detected, the ECU evaluates whether adjustments are needed. If so, it signals the valve block to implement the pre-calculated height adjustments.
This automated cycle ensures that the suspension system promptly adapts to fluctuations in weight, road conditions, and driving dynamics. All components of the air suspension system work seamlessly to deliver a controlled, adaptive, and comfortable driving experience.
Benefits of Air Suspension
Now that we’ve explained how air suspension works, let’s explore its key benefits. While it shares some similarities with traditional suspension systems, air suspension stands out with several distinct advantages:
Adjustable Ride Height: Easily adjust the ride height to match different driving conditions.
Enhanced Comfort and Reduced NVH: Experience improved comfort with reduced noise, vibrations, and harshness.
Automatic Load-Leveling: Maintain full suspension travel, no matter the load
Improved Stability and Fuel Efficiency: Lowering the ride height at high speeds boosts vehicle stability and reduces fuel consumption.
This information is provided by Arnott Suspension Products, a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality suspension components for the aftermarket. With over 35 years of experience, Arnott is an expert in suspension systems. Arnott’s products are crafted with high-quality OE components, ensuring perfect form, fit, and function. Each product is rigorously tested at Arnott’s American and European facilities and custom-tuned to suit specific vehicle makes and models.
