Air suspension is the only technique that can be regarded as entirely realistic for making large adjustments to your ride height while moving. Even though many so-called experts on the forum would disparage it, it has more advantages than just letting you drive your automobile into the weeds. Yes, it does, without a doubt, make your car look more fashionable. However, this does not mean that performance must be significantly affected. There are often many trade-offs in more conventional hydraulic systems, but what about air? That is a different kettle of fish, though. The highest quality contemporary vehicle-specific kits are built with performance in mind. In most cases, it will improve handling above standard conditions and frequently offer greater tunability than Coilover or spring and damper setups.
The truth is that modern airbags progress in the same manner as performance springs do. They become more rigid the more they are crushed. Performance-wise, this dynamic spring rate offers a lot of promise, especially when coupled with the right damper configuration. Air riding was a standard feature in drag racing and NASCAR competition as early as the 1950s. You’d be surprised to learn that air suspension is used by more race cars and drifters than you might think.
A ride on air suspension can be as stiff and controlled, as comfortable and relaxed, or anywhere in between, in terms of adaptability. During the race, you can easily change the pressure to make the ride more difficult, and when it’s time to head home, you may unwind in comfort. Another scenario is that you want to enjoy the ease of pulling up your driveway while maintaining a very low gas tank in your car. This is likely a unique idea with Air Ride Parts.
How does an Air-ride car’s suspension function?
Even if there are a few unusual arrangements, the fundamental principle of how an air ride works remains the same. In contrast to hydraulic suspension, which employs a predetermined volume of fluid delivered (at very high pressure) to rams situated on each vehicle corner, air suspension uses an “open” system that continuously releases and refills air.
This cycle is centered on an air tank as its focal point within a streetcar system. Each airbag receives its air supply through valves or solenoids, causing the vehicle to rise as the internal pressure increases. The same air is discharged into the atmosphere once more before it drops.
The tank will act as a storage space for the bags, and a compressor will make sure it is consistently full. The level of fullness in the tank will be consistently maintained. A bigger tank will have more air in reserve for more raising and lowering cycles, while a bigger compressor (or several compressors) will fill the tank to the right pressure more quickly.
Although operating a system directly off a compressor is possible, it would take a very long time to build up enough pressure to lift the car. Some race cars and trucks have been known to use a closed system, which consists of taking out all of the system’s parts save for the bags and replacing them with an externally mounted valve that fills the bags. However, given that the ability to make adjustments while driving is the main selling point, this cannot be seen as realistic for a road vehicle.
Why would you choose air-ride suspension over another type of suspension?
Applications for air suspension are numerous. As was already noted, moving things from one place to another is one of the most popular applications. Because it allows for incredibly low ride-height settings while allowing for the flexibility to lift on demand and traverse even the most difficult highways or on-road obstacles, it is also very well-liked in the performance and styling circles.
Is there any potential harm in using air suspension?
Everything has advantages and disadvantages, but the air has a few drawbacks.
Air suspension systems can produce quite amazing results if they are constructed properly, even though most air ride kits are better suited for road and show cars than for race cars, which value height adjustment and ride quality above overall handling performance.
The likelihood of something going wrong (such as the bag popping or the line blowing) is quite low unless you install it incorrectly.
You will be entirely satisfied if you spend the money on a high-quality kit from a reliable supplier and have it properly installed.
What other adjustments need to be made before installing an air suspension system?
Nothing combines better with air suspension than a nice set of rims when it comes to lowering your car as low as it can go for the optimal stance, and this is particularly true when trying to get it as low as possible. The right set of wheels and tires is crucial for completing any lowered car’s appearance. Air Lift advised that you have your optimum wheel and tire combination in mind before installing your air suspension. This will guarantee that it will fit and work properly after everything is put together.
Maintenance for air ride suspension kits
Air suspension System don’t need any more maintenance than a set of coil overs; they need a periodic check to ensure nothing is rubbing, worn out, or broken. Contrary to what you may have heard, leaking and broken bags happen infrequently. One rule must always be followed: moisture in the system is the enemy. If the kit is installed properly, it should last a lifetime. Adding fluid to a digital manifold is bad news for your financial status. The worst that can happen if the fluid freezes while it is contained within the lines, is that it will expand and crack the plastic pipes.
