How to Install an Air Suspension System in Your Car?
In case you don’t know about the Air Suspension system, it uses air rubber bags in tires instead of a mechanical spring system to balance the car’s movement & support the vehicle’s weight. The formula is very simple. The compressed air will absorb the pressure while driving the car and adjust according to the road to maintain the balance of the vehicle. The system also takes into consideration the weights inside the car accordingly to continue the perpendicular positional driving, improving the safety, comfort, and aerodynamic balance.
Installing an Air Suspension system requires several steps in working that we are going to discuss in this article later. But do you know the reasons companies are now replacing spring systems with Air suspension systems in their manufacturing units?
Air suspension system offers great benefits in comparison to the traditional spring suspension system as mentioned below.
Benefits of Air Suspension System:
1. You Get An Adjustable Ride Height:
It allows you to ride on adjustable heights that give you flexibility and comfort during various driving angles, heights, and weights. The height is under your control and you can raise or lower it for better aerodynamic balance.
2. Improves Your Ride Quality:
The air suspension system absorbs road shocks by bumps and vibrations from uneven road surfaces. It further results in reduced driver & passenger fatigue, allowing people to have a fun & comfortable ride.
3. Load Levelling:
Air suspension automatically adjusts the vehicle height with the increasing load on it. This helps you while driving and keeps you stable.
4. Enhances Handling & Stability:
You get better-controlled handling & stability while driving. The air suspension system helps you reduce road vibrations as well as offers the right control over speed. Better handling gives control over body roll during optimal tire contact with the road.
5. Improves Control Over Corner Driving:
You get better control over the corners of the road. While turning or crossing a road on an uneven road, it lets you have better control over the road.
Installation Process of an Air Suspension System:
While there are easy steps to install an air suspension system in your vehicle, we want to expose the whole technical process in a detailed manner. With the right understanding of the subject, you will be able to solve some issues by yourself only if faced ever. Don’t miss out on a point in the article and you will be a sound person to ask about this tech.
1. Understanding the Air Suspension System:
Air suspension systems use airbags or technically called air springs instead of the old traditional ones to maintain better aerodynamics while driving on the road. However, only an airbag is not the whole system. It has several other components like a compressor, and control module. Following are the different parts of an Air Suspension System that you should know about.
A. Air Spring:
These are air-filled rubber or polyurethane bags that are attached to each of the tires. This primary component helps adjust your vehicle’s height at times when needed. The airbags have compressed air controlled by an air compressor attached.
B. Air Compressor:
An air compressor is the heart of the system, releasing the compressed air into the bags. It has a typical air reservoir. The reservoir is to store the air to support the bags when needed. It draws air from the surrounding environment and offers a constant supply of air for suspension adjustments.
C. Control Module:
The control Module or Control Unit or the brain of the suspension system controls the release of compressed air into the bags. The unit takes inputs from several sensors such as height sensors or speed sensors and manages the air pressure in the air spring.
D. Height Sensors:
Height sensors are set up on the chassis of each vehicle. These sensors determine the height of the vehicle from the ground and adjust the air pressure accordingly with the help of a control unit.
E. Air Lines:
These are the veins of the whole system that transports the compressed air from the reservoir to the bags. These are made of tubes or hoses that are strong & reliable.
2. Preparing for Installation:
Don’t rush out to install the system without prior preparation. It is a crucial part of the installation especially when you’re doing it for the first time. Here are some tips for you to follow.
A. Gather All Tools & Equipment:
Look out for all the necessary tools required for the installation process. We can’t talk about the exact tools as they may vary accordingly with car models. But here we have some of the most common tools and equipment to install the air suspension system.
– Jack & Jack Stands
– Socket Wrench Set
– Screwdriver
– Pilers (regular & needle nose)
– Torque Wrenches
– Allen Wrenches
– Air compressor
– Air hose & fittings
– Electrical wire crimpers & connectors
– Wiring kits
– Suspension grease
B. Select the Appropriate Air Suspension Kit:
Not all suspension kits will suit your vehicle. Each vehicle has a different set of equipment that is designed only for that car. So whenever you’re shopping for an air suspension system for your vehicle, make sure to check the vehicle’s make, model number, year of manufacturing, and trim level.
Also, choose whether you want a full air suspension system or a partial one. You may also go for different compressor setups for better functioning.
C. Research & Consult the Vehicle’s Manual Guidelines:
I know you’re too excited to install the system but wait. Before you do any modification, understand the guidelines that come with the set. Read it or watch it or take some guidance help from the experts in the city. Refer to the manual and look for special instructions or precautions to follow.
D. Seek Safety & Support:
Finally, always do this work with full safety. Take the installation procedure seriously as it may cause some serious accidents while the installation itself. Always use gloves, safety glasses, and follow the exact guided procedures when working under the vehicle. Follow the right procedure guided by the manufacturer.
3. Step-by-Step Installation Process:
A. Safety Precautions:
– Wear appropriate safety gear such as glasses, gloves, and clothes. Also, keep your body at a comfort level.
– Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle and use a jack stand to keep it securely in that position.
– Disconnect the battery by cutting off the negative terminal.
B. Removal of Existing Suspension:
– Remove the wheels with the help of a Lug Wrench.
– Detach the old suspension components such as struts, shocks, and springs. Follow the guidelines.
– Properly store the removed parts in your garage.
C. Installation of the Air Suspension System:
– Mount the air springs as guided. Make sure to secure it with brackets.
– Mount the airlines at the most appropriate places. Connect them with an air spring with a proper seal.
– Now set up the control module to the vehicle electrical system as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
D. Testing and Calibration:
– Test the air suspension system through the control module and check for any leaks.
– Check all the functionality at different heights of the vehicle. Make sure everything goes smoothly & responds well to changes.
– Follow the guidance to set the appropriate air pressure levels & ride height setting.
4. Maintenance & Care Procedures:
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the system well-functioning & responding to changes. The long-term performance of an air suspension system depends on the regular maintenance & care procedures by the owner. Here are a few tips on how to keep your suspension system healthy for a long time.
– Regularly check the air pressure in your air suspension system. Keep them exactly what is guided by the manufacturer.
– Regularly inspect the suspension system for any probable leaks, tears, cracks, and visible cracks on airlines, airbags, and fittings.
– Dust, mud, and other contaminants offer probable damage to your system so better keep cleaning them periodically.
– Keep the excessive strain away by not overloading your vehicle.
– Avoid rough roads as much as possible to minimise the potential impact.
– Take considerations of any kind of noises coming from your air suspension system such as groans or squeaks.
– Always keep regular checking of your services in your priority list.
– Take extra precautions if you live in extreme weather conditions.
– Replace all the worn components with high-quality equipment from the manufacturer only.
– Follow the manual guidelines religiously.
Conclusion:
Air Suspension System has entered mainstream vehicles used by regular people. The system is more comfortable, and safe, and gives you an ultimate ride experience. Let me tell you that installing an air suspension is not that tough. However, people may fall into some issues if they don’t follow the guide.
In this article, we have shared with you everything that you need to install an air suspension system in your vehicle. Though you will need the official manufacturer’s guidance from their manual or videos, this article shows light on a general understanding & step-by-step installation method.
