Category Archives: Aftermarket Air Suspension

Complete Air Suspension Installaton, How to’s, Fabrication, Mod’s and more! Before your install give you a good ol ass kickin, check this out.

aftermarket air suspension
Aftermarket Air Suspension

Configuring and Adjusting Your New Air Suspension on Your Car

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What does an air suspension kit offer on installation?

– Better vehicle control

– More efficiency

– Comfort during driving

– Effective versatility

– Less or no shocks

Only real car enthusiasts tend to squeeze every last bit of its performance. We meet those wanderlust guys each day. When you install an air suspension, the work doesn’t end at the instalments only. Only the real geeks understand the issues, especially when they want to have a personalised comfort position.

The idea goes like this-How can I put my Volkswagen’s sub-frame on the ground, making it roar on the road?

In this article, we are talking solely about the technical part of air suspension, so if you’re a pro player in the game, stay. If you’re a new guy or less technical person, the article may be confusing on first read.

With all that is said, let’s dive deep.

Why You Should Not Apply One For All Instalment Setting? 

First, understand that there’s no ideal setting fit-for-all. The idea of picking up the right comfortable standard makes it super personal. Only you can decide what suits your driving the best. If you have spent nights experimenting with your wrench, congratulations, you’re on the right path. 

In this article, we will discuss a few major factors that would personalise your driving, which are: 

  • Spring Pressure
  • Damping Settings
  • Anti-Roll Bars
  • End Links
  • Design of the Suspension

Spring Pressure and Its Impact on Ride Quality: 

Spring Pressure is a special beneficiary only available to the Air Suspension system. Spring pressure allows the vehicle to get the right ride height by increasing the pressure. The air spring gets stiffer with the insertion of air and release of it. 

Having control over the air pressure gives you flexibility to change the ride height as desired. 

The ride height and amount of pressure needed to depend on the suspension design and what kind of vehicle you’re driving. An ideal spring pressure varies from one to the next.

1. Adjusting Air Springs: 

Suppose you have got a vehicle, directly from the garage and so you have decided not to customise the suspension setting, such as Lower Mounts or Spring Perches. 

Though you have checked and customised the vehicle’s height aesthetically and what seems good to you. 

Now the test drive! 

While test-driving the vehicle, you will see the real difference between what you imagined is right and what would be the real deal. 

You feel that the springs are softer. So your car has too much baby roll. You increase the air spring pressure and find the perfect firmness of the suspension. 

When you return to your home, you find your vehicle’s height is increased and has more wheel gap. 

No worries. Note that. That’s your personal four corner air spring pressure. 

When parking or shutting off your car, shorten the suspension to get back to its original state.

Seems your wrench will have a lot of tasks to complete.

( Also Read More – Exploring the Necessity of Airbag Suspension for Towing Heavy and Uneven Loads )

2. Damping Settings: 

Damping can be controlled by setting up a shock absorber. Inside the shock absorber system, there is a small orifice whose job is to restrict the flow of fluid during compression and rebound strokes. This restriction gives the desired damping. 

The modern damping control mechanism involves a shock absorber with an orifice valve and a damping adjustment knob. 

The adjustment knob controls the size of the orifice which restricts the hydraulic fluid flow, respectively. The smaller the orifice, the greater restrictions there will be. 

But how does damping work in reality? 

Whenever your vehicle hits a bump on the road, it experiences a shock, the spring will happily continue contracting and expanding, proceeding to release the energy for a long time after the bump. This is an example of underdamped. 

On the other hand, the extreme opposite of an overdamped situation is also not favorable for a vehicle. In that case, the suspension loses its ability to come back to its original position.

3. Anti-Roll Bars:

Anti-roll bars connect the left and right sides of the suspension. It minimises body roll every time you corner your vehicle. 

You, as per your comfort, can adjust the stiffness of the anti-roll bars, which will offer better control & support, especially during sharp turns on the roads. 

A soft setting allows for more flexibility and body roll, which offer a smoother ride. On the other hand, a stiffer setting offers less control to you and offers stability during cornering. 

Anti-roll bars affect the vehicle’s handling and tailor it to your preferences.

4. End Links: 

End Links connect anti-roll bars to the suspension components. The end link length can alter the preload on the anti-roll bars, which affects their efficiency of controlling body roll. 

Shorter end links increase preload and make anti-rolls stiffer whereas longer end links make them softer & flexible.

5. Design of the Suspension: 

The overall design of the suspension you’re using affects the whole idea of the suspension process. It involves air spring types, shock absorbers, and control algorithms which heavily personalise the comfort & control of driving. 

Modern suspension systems also include some advanced features, such as 

  1. Automatic adjustable ride height facility. 
  2. Advanced systems for different driving modes – comfort, eco, sport etc. for different conditions.

Understand the variations of different air suspension components, and you can modify them to get your personalised suspension comfort.

 Conclusion: 

Air suspension systems are subjective to people’s personal choices and the best experience will always be your personalised one, catered only to you.  

But how can you achieve it? 

In this article, we have discussed the air spring adjustment, damping settings, anti-roll bars, end link, and most importantly, design of the suspension system. 

Understanding each one of them and adjusting them to your personal comfort will give you the best experience of driving ever. 

air bag suspension
Aftermarket Air Suspension

Exploring the Necessity of Airbag Suspension for Towing Heavy and Uneven Loads

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Introduction:

Towing heavy and uneven loads poses unique challenges for vehicles, particularly in terms of stability, control, and ride comfort. Traditional suspension systems may struggle to adequately support the weight and maintain a level ride height, leading to uneven tire wear, reduced handling, and increased risk of accidents. In recent years, airbag suspension systems have gained popularity as a solution to these challenges, offering adjustable support and improved ride quality. However, the question remains: Is airbag suspension necessary when towing heavy and uneven loads? In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the factors influencing this decision and examine the benefits and considerations of airbag suspension in towing scenarios.

Understanding the Challenges of Towing Heavy and Uneven Loads:

Towing heavy loads places additional strain on a vehicle’s suspension system, affecting its ability to maintain stability and control. Uneven loads further exacerbate these challenges by causing weight distribution issues, which can lead to sagging rear ends, excessive bouncing, and reduced traction. Traditional leaf spring or coil spring suspensions may struggle to adequately support the weight and adjust to varying load conditions, resulting in suboptimal performance and safety risks.

The Role of Airbag Suspension Systems:

Airbag suspension systems offer a versatile alternative to traditional suspension setups, utilizing air-filled bags to support the vehicle’s weight and adjust ride height as needed. These systems provide several advantages in towing applications, including:

1. Adjustable Load Support:

Airbag suspension systems allow drivers to adjust the air pressure in the bags to accommodate varying load weights and distributions. This enables the vehicle to maintain a level ride height, ensuring optimal stability and control, even when towing heavy or uneven loads.

2. Improved Ride Quality:

By absorbing road shocks and vibrations more effectively than traditional suspensions, airbag systems enhance ride comfort for both the driver and passengers. This is particularly beneficial when towing heavy loads over long distances, reducing driver fatigue and improving overall comfort.

3. Enhanced Handling:

Airbag suspension systems help improve vehicle handling and stability by minimizing body roll and sway, especially when navigating curves or uneven terrain. This contributes to safer towing experiences and reduces the risk of accidents caused by loss of control.

(Also Read More – The Most Common Air Suspension Problems and How to Fix Them)

Factors to Consider:

While airbag suspension systems offer compelling benefits for towing heavy and uneven loads, several factors must be considered before making a decision:

1. Cost:

Airbag suspension systems tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional suspensions, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. However, many drivers find the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment, particularly if they frequently tow heavy loads or prioritize ride comfort.

2. Maintenance Requirements:

Airbag suspension systems require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This includes monitoring air pressure levels, inspecting for leaks or damage, and replacing worn components as needed. While maintenance tasks are relatively straightforward, they add an additional level of responsibility for vehicle owners.

3. Compatibility:

Not all vehicles are compatible with airbag suspension systems, and retrofitting may require modifications to the vehicle’s chassis or suspension components. Before investing in an airbag suspension, it’s essential to verify compatibility with the vehicle manufacturer or consult with a professional installer.

4. Legal Considerations:

Some jurisdictions may have specific regulations or restrictions regarding the use of airbag suspension systems, particularly in commercial or heavy-duty towing applications. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or penalties.

Case Studies and Testimonials:

Many drivers who have opted for airbag suspension systems for towing heavy and uneven loads report significant improvements in performance, safety, and comfort. Case studies and testimonials from satisfied customers highlight the following benefits:

  • Increased towing capacity and stability, allowing for safer and more confident towing experiences.
  • Improved ride quality and reduced driver fatigue, particularly during long-distance hauling.
  • Enhanced control and maneuverability, especially when navigating challenging terrain or adverse weather conditions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while airbag suspension systems are not strictly necessary for towing heavy and uneven loads, they offer significant benefits in terms of stability, control, and ride comfort. For drivers who frequently tow heavy loads or prioritize a smooth towing experience, investing in an airbag suspension system may be a worthwhile consideration. However, it’s essential to weigh the costs, maintenance requirements, and compatibility factors before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between traditional and airbag suspension systems depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and towing needs.

Aftermarket Air Suspension, General Discussions

Problems Using Air Suspension and How to Solve Them?

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Air Suspension gives you an advanced comfortable ride with a controlled driving experience. Luxury cars, and sports cars, and we see this technology deployed in some of the best models of commercial cars as well. The air suspension tech helps a driver in overall driving with the help of sensors, even ride height, and smart controls against unstable road conditions. But there are times when your air suspension system may fall ill. The very common failing areas are damper, O-ring, and height sensors. But that’s not all. 

What is an Air Suspension System? 

An air suspension system uses pressurised air as a replacement for a spring coil to give balance and more control to the car. An air suspension system has flexible bellows of textile-reinforced type of rubber. The sensors are attached to the system to track the extreme conditions of the road. They allow the passing of air into these bellows to maintain an even ride throughout the journey. 

The purpose of the air suspension system is to offer an even, smooth, and constant driving quality. We see air suspension systems in sports cars as well as overpower on the race tracks. Instead of using conventional steel spring suspension, using an air suspension system is becoming a trend in heavy vehicles as well. 

Parts of a Typical Air Suspension System: 

A typical air suspension system consists of several parts to control the sensors, movement of air, and ride balance. A typical air suspension system consists of the following parts. 

– Height Sensors

– Air Suspension Control System

– Air Compressor

– Air Reservoir

– Air Plumbing Lines

– Valve Blocks

– Air Spring Bags. 

( Read More – Custom Air Bag Suspension Kits )

How does the Air Suspension System Work?

Air Suspension works with airbags instead of metal springs. The idea was to make a car more comfortable and balanced. Until the mass production of air suspension systems, drivers used to install springs in their cars for suspension but it didn’t work ideally. 

The concept of air suspension is simple. Pressurised air in a bag reduces the impact of a fall or sudden outside pressure. Each tire of a car has cushioning, inflated airbags, and an air compressor. The compressor controls the pressurised air volume in the bag to suit the situation. 

Using airbags offers your car a smooth drive on off-roading where you don’t find clear ground. Small bumps significantly disturb your speed and increase the chances of accidents. Alongside, when you’re driving on the highways or a clear city road, air suspension helps you to lower your vehicle’s height and increases fuel efficiency dramatically. 

  1. The compressor uses atmospheric air and supplies it to the reservoir. 
  2. The air then passes to the high-control valves. These HCVs are connected to the car’s frame. 
  3. When you put weight on the vehicle, the HCV linkage moves and air travels through the valve, air pipes, and supply line accordingly. 
  4. The movement of pressurised air inflates the airbags. 
  5. As the bags achieve an equilibrium, HCV linkage and valve return to their original position. 
  6. When you remove the loads, the axle retains its earlier state. 
  7. The airbags release air through the exhaust port of the vehicle. 
  8. Once the air is released, the exhaust port gets locked and maintains an accurate ride level. 

Symptoms of a Faulty Air Suspension System: 

– Uneven ride height while driving. 

– Rough handling on & off the road. 

– Noises coming out of your car

– Imbalance while turning the car

– Car sagging while carrying heavy loads. 

– Airbag leakages. 

What are the failure points of the Air Suspension System? 

1. Air leakage: 

The air suspension system works with the moving system of pressurised air through the valves & airbags. But there are some holes in the airbags, the holes don’t let the air work at its full efficiency. The damaged airbags leak the compressed air and the whole system starts to malfunction. 

Solution:

– Check for any leakages in the airbag. 

– If it’s a small one, use a patch kit to seal it. Otherwise, replace the whole airbags once. 

2. Defective Air Line: 

The compressor takes air from the surroundings and sends it to the airbag through airlines. These airlines are the carriers of compressed air. In case anything happens to them, your airbags will never be able to perform ideally. Moreover, it can cause overheating as well. 

Solution: 

– Check for any leakages or clogged airlines. 

– Replace them if you need them. 

3. Broken or Loose Electrical Connection: 

Modern air suspension systems come with electrical connections. These are responsible for electrical signals & movement of components. The air suspension won’t work at all if the wires are loose or the electrical fuses are defective. 

Solution: 

– Securely remove all the live air suspension wires from the car. 

– Carefully inspect the cables.

– If they are loose, fix them. If they’re broken, you need to replace them. 

4. Malfunctioning Ride Height Sensors: 

The ride height sensors measure the distance between the car & the ground. They send these signals to the ECM of your car and control the air suspension. These signals improve your car safety on both bumpy & smooth roads. The defects in the height sensors may give the wrong signals and cause inappropriate levelling. 

Solution: 

– Locate the height sensor on the car. You can find them on the front & rear axles. 

– Replace it if you need. 

5. Bad Air Compressor: 

The air compressor sends the environmental air to the airbags. It is the heart of the air suspension system which causes smooth & even driving. If you’re facing issues with airbags, you need to check whether or not your compressor is working well. 

Solution: 

– Check for any kinds of worn-out components in the compressor. 

– If found, you must replace the component. 

– Notably, sometimes, you may need to replace the whole compressor. 

6. Bad Electronic Control Module: 

Malfunctioning ECM can cause irregular responses throughout the system. This will surely cause uneven driving and discomfort. The ECM receives the signals and controls the air suspension pressure. 

Solution: 

– If every other component is working fine, you need to check the ECM. 

– Seek assistance from an electronic expert. 

– Replace the ECM if needed. 

Conclusion: 

The Air Suspension system significantly improves the performance of any vehicle including the heavy ones. But this system also has its faults. There are so many components used in the air suspension system. If any of them are not functioning, the system will not work and cause you discomfort while driving. 

In this article, we have discussed the various problems in an air suspension system and how to solve them. Keep riding. 

Aftermarket Air Suspension

Air Struts, how they work and do you need them?

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The direct answer to this is YES, you absolutely need them if your vehicle is currently utilizing strut as a factory suspension component.  If you absolutely do not want a strut assembly and are willing to do a lot of fabrication work then installing a bag is also a possibility as long as your not substituting a McPherson strut.  You will know if your front struts are McPherson by simply verifying whether you have an upper control arm or don’t.

McPherson struts allow the spindle and strut to move simultaneously and has the ability to spin with the steering. This allows all the entire vehicle suspension structure to rest on the strut and lower control arm.  Alignment is then achieved through your strut adjustments or the lower control arm.  In this case no upper control arms are necessary. A general picture of this is represented below:

McPherson Strut Example

The alternative top this type of suspension which is seen in larger vehicles and trucks is the double wishbone style suspension. This is easily distinguished by the upper and lower control arms.

These double wishbone suspension configurations are generally stronger.

Aftermarket Air Suspension

Which air valves are better? Single Brass Valves or A Solid all in one Air Engine.

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There are many questions one may ask themselves when considering a complete air ride suspension kit..  One of these constant questions is should I go with an air engine which will house 8 different valves in one solid unit (capable of controlling my entire system) or do I purchase 8 independent valves (also capable of controlling the lift and drop of each corner of my chassis)?  Surprisingly there are pros and cons to both which we will explain in detail.  Air engines to begin are an extremely easy way of installing a complete front, back, and side to side system due to there integrated configuration.  One central area to wire your switch controller as well as only 5 fittings for the connection to your tank and bags.  These simple facts make air engines less prone to leaking due to less fitting use which means less connection points for which they can leak and if they do, then finding the leak is usually a piece of cake.  The one and only problem with some of these valves is that if one valve is damaged or becomes defective then the entire valve engine needs to be swapped out which can cause down time which is not a good thing for a daily driver.  Some air engines will allow certain parts to be rebuilt or tested and can be dismantled making down time much less, where others are completely sealed units like AccuAir which can be a bear and needs to be completely removed and swapped out with a different unit all together.  (Pictures of these two configurations can be seen below:)

Alternate Air Valve Styles - Air Engine Types

Other then this air engines are a great way to get thing with your aftermarket custom air ride system up and running quickly.

Brass independent air valves can also have there ups and downs, as they are a great way to save on your overall cost of your kit and will allow your installation to be customized to your liking.   Some installers / customers may choose to conceal these separate valves in there wheel well or other convenient places which make them a preferred item for there installation. A downfall to these independent air valves is that there are many more air connections to each of the individual parts like air bags alternate valves for bumping and filling the air bags and the air supply which can be prone to leaking. Like the valve engines, these valves can also be rebuilt to accommodate a quick and easy repair without swapping the entire part out.  It all comes down to personal preference, and what you believe will be the best option for your project.

For more information on air valves, and for a list of parts including the valves themselves be sure to check out www.x2industries.com or give them a call at 1-800-823-0320

 

Aftermarket Air Suspension, Shop Talk

Air Ride Controllers and Switch Boxes.

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Looking for a switch box and cant decide what style to choose? Do you need auto ride height adjustment on the fly, or are you just wanting your switches for show? Is cost a factor? These are all things that you will want to consider when purchasing a new controller or switch box.

Computer control modules offer an integrated digital control system with, pressure or mechanical sensors at the wheels. This allows the computer controller to adjust the vehicle to an exact ride height for a easy to adjust one touch setting. This can be a custom stance that you preset or you may feel you want to manually adjust it but either way this system will keep the vehicle nice and level for a clean look, increased control and handling capability.. Check out some of these sweet custom controllers now!

Standard controllers offer adjust-ability for a supper great price, these controller will either allow you to control each wheel independently or you may have a switch controller that will adjust the front, back, or the sides together. Some switch controllers offer an all up all down feature, but depending on the switch controller a bunch of relays may be required to get this done. Are you building a switch controller or want a custom controller fit to your exact needs? Let us know I am sure we can help!

Aftermarket Air Suspension, General Discussions

How much air/power is enough? What to look for in an air supply.

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Always verify the amount of compressor power, and never overwork your compressor system.  Depending on the application different hardware could be required for adequate operation.  Lets just say you have a larger Chevy truck, and you are looking to add air ride for play.  This situation will require slightly more compressor power accompanied by a second tank and possibly a larger pressure switch.  Creating more air when demanded will boost the overall longevity of your air supply!  Smaller cars or mini trucks could get away with a single compressor 1/2 horse and a 3 to 5 gallon tank, it only takes approx. 60 to 80 lbs to lift smaller vehicles while larger suv’s and trucks will require slightly more..   If you are looking to purchase a one of a kind air suspension system and would like more information on what to look for and what you may need to keep your kit healthy for a lifetime give these folks a call they will help with any questions you might have!

1-800-823-0320

X2 Industries is the premiere air ride suspension authority!  You can view there site at:

X2 Industries is the best Air Suspension company on the net!

 

 

Aftermarket Air Suspension, Shop Talk

Thinking of buying an Air Ride Kit and need more information?

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Air suspension utilizes a large inventory of parts to bring you a complete setup that will allow the driver to adjust ride height, or boost the carrying capacity of your car truck or SUV, all while giving you the best feeling ride on the road today!

This amazing comfortable, adjustable ride is contributed to the air equipment at the wheels.  Have you ever looked to see what your vehicle is riding on?  Well let me explain…

Al vehicles have different specifications at the wheel (i.e.: struts, leaf springs, coil springs, torsion bars and so on..  The type of kit you buy will greatly depend on the hardware that was installed from the factory.  As a good rule of thumb older vehicles are either leaf or coil springs as were newer vehicles are torsion bars, or struts.  It is always best to check before hand, and get a good grasp on what your dealing with.

Many companies will have specific kits built to suit the needs of your specific vehicle, this will remove any equations that might come up upon installation…  For example if a customer builds there own kit for a hot rod or car that has four corner coil spring suspension,  and is overly heavy, he would want to go with larger bags if clearance allows.  This will bring the efficiency of the air kit up as larger bags are easier to fill up then small bags.  Think of it as a Fairly Large Hillbilly compared to a Skinny Joe.  Skinny Joe no matter what you give him is just not going to do the job as good as the Fairly Large Hillbilly.  But again it might be necessary to go with the smaller bag due to the clearance, and remember “NO RUBBING ALLOWED!!”.

The heart of the air ride system is the air supply, and this depends on what you want to do with your vehicle when your done.  Individuals who are looking to play allot and want air on demand, will require a larger tank, compressor, or lines.  where as someone who is just going to do load assist and balancing would only need to maintain a certain pressure at the wheels and could use a single smaller compressor and 1 to 3 gal tank.

No matter what your doing there is a good and bad way to do it, and if there is any question… ASK BEFORE YOU CUT!

 

I have now added some more information to this getting to know air suspension section: 

For folks who are getting started, and needing the basiscs.

Installation of air ride equipment on a vehicle is a challenging yet knowledgeable venture!  There are a few things to consider along the way and hopefully someone finds a few answers there looking for here.

Choosing the right air ride for your vehicle:

Choosing your air ride equipment is one of the most important parts of the venture!  A few things you will want to think about are, installation time, cost of installation, and do you or does your installer have the tools necessary to install this kit.  You will also want to consider custom heights or of you have larger rims additional hardware to correct camber.  These are all things that the company that you are thinking of purchasing from should be able to provide information to you about.  Also depending on how low you want to go, you could end up modifying your wheel wells, cutting your frame and so on, so ask a lot of questions this will save you plenty of frustration down the line.

A few different styles of suspension (If you check your current setup you will see one of these):

  • Struts
  •  Leaf Springs
  • Coil Springs
  •  Torsion Bars.

Plug & Play or Not Plug & Play:

Many air suspension kits in today’s market come in a variety of flavors for each individual vehicle, this allows the customer options when it comes to installation time and required knowledge of installation.  Many companies offer complete bolt on kits that will allow the common auto mechanic to complete the task quickly.  Other options are fabricator kits which can require a lot of welding and over the top modifications and everything in between.  The type of suspension your vehicle currently rides on is a huge factor when it comes to your final purchase.

Installation Requirements:

Depending on the kit you purchased, some installation time can be cut down.  An example of this would be a Plug and Play kit that is Pre-Built, and comes with 100% bolt on parts where no modification is required.  These kits are usually more expensive and payoff quickly by cutting your install time in half!  Most complete air ride kits can be installed over a weekend, with a few friends helping you out.  Just keep in mind that some extreme cases which depend mainly on the current vehicle suspension and aftermarket equipment can result in serious modification and time.  Hopefully you thought about this before you purchased so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

The Finished Product:

The payoff for a custom system like this is amazing. Along with an excellent ride, and auto leveling capabilities, you are even able to adjust the overall feel and ride height of your entire vehicle.  For the common Jo this might not sound like much but in all reality you are taking your car or truck to a huge next level!

Got questions, we are here to help!