Do-it-yourself installation of air suspension on any car
Today, the capabilities of automotive equipment are constantly growing. Updates to existing components are regularly created and existing technologies are improved. Air suspension is an integral attribute of high-quality tuning.
Contents of the article:
in addition to technical competencies, the body design of the regular model can be changed. Following the introduction of air suspension in France, there was widespread concern. Innovators appreciated its potential.
Dignity
Among the most important are the following goals:
- Possibility of artificial regulation of ground clearance. In relation to the vehicle’s ground clearance and loading, the suspension allows the object’s center of gravity to shift downwards, thereby increasing the vehicle’s speed;
- The comfort of driving the vehicle increases. When installing conventional shock absorbers, the owner has to choose between comfort and harsh driving. Pneumatic systems combine the best qualities;
- Increases resistance to increased loads. The possibility of mechanical damage to the body is significantly reduced when adjusting the suspension. The chassis retains its original appearance, and the car does not lose control while driving.
What does it consist of?
The air suspension consists of the following elements
- Pneumatic elements. They are responsible for directly regulating ground clearance, leveling and stiffness. Pneumatic lines. Act as conveyors for the required volume of compressed air;
- Air preparation devices;
- Reflect the general operating conditions of the controller and the component system.
How it works/why it is needed
Air suspension installation involves replacing conventional springs with pneumatic ones. The latter are durable plastic containers. Their inflation allows you to adjust the height of the car, simulating springs.
Modern systems have electronic components and sensors, which is a big advantage. Not all metal suspensions can instantly adjust and adapt to uneven roads.
The main task of pneumatics is to quickly adjust the distance between the bottom of the car and the road surface. It gained the greatest popularity among owners of household vehicles. However, more on how to control the air suspension.
How effective is it when used?
- High efficiency. Malfunctions rarely occur during operation. Fast ground clearance allows you to save running parts;
- The suspension is recommended for carrying general loads and traveling over rough terrain. It improves ride comfort, increases speed and maintains controllability.
Sundowner air suspension or factory air suspension is superior to metal springs.
How to install it yourself
Installing your own air suspension requires careful consideration of each element. The most difficult steps are installing plastic cushions and removing shock absorbers.
The installation process is as follows.
- The front suspension is dismantled. The body is bored to fit the cylinders. The diameter of the container can be adjusted;
- Air supply fittings are protected;
- Tubes are installed for subsequent connection to the cylinder and receiver;
- After securing the compressor, the electrical wiring is laid.
Which one is suitable for any “car”?
There are several air suspension options
- Single-circuit. Installed on one vehicle axle. Mainly used on trucks;
- Double circuit; can be installed on one or two axes. In the latter case, you can individually adjust the height of the sides;
- 4 circuits. They vary in installation complexity and wide range of functions; adjusts the selection of all four wheels. Requires the use of an electronic unit.
Various suspensions designed for specific models. Double-circuit pneumatics are installed on most cars and are considered the optimal combination of financial costs and quality.
Cost
- The cost of pendants on the domestic market varies from 40, 000 to 50, 000 rubles;
- Pneumatics for domestic cars are the cheapest. Its price is less than 70, 000 rubles;
- Cars of the e-f class have the highest cost – from 80, 000 to 100, 000 rubles.
Which one to choose
Before purchasing a suspension, it is advisable to determine the functional purpose of the car. Gazelle owners need increased payload capacity without sacrificing road handling, while race car drivers need higher performance.
For installation on VAZ cars, a dual-circuit system is best suited.
- Cuff diameter – 52 mm, compression – less than 90; A 5 liter bottle is ideal;
- A single-circuit suspension with a pair of cushions on the rear axle is suitable for improving the driving performance of the jeep. The maximum capacity of the receiver is 10 liters.
A four-circuit air suspension is suitable for sedans.
The height of the pillow should be less than 250 millimeters, and the capacity of the receiver should be 8 liters.
