Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an engine driven or electric air pump or

compressor. Air suspension replaces conventional steel springs. The purpose of air suspension is to
provide a smooth ride quality and in some cases self-leveling.

Air bags at each wheel replaced the standard coil springs, and had sensors to keep the car level
under load and in turns. It was, however too slow to react in sudden maneuvers.

Period reviews rated the air suspension somewhat superior in ride quality, but not dramatically.
Some reliability issues plagued these systems, as well. Thus, as an option, air suspension was short
lived in that era.

Vehicles that use air suspension today include models from Maybach, Rolls-Royce, Lexus, Cadillac
(GM), Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover/Range Rover, SsangYong, Audi, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Lincoln
and Ford, among others.

car would automatically adjust the suspension to the individual driver. The control system in the
Mark VIII also lowered the suspension by about 25 mm (1 inch) at speeds exceeding about 100 km/h
(60 mph)[2] for improved aerodynamic performance. Due to the many advantages air suspensions
provide, This is especially important as car manufacturers strive to improve gas mileage by reducing
weight and utilizing active suspension technology to maximize performance.

These systems generally employ small, electric or engine-driven air compressors which sometimes
fill an on-board air receiver tank which stores compressed air for use in the future without delay...
This allows the user to tilt the vehicle side to side, front to back, in some instances "hit a 3-wheel"
(contort the vehicle so one wheel lifts up from the ground) or even "hop" the entire vehicle into the
air. When a pressure reservoir is present, the flow of air or gas is commonly controlled with
pneumatic solenoid valves. This allows the user to make adjustments by simply pressing a
momentary-contact electric button or switch.

The metal spring (coil or leaf) is removed, and an air bag, also referred to as an air spring, is inserted
or fabricated to fit in the place of the factory spring. When air pressure is supplied to the air bag, the
suspension can be adjusted either up or down (lifted or lowered).

 Many vehicles are equipped with a metal suspension system, composed of coil and leaf
springs. Airbag suspension replaces these steel components with heavy-duty rubber
airbags that can be inflated using either an in-vehicle or external air compressor. Airbag
suspension systems have several advantages over more traditional mechanical springs.

Easily Adjust Ride Height/Level

 The most important benefit of an airbag suspension system is that it allows the owner to
easily adjust the ride height and level of his vehicle. Because the degree of suspension
 can be matched to the load that is being hauled, the vehicle is made more adaptable and
safety is improved. Most often, with an in-vehicle compressor, this adjustment can be
made almost instantly. With traditional leaf and coil suspensions, a great deal of work
and mechanical knowledge would be required to switch out the parts before hauling
heavy loads. The ability to easily adjust air suspension also makes it easy to tow trailers,
as it suppresses the pitch of the trailer.

Improved Handling
 Because of their adaptability, vehicles that are equipped with airbag suspension systems
can be driven over a variety of terrains while maintaining a smoother ride and better
handling. This is achieved because an air spring relies on a closed volume of air.
According to John Kimpel of Firestone Industrial Products, the increase and decrease in
pressure caused by travelling over rough terrain creates a natural tendency for the
vehicle (and airbag) to return to its normal height. Not only does this quality prevent the
vehicle from bottoming-out, it also gives the driver a greater feel for the road.

Other Advantages
 Because airbag suspensions improve handling and provide the ability to adjust for load
weights and trailers, tire wear is reduced. Thus, switching to an air suspension system
will save money in the long run as you spend less for tires, as well as other components
such as axles and tie-rods, that may be affected by inadequate leaf-and-coil
suspensions. The smoother ride offered by airbags also will result in a steady, constant
aim of the headlights, further improving safety. Those in favor of street modifications will
find that an airbag suspension system also is effective in creating the low-rider look.
Airbag suspension systems also have a hidden advantage in that they benefit the roads
on which you drive. Specifically, this refers to the air suspension systems equipped on
large commercial vehicles. Once again, John Kimpel states that vehiclesequipped with
low-stiffness springs, such as airbags, are more pavement friendly than stiffer, metal
springs. In the end, this leads to fewer potholes and less money spent on road
improvement.

Benefits
 Air suspension systems have several major benefits over steel spring suspension
systems. Air suspensions have a wide turning range and don't require the adjustments
that steel springs would require to reach the same level of turning capacity. Most air
springs progressively adjust to different compression levels, which often provides a
greater level of handling than spring systems. Air suspensions are also easier to
customize than spring systems, meaning that individual vehicle owners can choose their
own levels of softness or hardness by easy tuning methods. Air suspensions are also
usually much better at carrying heavy loads while still providing a comfortable ride. Many
hot rod and customized car enthusiasts also use air suspensions to give their vehicle a
customized look or "stance," meaning they change the way it sits, tilting the vehicle
forward or backward.

 The main advantages of an air

 spring over its steel leaf and coil
 counterparts are variable load-carrying
 capability, adjustable spring
 rate, user-friendly height control, low
 friction action, and road-friendly suspension
 increasing the pavement
 life.

Read more: How Air Suspension Works | eHow.com

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5004731_how-air-suspension-
works.html#ixzz1IjLzHXtM