Parts and components
Suspensions of any kind are relatively complex
systems, and air suspensions add a layer to that
complexity. Th e major components of an air
suspension are the air spring, the height control
valve and the shock absorber. Th ese components
work together to provide a smooth, level ride.
28 Fleet Maintenance | July 2018
Air spring
“An air spring is comprised of three main
elements,” says Firestone’s Brookes. “Th e bead
plate is at the top of the equipment and attaches
to the vehicle frame, crimping the bellow.
Th e bellow, which is typically made from durable
rubber or heat-resistant neoprene, provides
suspension by applying air pressure at an equal
force to the load it is carrying. Finally, the piston
at the bottom attaches to the suspension and is
shaped to provide a particular ride characteristic
based on the vehicle manufacturer requirements.”
Brookes indicates that the air spring rolls up
and down the piston, following its contour as the
suspension goes through its motion, reacting to
the road surface and impacts such as potholes
and uneven paving.
He also notes that air supply for the
air springs typically comes from the
same system that supplies air to the
air brakes.
Height control valve
Th e height control valve adjusts the air
pressure inside the air springs to maintain
a constant ride height. When the
height is determined to be dropping,
such as during loading, the valve adds
air pressure to the air springs in order to
bring the vehicle back to level. When the
height is determined to be rising, such
as during unloading or when unhooking
a trailer, the valve will release pressure
from the air springs to lower the vehicle
to its correct height.
VehicleServicePros.com/11078899
VehicleServicePros.com/10122353
Take advantage of
the information and
training provided by
your suspension supplier
to ensure that your
suspension operates at
peak performance over
the vehicle’s lifetime.
/11078899
/10122353
/www.candointl.com
/www.tireindustry.org
link