Buyer’s Guide: How to Buy Air Suspension Parts

Kinds of Air Suspension

Double-convoluted Air Suspension

These kinds of suspensions are mostly used in front-suspension automobiles. These suspension systems can withstand more weight compared to other suspensions and are therefore generally employed in heavy-duty vehicles. The suspension is so called since the two air bags are connected by a short stroke and the design looks similar to an hourglass.

Tapered Sleeve Air Suspension

Tapered sleeve air suspensions are used in vehicles which have a rear suspension and call for a smoother ride, like luxury automobiles. These systems are conical and provide a greater adjustment on the ride height.

Rolling Sleeve Air Suspension

These types of air suspension system are used in vehicles with rear suspension. They are employed in automobiles that require a finer handling like sports automobiles.

Pressure Based and Ride-height Based Air Suspensions

Having a good understanding of pressure based and ride-height based air suspension systems can help you distinguish between them and can help you buy the correct air suspension components for your vehicle. A pressure based air suspension relies only on the air pressure in the bags to adjust themselves. However, ride-based systems include sensors to monitor the ride height. These systems also keep track of the pressure needed to reach each height level.

Advantages of Air Suspension over Traditional Suspension Systems

1) Air suspension has a wider tuning range for the load capacity and air spring rate.

2) Air suspension provides a better handling as the air springs can adjust to various levels of compression.

3) Air suspension provides easy customization of the suspension. Vehicles can be adjusted to various levels of softness and hardness, depending on personal choices.

4) Air suspension decreases the automobile's tire wear.

Know about Mercedes-Benz vehicles' air suspension systems here: S-Class Airmatic or ABC

Finding OEM Part Number

If for any reason you cannot find your specific air suspension part by entering your vehicle's year, make and model, you can find it by the part's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) number. The OEM part number can be found directly on the part itself. You can also call a dealership with your VIN, and they will provide you with the OEM part number. You can give one of our car specialists a call at 1-888-907-7225 for further assistance in purchasing your air suspension parts.

Air Spring

An air spring, also called the air bag, is an inflatable balloon-like component that inflates or deflates to adjust the ride height of the vehicle according to its load. It is usually made of rubber and polyurethane. The air bag when inflated causes the automobile to ride high on the suspension, whereas when air is removed from the air bag, it causes the vehicle to ride low on the suspension. These adjustments to the air bags allow drivers to switch between different ride qualities.

Problems: Air spring failure is usually due to age or moisture in the air system. The air bag may also get punctured due to continuous exposure to road debris.

Note: The air bag should be properly installed; otherwise, it may rub against the automobile's frame and other components, resulting in a premature failure.

Suspension Spring Kits

While replacing damaged air springs, it is advisable to replace them in pairs. At BuyAutoParts.com, you can find suspension spring kits for every make and model. Purchasing a suspension spring kit will give you a huge discount.

Air Spring Solenoid

The air spring solenoid is a valve employed in electronically-controlled systems. These valves open or close to fill and release air from the bags, respectively. The solenoid is connected to the compressor via a pressure line.

Problems: A problematic solenoid will cause your suspension to stick in a position, thereby resulting in a failure to adjust to different ride heights.

Air Suspension Compressor

Earlier air suspensions included an external compressor to fill the air bags. Today, most of the air suspension systems include an on-board compressor that is attached to the frame of the automobile. The compressor draws in outside air and compresses it to fill the air bags, whenever needed. The compressor sends air to the bags through a series of compressed air lines. The compressor often includes a dryer to remove any moisture in the air.

Problems: Moisture in the air system often wreaks havoc in the compressor and air springs. The compressor failure may also be due to leaky air bags or struts. Air dryer failure often results in compressor burn-out.

Air Suspension Valve

The air suspension valve is responsible for regulating the air flow within the suspension system. Modern air suspension systems include a series of valves that control the air flow.

Problems: Over time, the valve may get clogged or become leaky, affecting the air flow within the system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install air suspension parts on my own?

Though installing air suspension parts is not a simple process, you can install it yourself if you are a regular DIYer. Read the owner's manual and ensure that you follow all precautions to avoid any accidents during installation.

How to replace air springs?

Note: Before installation, ensure that the compressor is turned off and that the air suspension system is de-pressurized.

Replacing the air springs is simple and involves the following steps:

1. Disconnect the air lines to the spring.

2. Unbolt the spring from the steering knuckle and the automobile chassis.

3. Then, install the new air springs and reverse the above steps.

How to install a suspension air compressor?

Installing a compressor is a simple process: Disconnect the air lines and the wiring harness that connect to the compressor. Then, unbolt it and replace it with the new compressor.