Automotive luxury is a continuous pursuit of refined comfort on the road. This motive has revolutionized automotive suspension design to eliminate as many of the vibrations from contacting road imperfections then translating into cabins. One leap in automotive suspension engineering was the development of air ride suspension. Simulating the vehicle’s ride as if it were on a cloud. However, this leap in technology is not perfect and are known issues that develop among vehicles equipped with factory air-suspension.
How Does Air Suspension Function?
Traditional suspension consists of 3 main basic components; the struts/shock absorbers, springs and control arms. The suspension control arms guide the travel of the suspension and maintain the alignment specifications.
The shock absorber, as the name implies, dampens the sudden movement of the springs and suspension as it encounters undulations among the road. It does this via Hydraulic fluid and valved channels within the shock absorber.
The spring maintains the vehicle’s ride height, allows the suspension to suspend, keeps the tires in contact with the road and aids in minimizing road vibrations. The springs are often what make or break the ride quality of a vehicle. That is why it was no surprise German automakers took to improve upon this pivotal part of the suspension.
By replacing the spring with a rubber air bag it would absorb the imperfections of the road more efficiently that a standard metal spring. To maintain proper air levels in each spring there is a system of airlines that feed to a distribution block that is then fed with air from an air tank when needed. This is all managed by the vehicle’s ECU electronically to ensure maximum ride comfort.
Known Automotive Manufacturers To Utilize Air Suspension.
Common Areas Of Fault On Air Suspension
Air Lines
- Most automotive air lines are made of either metal, rubber or plastic. Over extended periods of use, both plastic and rubber lines will dry or become brittle, developing small cracks within the system, allowing for air to escape.
Air Strut
- The majority of the air bags and seals on factory air suspension are manufactured from a rubber compound. Those rubber components will develop dry rot, become brittle and develop leaks. This is the most common form of automotive air suspension failure.
Valve Block
- The valve block is responsible for managing the air pressure for each individual air strut. When cracks begin to develop along the air lines it introduces moisture to the system. In most factory air ride systems, the valve block is electronically controlled. When moisture is introduced into the system it can cause damage to the electronics within the valve block.
Signs My Air Suspension Needs To Be Repaired/Serviced
- Vehicle suspension sagging
- Hissing when parked
- Suspension fault on dash
If your vehicle is experiencing any of these symptoms it is advised to have your vehicle brought in for a air suspension issue diagnostic with a certified automotive technician.
Where Can I Have An Air Suspension Repair Service Done At A Shop Near Me?
Eurofed Automotive values every client’s education of unfamiliar vehicle problems during every visit. Full transparency and a constant line of communication with our clients is the Eurofed Difference
We take pride in our staff. Boasting the highest quality technicians with years of experience in the automotive service and performance industry. Eurofed ensures services or repairs are performed properly the first time. In the event that a part installed is faulty, all labor and parts are backed by a 2 year/ 24,000 mile warranty!
Have your vehicle’s air suspension serviced by the trained automotive professionals at Eurofed. Contact your local Eurofed location to learn more about our industry leading Automotive repair and maintenance services
