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Air suspension: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace air suspension

In case of correct car use, lifetime limit of this component is 80,000 – 100,000 kilometers of mileage. Defects are usually caused by wear-out of several unit elements: an air spring or compressor.

The pneumatic compressor often stops operating due to overheating. This happens in case of short circuit in the air compressor relay. Moreover, particular parts of the compressor, such as the cylinder, can wear out. In this case you can use the air suspension compressor repair kit. The cylinder, piston ring and other components may be included into it.

The air spring usually breaks down due to abrasive wear. Most of all, it occurs if the element is not equipped with a rubber dust boot or the protective bellow is damaged.

The blinking suspension control system indicator points out defectiveness of an air strut. In addition, it will be noticeable during parking, that the car body is sagged in the area of one of the wheels; the rear or front car axle may be lowered. Also, excessive noise is possible during compressor operation. Quite often the air suspension is replaced in assembly in case of production defect.

How to select air suspension

Dual- or quadruple-circuit air suspensions are used in passenger cars. If the dual-circuit system is installed in one axle only, than independent adjustment of each axle wheel is possible. Two dual-circuit or one quadruple-circuit air suspensions are used for adjustment of all car wheels.

Faultless operation of the parts greatly depends on a manufacturing company. For example, high-quality components for air suspension are produced under DT and WABCO brands.

During parts purchasing it is important to take into account on which axle they are to be installed. Thus, you can buy the front or rear pneumatic strut. Making an order, you should consider vehicle specifications: the model, brand, manufacturing year, body type and wheelbase size.