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What is an air suspension?

Views: 22     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-04-09      Origin: Site

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◆ VPC Official Spanish Language Website

In the air suspension system, the hight sensor the collected road information to the control unit (EUC), and the EUC issues instructions to adjust the hardness of the air spring and the damping of the shock absorber to achieve the ideal shock absorption effect.


How the air suspension system works?

  • The air bag is responsible for load bearing and buffering. At the same time, the vehicle body height and suspension stiffness can be adjusted.

  • The shock absorber changes the suspension damping by absorbing vibration energy to achieve variable damping adjustment.

  • The air supply system is responsible for inflating and deflating the air spring to adjust the suspension travel.

  • The sensor is responsible for detecting the vehicle status and feeding back to the ECU.

  • The ECU accurately controls the air supply system and shock absorber based on the feedback signal to further adjust the vehicle body height, suspension stiffness and damping.

air suspension for cars


The air suspension system is an active suspension system composed of three major systems: air supply system, vibration reduction system, and electronic control system. The main purpose is to increase the stability of the vehicle and adapt to different road conditions.

The core components include:

  • Air compressor 

  • Air bag 

  • Shock absorber 

  • Hight sensor 

  • Valve block 

  • Air tank

  • Electronic control unit (EUC)


1. Air compressor

  • Supply and adjust the required air pressure to keep the air spring at the required level.

  • The air bag is not directly connected. The valve block regulates the air pressure and air volume of the air tank and air spring.

  • Contains an integrated dryer to absorb water vapor generated by air condensation.


VPC series air suspension comprossor

  • High performance: Can run continuously at 200 PSI, suitable for high-pressure and long-time use of air suspension systems.

  • Fast inflation: It can quickly inflate the air suspension system to ensure the vehicle suspension height and driving smoothness.

  • Durable material: High-quality stainless steel braided hose, etc., to improve the service life.

  • Thermal protection: Equipped with automatic thermal overload protection to ensure safety and reliability.

  • Compact design: Easy to be installed on all kinds of car models, taking up little space.


2. Air bag

  • Core component, composed of rubber airbag and sealed compressed air.

  • Connected to the air compressor through the air pipe, the vehicle height and suspension stiffness are adjusted by inflation or deflation.

  • Support the weight of the vehicle body, buffer the impact of the road, and ensure the smooth driving of the vehicle.


3. Shock absorber

  • Maintain the correct driving height of the vehicle, enhance suspension performance, and alleviate road shock.

  • Connected to the same control unit as the air spring, the vehicle height, shock absorber damping, and spring stiffness can be adjusted simultaneously.

485C compressor

485C Air Suspension Compressor

VPC Air bag (12)

Air Bag Suspension


4. Valve block

  • Regulates air flow. Controls the inflation and deflation of the air springs, receiving the correct amount of air.

  • When excess pressure needs to be released, air flows from the air bag back to the valve block and is discharged through the pressure relief valve or stored in the pressure reservoir for later use.

Air Suspension Valve Block

Air Suspension Valve Manifold

VU4, VU2,VUX, VUH, VUW4F

2WB160

Max. working pressure: 200psi

Can work under zero pressure difference.

All ports are equipped with NPT or G threaded fittings.

Working temperature: -5~80℃ (replace the sealing ring, temperature: -5~150℃)

Can inflate and deflate multiple independent air springs

With seals such as fluororubber and silicone rubber, the air tightness is higher.


5. Hight Sensor

  • Usually mounted between the axle and chassis, they monitor the position and ride height of the vehicle.

  • Send real-time data to the EUC to ensure the system makes adjustments to maintain the desired height.


6. Air tank

  • Store compressed air for quick access when air springs need to be inflated.

  • Serve as a backup supply to reduce the burden on the compressor.

air tank

Air Tank


What are the advantages of air suspension?

  • Adjustable vehicle ride height

  • More comfortable riding experience

  • Automatic load balancing

  • Energy saving and environmental protection


FAQ

1. Why does the air leakage problem occur?

Check valve (one-way valve): seal aging, internal seal ring hardening, cracking, causing leakage

Improper selection: size or thread does not meet the requirements

Internal jamming: dust, oil stains, rust and other impurities are stuck, resulting in poor ventilation

Loose pipe or poor seal: air pipe connection is not tightened, or poor quality joints are used

⑤ Improper or aging of thread sealing tape, aging or cracking of O-ring.

* Generally use thread sealants to seal.


2. What models are suitable?

The air suspension system is suitable for various models, which can reduce vibration and make the vehicle run more smoothly. For example, high-end models such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series can provide a smoother driving experience. For SUVs and off-road vehicles, the body height can be adjusted under different road conditions to improve the passability.

Air suspension compressor
Air suspension valve block


If you want to know more about air suspension products or content, please contact VPC Pneumatic. We are happy to serve you!


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