Benefits of Suspension Airbags: Make Bumps a Thing of the Past

Airbag suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. The air pressure inflates the bellows, and raises the chassis from its normal ride height.

They can also be used in place of conventional steel springs. An air spring is a rubber and fabric bladder that holds air pressure to support a load and isolate passengers from the shock of motion caused by road irregularities. Air springs are used in place of conventional steel springs in heavy-duty trucks, buses, trailers, and railway cars.

Most Advanced Safety System for Your Car

An airbag suspension system is essentially made up of an air spring which replaces a conventional steel spring, and an air compressor. Air pressure in the air spring determines the ride height of the vehicle. Air pressure can be adjusted by the driver using a control panel inside the car or by a remote control.

The basic components are as follows:

Air Compressor

Located in the trunk or under the hood, its main function is to maintain and regulate air pressure in the air springs. Most compressors have a built-in tank to store compressed air for immediate use and to provide a reserve for situations when demand exceeds capacity.

Air Lines

Just like a garden hose, these lines carry compressed air from point A to point B (from compressor to bags). Air lines are typically made from reinforced rubber with braided nylon covering that increases strength and abrasion resistance. For optimum performance, they should be routed away from excessive heat sources and moving parts. The kit should include enough line to reach all four corners of your vehicle without excessive bends or sharp angles.

Air Springs

Air springs (also referred to as bags) are the most popular option for relieving a trailer’s suspension of the load it carries. The air springs used in today’s trailers consist of a rubber bag, well-engineered to be able to withstand the tremendous stresses imposed on it. This bag is attached to a mounting plate that is welded onto the frame just behind the axle or at some other convenient location.

The air spring can be inflated by air pressure from an onboard compressor that automatically turns on when the pressure drops below a certain level, or by manually pumping it up with an air hose and regulator. The automatic system is more expensive than a manual one, but more convenient. When properly installed, air springs can restore a trailer’s suspension to its original condition when empty. In some cases, they can exceed this condition by providing a better ride when loaded than when empty.

Air Valves

Air valves (also known as “solenoid valves”) are usually located near each wheel of the car or truck and allow compressed air to enter or exit each individual airbag (or all four at once). When you push down on the brake pedal, compressed air releases from a reservoir on the valve and instantly inflates each individual seat cushion and/or side curtain. In this way, your car’s front seats stay firm and safe during a crash.

Mountain Biking: Going Downhill

Unsurprisingly, downhill mountain biking is the fastest and steepest of all mountain biking disciplines, covering terrain that ranges from trails through the forest to open rock gardens and drops.

Whereas cross-country mountain biking is a test of endurance, downhill mountain biking is a test of skill, speed and strength.

Riders have to have confidence in their abilities and equipment as they hurtle down the trail at breakneck speeds. As a result, heavier downhill bikes are constructed with top-of-the-line components to handle the extra weight and punishment from big jumps and drops.

In recent years, airbag suspension has become popular among downhill riders due to its ability to adjust to different types of terrain. It’s also lightweight, making it easier for riders to get up hills with their heavy bikes.

What to Consider When Buying Suspension Airbags

The first thing to consider is what your intended use will be. If you’re just looking to drop it at shows or cruise around town on weekends, there are many inexpensive kits available that will provide the lift you need. But if you’re planning on using your car as a daily driver and want a nice, smooth ride without bottoming out over speed bumps, you’ll probably want a more expensive kit with more sophisticated components that will provide a better ride quality.

Secondly, think about how low you want to go before making a purchase. Many airbag kits are designed for 2-4 inches of lift and provide an easy way to adjust the ride height by connecting valves and hoses to the airbag assembly itself. This allows them to be inflated or deflated from inside the vehicle with electric switches, so they can also work as shock absorbers.

Finally, consider how much money you would like to spend. While suspension airbag systems aren’t incredibly expensive compared with other types of suspensions, they do require some maintenance and upkeep for them to remain fully functional over time.