AIR SUSPENSION

'Air suspension' is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an engine driven or electric air pump or compressor. This pump pressurizes the air, using compressed air as a spring. Air suspension replaces conventional steel springs. If the engine is left off for an extended period, the car will settle to the ground. The purpose of air suspension is to provide a smooth ride quality and in some cases self-leveling.
While not using high pressure mineral oil, the system aims to achieve a result similar to the hydropneumatic suspension arrangement introduced in 1954 by Citroën.
Vehicles that use air suspension include models from Maybach, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover/Range Rover, Audi, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Lincoln, among others.
The ''air suspension'' designs from Land Rover, and some Audi, VW, and Lexus models, feature height adjustable suspension controlled by the driver, suitable for clearing rough terrain. The Lincoln Continental also feature an air suspension system in which the driver could choose how sporty or comfortable he or she wanted the suspension to feel. The suspension settings in the Lincoln Continental were also linked to the memory seat system, meaning that the car would automatically adjust the suspension to the driver.
In addition to passenger cars, air suspension is broadly used on semi trailers.

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Custom Applications

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Custom Applications

Over the last decade or so air suspension has become extremely popular in the custom automobile culture, street rods, trucks, cars, even motorcycles. It is used in these applications to provide an adjustable suspension which allows vehicles to sit extremely low and adjust up to maneuver over obstacles and inconsistencies in the roadways. These systems generally run off of electric compressors, engine driven compressors or high-pressured gas bottles (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) These suspension systems are fully adjustable, being able to adjust each corner (wheel) individually. You can tilt the vehicle side to side, front to back, or in some instances "hit a 3-wheel" (which if deigned, can be able to lift a tire completely off the ground)
The installation and configuration of these systems varies for different makes and models but the underlying principle remains the same. The coil spring suspension is removed, and the air bag, or air spring is inserted or fabricated to fit in the place of the factory coil spring. Then applying air pressure to the air bag, the suspension can be adjusted either up or down (lifted or lowered)

See Also

★ AirRideTalk.com (Air Ride Enthusiast Site)

★ http://www.IfItsGotWheels.com