Air Suspension Bag
An air suspension bag, which is the main component of an air suspension system, is basically a cylindrical air bladder that functions as a spring in a car's suspension system. While most suspension systems in passenger cars use coil springs, leaf springs, or torsion bars to maintain the height of the chassis, airbag suspension systems are an increasingly popular aftermarket modification. The key feature of this type of system is that the height of the vehicle is easily adjusted.
Air suspension bags are commonly seen on large freight trucks and trailers, where their use is widespread. When carrying heavy loads, air is added to the bags to maintain vehicle height and add load carrying capacity. When the vehicles are empty, air can be released from the bags to adjust for the unloaded conditions. On passenger cars, airbag suspension systems are used to customize vehicle appearance and performance, by allowing the user to raise or lower their car by adding or removing air.
Most air suspension bags are constructed of three components:
- At the top, a short cylindrical cap, made of aluminum or plastic, which serves as the upper mount. This cap usually contains a threaded hole for the air line fitting.
- Next is the cylindrical or bellows shaped air bladder, which is made of fiber reinforced rubber or other durable plastic material.
- At the lower end is a cylindrical piston, which is designed to help the airbag maintain shape as it is compressed. Usually made of aluminum or plastic, the piston also serves as the lower mounting area.
Although suspension air bags can be filled using a service station air hose, most air suspension kits include at least a small on-board compressor, pressure gauge, and dashboard mounted switch so the user can adjust the suspension from the driver's seat. Click here for more info on other types of performance parts.
