Shocks 101

What is an Air Suspension System?

Role of the Suspension System

From potholes and uneven pavement to bumps and dips in the road, your vehicle must navigate countless obstacles as it travels down the road. Your vehicle’s suspension system helps absorb the bumps and other impacts to deliver a comfortable ride. There are two main types of suspension in use:

Standard suspension – uses hydraulic shocks/struts and steel coil springs
Air suspension – uses hydraulic shocks/struts and pneumatic springs

While conventional suspensions are common on today’s vehicles, air suspension is popular on luxury cars and vehicles that tow and haul. Learn how an air suspension system can improve the performance and ride of your vehicle.

How Does an Air Suspension System Work?

An air suspension system uses pneumatic springs instead of steel coil springs that a conventional suspension system uses. Using an onboard compressor, air springs are inflated to a specific height and pressure to smooth out bumps in the road. Air lines routed along the frame of the vehicle carry compressed air to the air springs and solenoid valves control where the air is directed.

As the system monitors vehicle conditions, solenoids open or close to adjust the amount of air in each spring as needed. The air springs allow you to adjust the height and ride of the vehicle (on some vehicles). By inflating or deflating the air springs, you can adjust the vehicle’s height and firmness of the ride

What Are the Advantages of Air Suspension?

Air suspension comes with several benefits:

Comfort

The hallmark of an air suspension system is the ability to glide over potholes and bumps in the road which improves the ride comfort for the driver and passengers.

Adjustability

Air suspension gives the driver control over the ride firmness and height. You can often choose a firmer ride for freeway driving or a softer ride for rough roads. Raising the ride height is possible for off-road driving when extra clearance is needed while lowering the height while traveling on the highway to maximize gas mileage.

Extends Component Life

As an active system, air suspension distributes the forces of a moving vehicle more efficiently than a conventional passive suspension system. This ensures the steering and braking components share the stress of driving to reduce wear on individual parts.

Improved Cornering

With the ability to compensate for changes in weight distribution, an air suspension system adjusts for an uneven load to eliminate leaning.

Ideal for Towing

Air suspension is popular for trucks to keep the rear from squatting while hauling or towing. Designed to keep the help keep the truck level, air suspension can reduce stress on other components while assisting with wind resistance and gas mileage.

Flexible

Easy to adjust, an air suspension system is capable of converting from tow mode to passenger mode.

What Vehicles Come with Air Suspension?

Found on many luxury vehicles and higher trim levels of trucks and SUVs, air suspension comes from the factory on models from many manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Tesla, Volkswagen and Volvo. Depending on the model, air suspension may come as standard, or it could be an option that can be added.

For vehicles that didn’t come from the factory with air suspension, there are aftermarket kits that give you the opportunity to experience the benefits of air suspension. Adding air suspension to vehicles that carry heavy loads or go off-roading can be a useful upgrade.

Signs of a Failing Air Suspension System

As with a conventional suspension system, an air suspension system is subject to wear and tear. Rough roads, potholes and impacts like hitting a curb can cause damage to your air suspension system. Most air suspensions fail when the spring on one corner or axle (front or rear) no long holds pressure. As a result, the vehicle will excessively lean to one side while driving and the ride will be extremely harsh. If you notice any of these symptoms of a failing air suspension system, make an appointment with your technician. It isn’t safe to drive a vehicle with a failing air suspension system.

Nosedive

If the front of your vehicle dips toward the ground, it can indicate worn air shocks and struts. This dangerous condition can increase stopping distance.

Excessive Bouncing

If your vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump, it can be a signal of failing air shocks. Worn air shocks and struts aren’t effective in absorbing road impacts.

Swaying When Turning

As air shocks wear, it can make your vehicle feel like it is swaying or rolling when making a turn. You may find that you must increase the steering input to complete a turn.

Rough Ride

Feeling every bump in the road is a common sign that there are worn components in your air suspension system. You technician will be able to diagnose which parts need replacing.

Sitting Lower

If it looks like your vehicle is sitting lower than normal, it may be a problem with your air suspension. An issue with the air bag or compressor could be the cause of the problem.

Uneven Tire Wear

When the air suspension is failing and can’t support the weight of the vehicle, it can cause uneven and premature tire wear.

Check Air Suspension Light

A warning light on the dashboard might illuminate. You may see an icon of a car with an arrow pointing up and down or on older vehicles, it could say “Stop, car too low.”

Learn more about quality shocks, struts, and strut assemblies, find the right car part, or find a local repair shop today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

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