As you know, the suspension for trucks in the XX century was a spring type. However, in the 90s, European manufacturers began to install air systems. So, vibration damping was carried out by pneumatic cushions. Now such a suspension is installed on domestic cars. These are mainly 5- and 10-tonniks. However, there are a number of examples of installing an air suspension on a Gazelle, with a carrying capacity of 1.5 tons. This is a truly effective refinement of the chassis. What is the air suspension on the Gazelle Next and how much it costs, we will consider below.
Characteristic
Air suspension provides regulation of the vehicle’s ground clearance. This system also damps vibrations. It works on a similar principle. Only unlike spring elastic elements here are the pillows.
Inside, air was pumped from the receivers under pressure. At the moment, it is used on main tractors, as well as on cars as an option.
Benefits
Why do gazelists switch to using such a suspension? Its main advantage is reliability. Springs sag over time. Of course, they can be re-rolled. But this is an additional waste of time and money. Air bags do not require such maintenance and pay off in 2-3 years of operation. In addition, the installed air suspension on the Gazelle ensures a soft ride. After all, pillows are an elastic element and compensate for all buildup, as well as vibration. A car on such a suspension rides more smoothly.
Another plus is handling. Yes, the pillows will not turn the Gazelle into a racing car, but they will significantly reduce rolls, especially in protracted bends. After all, as you know, there is a continuous bridge behind. And on older versions of "Gazelles" there is also a dependent beam in front. The machine swings heavily in corners and in pits. The installation of the air suspension on the Gazelle improves the handling of the truck, which also has a positive effect on safety.
Another advantage is the strength of the suspension. When fully loaded, the leaf sheets spring strongly. Clearance is also
reduced. With pneumatic airbags, the driver himself can adjust the clearance and stiffness of the suspension on the rear axle. In addition, the "glasses" have a high margin of safety.
Kinds
There are several types of air suspension:
- Single-circuit.
- Bypass.
- Four-circuit.
For the "Gazelle" choose the first type. This is the easiest and cheapest suspension for commercial vehicles. It is mounted on one axis (usually on the rear). Pillows are controlled by a single solenoid valve and pump evenly.
Double-circuit mounted on both axles of the car. In this case, they are controlled from different valves. The driver can choose his own pressure parameter on each axis of the car.
Four-circuit - the most difficult and expensive suspension. Used only on cars or premium SUVs. In this case, each pillow is independent. The driver can adjust the pressure not only on each axis, but also on each side of it.
Cost
The average price of a single-circuit suspension for the Gazelle Next is from 15 to 20 thousand rubles.
This parameter depends on the completeness of the goods. So, the minimum set includes:
- Fastener
- Air springs (manufactured by AirKraft or AirTech).
- High pressure plastic tubes.
- Adapters to the nipple.
- Fitting.
A complete set of air suspension on the "Gazelle" consists of:
- Fasteners.
- Compressor
- 9 liter receiver.
- Plastic tubes, fittings, nipples, pillows.
- Pressure gauge.
- Fuse box.
- Air pressure sensor in the circuit.
- Dehumidifier.
- Pneumatic distributor.
Installation
It is worth noting that the installation of pneumatic elements is carried out between the spring and the channel of the frame. The pillow is attached to the aluminum plates that come with the kit. This requires drilling appropriate holes. Next, the plate is mounted on bolts. The pillows themselves are placed in a deflated state. The design is clamped from below by stepladders. The receiver is installed in any convenient place. This may be the bottom of the body or the engine compartment. But in the latter case, you have to lay long hoses through the entire car. They also lay the control wires of the electrovalve and connect the compressor. The latter is powered by a 12 Volt network. The fittings are tightened tightly in the seats.
Additionally, control buttons are installed in the cabin and a manometer. This will allow you to monitor the pressure in the system remotely and adjust the parameters if necessary. This is how air suspension is installed on the Gazelle. You can repeat this with your own hands. The technology is similar to the above. However, remember that with self-installation you lose the warranty. The manufacturer allows installation only on specialized services.
Service
The main enemy of pillows is dirt. When accumulated on the surface of the pillow, it works as an abrasive. Indeed, when the pressure is released, the rubber parts of the element are in close contact with each other. The same thing happens when the cushion is damped, when the car passes an uneven stretch of road. As a result, the element is cracking. Involuntary air bleeding begins. If this problem is not resolved in time, replacing the pillow with a new one, the compressor may burn out due to constant loads.
How to avoid premature pillow failure? In order for the air suspension on the Gazelle to last a long time, you should periodically check its condition and wash the air elements. In anticipation of winter colds, it is recommended to treat the pillows with silicone grease (for example, in the form of a spray). Do not use VD-40 and others for this. The grease should only be silicone. It will create a dense greasy layer on the surface, which will prevent the ingress of salts and dirt. Spray should only be applied on a thoroughly washed and dry surface. To make the composition penetrate into all the grooves, apply it to fully inflated pillows. It is also not allowed to operate the suspension at a pressure of less than 1 bar.