Adjustable suspension plays a very important role in automotive culture. The hydraulic system has been used in the automotive industry for a long time. It is good and reliable, but the air suspension is simpler and more modern. In hydraulics, the main element is the standard springs. Pneumatic components are cylinders called the Air Bag in the United States, made from an elastic and durable rubber. They are filled to a specified volume with compressed air and are called pneumatic pillows in our country. The volume of air in them can vary and the pneumatic system is based on this possibility.
The air suspension operates according to the following principle: as soon as the volume reaches the maximum possible value in the air cushion under air pressure , the height of the vehicle’s ground clearance will change. For storage and injection of air serves as a receiver, working in tandem with the compressor.
If the pressure is too high, then the air is etched directly into the atmosphere, if it needs to be increased, then its flow from the receiver is turned on. At the same time, the air suspension on the VAZ and on other cars is remotely controlled. The driver gives an electrical signal, and at this time, the air valve of the pneumatic element accordingly activates.
The complexity of such a system is that when air has to be bleed often, it is difficult to maintain the working air level in the receiver. But if you make a pneumatic suspension with your own hands, then you can install not one but several compressors or choose a larger receiver, or you can install not one, but several receivers.
It is important that the air suspension has great advantages, as compared with the hydraulic stroke it is much softer, there is practically no roll when cornering, and with sudden braking of passengers and the driver, the inertia does not take the seat off. When driving on a good track, the clearance can be completely lowered down, and you can ride a well-stable car. It is also important that at maximum vehicle load, you can easily raise or lower the clearance. At the same time, air suspension is inexpensive and very easy to operate and maintain. As for the power supply, here the advantages over hydraulics are high, because the pneumatics operate quietly on the basis of a regular battery, while hydraulics need additional power.
Those who are going to install pneumatics on their own, may have to slightly improve the suspension. So, on the spring form of the pendants you have to leave only one longest spring. All pneumatics can fit in the luggage compartment or painted, designed in the original style.
Disadvantages of air suspension are also available. This is her puffing sound of bleeding air. Those who like riding on high ground clearance and still have good shake and jumping while riding can remain faithful to hydraulics.