airsuspension

Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension that uses compressed air stored in flexible bags or bellows as the springing element instead of traditional coil springs or leaf springs. Air springs absorb road shocks and allow the ride height to be adjusted, enabling load leveling and ride-height control.

A typical air-suspension system includes air springs, an air compressor, an air reservoir, solenoid valves, height sensors, and an electronic control unit. The compressor pumps air from the reservoir to the springs to raise or lower the vehicle. Height sensors monitor the distance between the chassis and axle, and the control unit adjusts pressure in individual springs to maintain the programmed ride height and balance loads. Many systems also incorporate dampers that can be tuned in response to the selected ride mode.

Benefits of air suspension include smoother ride, improved load leveling, and the ability to vary ride height for aerodynamics, ground clearance, or off-road capability. It can improve vehicle stability and tire contact under dynamic loads by keeping the chassis level. However, the system adds complexity and cost, and relies on pumps, valves, and seals that can leak or fail, requiring regular maintenance.

Applications include cars, SUVs, light and heavy trucks, and buses where ride quality or load handling is a priority. Advanced implementations may provide semi-active or fully active damping and remote or automated height control, often integrated with other chassis systems.