Are you experiencing issues with air suspension system?
To perform properly, the numerous parts and systems that make vehicles run require continuous maintenance and attention. Even if we maintain our car on a regular basis, things might still go wrong.
Many factors contribute to vehicle parts failing or breaking, and many of them are beyond our control. However, if you can't manage all of the problems that your vehicle can have, it would be beneficial to learn a little bit about identifying indicators of component failure. Different indications can advise you where to start when dealing with part failure, whether it's the exhaust, the oil system, or the gearbox.
When you book your vehicle in for a full car service, the majority of car garages have a standard practice to also complete a full health check of your vehicle and advise the owner of any further issues that either need attention with immediate effect or in the near future.
The suspension is one of the most crucial components to pay attention to in an automobile. Suspension in different vehicles and models differs based on the manufacturer, the year it was created, and the brand's performance criteria. A four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle's suspension, for example, will look and function substantially different than a luxury vehicle.
Air suspension is a relatively new product in the car industry that operates with the help of specialised airbags and an air compressor. If you own or drive a car with air suspension, it's critical to understand the numerous challenges that come with it and how to cope with them. If your air suspension fails, it can have long-term consequences for your car, not to mention a considerable reduction in dependability and performance in the immediate term.
Here's a little more about air suspension systems and how to spot and fix the most typical problems they encounter. If you are still in doubt, search for a car service in Reading garage and let a professional car mechanic diagnose your vehicle.
What is the purpose of air suspension?
Air suspension is used in a wide range of vehicles on the road today as an alternative to traditional suspension. Air suspensions are meant to support the car and protect it from road irregularities in the same way that other forms of suspension are. It also assists the vehicle in turning and remaining stable on difficult terrain. Instead of depending on fluid-filled shocks and springs for support, the airbags in the suspension are filled with air using an air compressor.
The springs and shocks in a vehicle with a typical suspension try to adjust as the passenger and luggage weight grows, but the outcome isn't optimal. If you've ever driven a pickup truck or even a small vehicle with five adults inside, you know how the suspension struggles to keep up with the demands and the ride quality worsens. Additional pressure inside the airbag actively counteracts the suspension compression induced by increased weight, improving suspension geometry and ride quality. Air suspension does this through a number of components, making it a complete vehicle sub-system.
Common air suspension issues
The problems that air suspension frequently meets are specific to the parts that come with this type of design. Air suspension isn't available on all vehicles and knowing what sort of suspension your car has will help you spot the indicators of failure. It is recommended to book your car in with a car service near me garage on the first instance if experience any suspension issues.
The following are some of the most typical problems with air suspensions in particular:
1. Air Leaks
Because air suspensions are powered by air, air leaks are rather common when there is a problem. The rubber seals, which are prone to holes and punctures, are among the several sections of the suspension that provide diverse ways for air to escape. Because multiple components of your air suspension might leak air, it's critical to contact a competent car mechanic who is experienced with the different elements involved in air suspension, particularly with your unique model of vehicle.
2. Compressor Faults
As previously stated, an air compressor is used to fill the airbags that support the vehicle. The bags will not fill with air if the air compressor fails or malfunctions, enabling the vehicle to ram into other crucial elements on collision. The compressor uses a motor to create air to fill the bags, and here is where most problems occur. Strange noises associated with the compressor motor dying may be heard if the compressor in your air suspension is starting to fail. You may also notice that the car is sitting lower than usual on any given day. These warning indicators are alarming and should be handled right away.
3. Air Spring Fault
The airbag spring is the most prevalent source of air suspension failure. These elements, like a normal shock, strut, or coil spring, wear out over time and need to be replaced. Weathering and repetitive compression/decompression cycles are the main causes of fractures in rubber bellows.
4. Air Dryer Fault
Suspension systems feature dryers and filters to keep moisture out of delicate components, as air includes moisture. Moisture seeps onto metal parts with tight tolerances when a dryer fails, causing corrosion and rust, which leads to an air leak or a shorted electrical component.
5. Airlines
These little air pipes link the airbags to the rest of the system's components. Airlines can brush against other car parts as the suspension shifts, producing a leak. If the leak is near the reservoir, it might produce a sag in one corner, which is easy to spot, or in the entire system. Replacing an airline is often a low-cost repair.
Why is it so important to get an accurate diagnostic when it comes to air suspension repair?
A correct diagnosis is the first step in proper air suspension repair. Because air suspension can be caused by a variety of difficulties with the suspension system, it's critical that your trusted car garage conducts an appropriate diagnosis. After the problem has been correctly diagnosed, the repair process for that particular vehicle should be followed. Whether the problem is caused by the compressor or a cracked seal elsewhere, suspension parts must be thoroughly inspected to avoid overlooking the real issue and avoiding unneeded, costly repairs.