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Air Suspension Facts Posted By: Superior Engineering Published: 07/04/2015
Times Read: 13063 Comments: 0 - Will fitting Airbags change the amount of suspension travel when offroad?
In most applications, wheel travel is NOT reduced.
Well-designed Airbags allow for a similar amount of suspension travel regardless of load conditions.
In many circumstances due to the lower linear rate of the airbag fitment, it may provide more suspension travel compared to that of fitting traditional heavy-duty load carrying springs.
- Are they TUFF? Will the Airbags tear with the flex of your suspension?
Most reputable brand airbag kits are developed as application specific, this means they are made to work hand-in-hand with your current suspension setup.
Kits are available to suit lifted vehicles and some are also available with protective abrasion sleeves or covers so that the bags will not get damaged when offroad.
- Airbags can make my vehicle ride hard and bouncy?
A correctly inflated airbag should not affect ride of the vehicle as it's only really providing support for the extra loaded mass.
But for the times when that added load capacity is not required you simply deflate or reduce the required pressure.
It is then that an airbag system is superior to having heavy-duty springs or leafs which affect the ride in all situations.
If you are finding that the suspension is bouncy or doesn't feel right, it probably indicates that some new shock absorbers are needed.
- I am hesitant to fit airbags because they are prone to stone puncture.
A quality airbag is very durable and resilient and will only lose pressure for reasons similar to that of your vehicle's tyres.
So when you check your tyre pressures, it is advisable to check the pressure and condition of the airbags as well.
- I have heard that using airbags can make your chassis bend.
Over loading and/or poorly positioned loads combined with driver error are the common themes with bent chassis, regardless of whether airbags are installed.
Always adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's load and axle ratings, and consult the vehicle manufactures handbook for load positioning and driving recommendations.
In some vehicles it is actually far better to spread the load back into the chassis at more points.
For those with GU Nissan Patrols and Nissan Navara's, running airbags can increase the risk of chassis damage.
Superior Engineering can supply appropriate bolt-on or weld-on chassis bracing solutions, to ensure correct load distribution back into the chassis avoiding costly repair bills should the chassis fail.
These brace kits are ideal for vehicles planning those big touring trips all loaded up with the family or with the caravan on the back.
- 4WD Wheel Drive Articulation
In some situations the use of an articulation kit for 4WD's may be required by owners who want: increased upward wheel travel, increased droop (downward wheel travel).
This is achieved by a top that opens airlines between the two air bellows to allow the passage of air to move from one to the other.
This is ideal for rocky 4WD conditions and some outback areas.
- 4WD Ramp Over Angle / Departure Angle
Air bellows are great in aiding a loaded 4WD in outback conditions.
When used correctly they can increase both: Ramp over angle and Departure angle (at the rear).
This enables the vehicle to clear rough ground such as: Creek crossings, dry creek beds, sand dune peaks, heavy vegetation.
- Will fitting Airbags change the amount of suspension travel when offroad?
In most applications, wheel travel is NOT reduced.
Well-designed Airbags allow for a similar amount of suspension travel regardless of load conditions.
In many circumstances due to the lower linear rate of the airbag fitment, it may provide more suspension travel compared to that of fitting traditional heavy-duty load carrying springs.
- Are they TUFF? Will the Airbags tear with the flex of your suspension?
Most reputable brand airbag kits are developed as application specific, this means they are made to work hand-in-hand with your current suspension setup.
Kits are available to suit lifted vehicles and some are also available with protective abrasion sleeves or covers so that the bags will not get damaged when offroad.
- Airbags can make my vehicle ride hard and bouncy?
A correctly inflated airbag should not affect ride of the vehicle as it's only really providing support for the extra loaded mass.
But for the times when that added load capacity is not required you simply deflate or reduce the required pressure.
It is then that an airbag system is superior to having heavy-duty springs or leafs which affect the ride in all situations.
If you are finding that the suspension is bouncy or doesn't feel right, it probably indicates that some new shock absorbers are needed.
- I am hesitant to fit airbags because they are prone to stone puncture.
A quality airbag is very durable and resilient and will only lose pressure for reasons similar to that of your vehicle's tyres.
So when you check your tyre pressures, it is advisable to check the pressure and condition of the airbags as well.
- I have heard that using airbags can make your chassis bend.
Over loading and/or poorly positioned loads combined with driver error are the common themes with bent chassis, regardless of whether airbags are installed.
Always adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's load and axle ratings, and consult the vehicle manufactures handbook for load positioning and driving recommendations.
In some vehicles it is actually far better to spread the load back into the chassis at more points.
For those with GU Nissan Patrols and Nissan Navara's, running airbags can increase the risk of chassis damage.
Superior Engineering can supply appropriate bolt-on or weld-on chassis bracing solutions, to ensure correct load distribution back into the chassis avoiding costly repair bills should the chassis fail.
These brace kits are ideal for vehicles planning those big touring trips all loaded up with the family or with the caravan on the back.
- 4WD Wheel Drive Articulation
In some situations the use of an articulation kit for 4WD's may be required by owners who want: increased upward wheel travel, increased droop (downward wheel travel).
This is achieved by a top that opens airlines between the two air bellows to allow the passage of air to move from one to the other.
This is ideal for rocky 4WD conditions and some outback areas.
- 4WD Ramp Over Angle / Departure Angle
Air bellows are great in aiding a loaded 4WD in outback conditions.
When used correctly they can increase both: Ramp over angle and Departure angle (at the rear).
This enables the vehicle to clear rough ground such as: Creek crossings, dry creek beds, sand dune peaks, heavy vegetation.