Because of their size and shape, bellows-style air springs can lift the same weight with about half the air pressure of sleeve-style springs. These air bags are typically larger than sleeve-style air springs, giving them greater load-handling capacity. Sleeve-style air springs are perfect for light-duty trucks, custom street rods and track cars.īellows-style air springs are made from heavy-duty, reinforced rubber which is configured with either one or more convoluted chambers. Sleeve style air springs are extremely well suited for applications when space is limited, and loads are light. When air is compressed into the spring, the two-piece sleeve extends, lengthening the assembly to achieve the desired ride height. The bag is crimped into the spring mount on one end and swaged onto the opposite end, sealing the contents inside.

The internally mounted sleeve is covered by a bag, made of flexible, heavy-gauge rubber. Sleeve-style air springs are designed for lift and ride control. *The Electronically Controlled Air Suspension also features height sensors (height-control valves) used to automatically control the vehicle's ride height. ECAS* computer that communicates where to direct more or less air pressure.Air pipes connecting the storage tank to the airbags.Valve blocks that direct air to the four springs from the storage reservoir.A storage tank for compressed air which stores air at an average of 150 psi.Vulcanized, heavy-duty rubber air springs at each of the vehicle's wheels.The ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) includes several features such as: What's the Purpose of an Air Bag Suspension System?Īir bag suspensions are used to achieve smooth ride quality by replacing the conventional steel-spring suspension in heavier vehicle applications like trucks, tractor-trailers, passenger buses, and even passenger trains. (An air bag suspension should not be confused with a hydropneumatic suspension which uses pressurized hydraulic liquid instead of air.) It’s important to note that it’s the air inside the bag that does the work of a spring. Before you can begin to identify clearly the pros and cons of an air bag suspension, you need to understand the design of such a system.Īn air bag suspension system is powered by either an electric pump or compressor that forces air into rubber bags typically made out of polyurethane and textile-reinforced rubber.Ī compressor inflates the air bags to a certain air pressure.

Air force suspension air tank