AIR SUSPENSION

Air suspension systems are becoming increasingly popular because of certain advantages they possess over the conventional metal springs. These are

1. A variable space for wheel deflection is put to optimum use by virtue of the automatic control devices.
2. Since the vehicle altitude remains constant, the changes in head lamp alignment due to varying load are avoided.
3. The spring rate varies much less between the laden and un-laden conditions, as compared that of that of conventional leaf springs, reducing the dynamic loading.
4. The improved standard of ride comfort and noise reduction attained by the use of air springs reduces both driver and passenger fatigue.

In the lay out shown the four air springs are mounted in the same positions where generally the coil springs are mounted. An air compressor takes the atmospheric air though an air filter and compresses it to a pressure of about 240 Mpa. The same pressure is maintained in the accumulator tank, which is provided by a safety relief valve. This high pressure air goes through the lift control valve and the leveling valves to the air springs as shown. The lift control valve is operated manually by means of a handle on the control panel through a cable running from the valve to the handle. The initial height is adjusted according to the loading conditions.