Air Suspension Parts For Trucks Air Spring With Pistons System W01-358-8510 1R11-199

OEM Reference

Firestone
W01-358-8510
Good year
1R11-199

Product Drawing

HOW AIR SUSPENSION WORKS

In place of the spring is a bellow (usually made from rubber) filled with air. Under load, the bellow is compressed, causing a decrease in volume and an increase in pressure.

If more air is pumped in, the bellow is reinstated to its normal volume or, more crucially, its normal height. As an air spring, the increased pressure means increased stiffness, which is necessary for the added weight.

Meanwhile the vehicle’s ride height remains constant.

Air suspension systems now feature in numerous upmarket saloons, sports utility vehicles and station wagons. Some of them have air suspension only at the rear.

The advantage of this is even when the boot (or load bay) is fully laden, the vehicle stays level.

Supporting the air-filled bellows or air suspension are a number of components not present in the regular steel-sprung suspension system.

One of them is an electric or belt-driven compressor to supply air into the bellows when called for. What “instructs” the compressor is a level sensor.

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Warning and Tips

Maintenance of the air springs, Vehicle Check-List

• Check the air lines and devices of leakage and that they turns freely.
• Check the bellows bearing for damage, correct fastening, deformation, sharp edges.
• Check the shock absorbers for operation and impermeability as well as tightness and bearing.
• Periodically, check nuts and bolts for proper torque. For specific recommendations see manufacturer's manual.
• Check axle suspension, trailing arms and rods for wear.
• Check height control valve to see that it is functioning properly. A properly maintained valve will save unneeded maintenance expense.
• Routine inspection of all of the above according to manufacturer's instructions, will extend the life of your vehicle and reduce your overall maintenance expense.

Air Spring Installation

1. Before you start installing air springs, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment to perform the repair safely.
2. Familiarize yourself with the suspension on which you are performing the repair by reviewing the manufacturers service guide.
3. If you are in doubt about something, ask for assistance from a qualified suspension specialist, the suspension manufacturer or the air spring manufacturer; This can save you a lot of time and aggravation later in the job.

Important tips to remember when installing a new unit

• Check levelling valve, linkage and transmission parts for wear and damage and if necessary replace the damaged parts.

• Check that the shock absorber for leakages and take a shock absorber test. A defective shock absorber must be replaced.

• Once the air lines are disconnected, check their entire length for cracks or other damage. Replace worn parts.

• With the air spring removed, other parts of the air suspension become more accessible. Check for wear or damage of the frame hangers, trailing arm bushings, torque rods, the trailing arms and the air spring mounts. When it is necessary, also replace parts.

• Check bearing for air spring bellow for external damage, deformation, sharp edges and correct fastening.

• Before installing the new unit, clean the air spring mounting plates to ensure proper attachment to the suspension.

• Always use new attaching bolts for the installation and observe the tightening torques. Never use old bolts, because these can fall out.

• Check the linkage of the levelling valve to see that it is functioning properly. Under load, the linkage should move from the neutral position up to the intake position. This lets air into the springs, which brings the arm back to the neutral position. This lets air into the springs, which brings the arm back to the neutral position. That opens the exhaust valve, allowing air to escape until the arm returns to the neutral position. Then check the driving level.