How to Choose and Buy the Right Shocks for Your Car

 

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Vehicle owners should keep their vehicles in proper working order to ensure safety and minimize maintenance expenses. This process includes making sure vehicle shocks work properly. Shocks that don’t work adequately or need replacement can equate to an uncomfortable ride, or even a loss of vehicle control, and could eventually lead to vehicle damage. If the shocks show signs of extensive wear, such as the vehicle bouncing upon stopping, or tires that are worn on the outside as opposed to the middle of the tire, it is time to replace or repair the shocks.

When replacing shocks, vehicle owners should seek the help of an automotive specialist if they don’t feel confident in doing the task themselves. If they decide to replace the shocks, owners should make sure they have the correct replacement shock. Also when replacing shocks, it is better to replace both shocks at the same time, as the other shock will be weaker than the new shock and could cause unevenness over time.

Types of Shocks

Vehicle owners can choose from a variety of shocks for their vehicle. All shocks work along the same principle. They dampen the shock created by driving over a bumpy road surface by absorbing kinetic energy into the oil, springs, or air contained within a shock absorber. The following table lists the different types of shocks available, including pneumatic, coil spring, and gas-charged, as well as how they work.

Shock Type	Description
Pneumatic Shock	Pneumatic shocks use air as the primary source of dampening the shock from the road; a sensor monitors the air pressure within the reservoir and turns on a compressor to fill it when low
Coil Spring Over Shock	A coil spring shock combines a shock absorber with a spring coil; some coilovers allow for the adjustment of ride height
Gas-Charged Shock	Filled with hydraulic fluid and charged with nitrogen gas; prevents oil from foaming which can reduce dampening power

Vehicle owners should not mix and match shock types. If replacing all of the shocks at the same time, it is okay to switch to a different type of shock if desired.

How Shocks Work

A shock absorber works through the use of either a fluid, air, or spring that helps dampen the kinetic energy imparted to a vehicle as it travels over the surface of the road or ground. How this energy is dampened largely depends on the type of shock absorber used. A gas-charged shock absorbs the kinetic energy into the oil used in the shock which is converted to heat which is then dissipated from the shock. The gas in a gas-charged shock is added to prevent the oil from foaming; however, some say this design is not as effective in the dampening effect.

Shocks filled with air, or pneumatic shocks, dissipate the energy imparted to them into the air of the shock. The transfer of energy is sometimes accomplished via a piston that extends into the housing of the shock, which contains the fluid or air. In some cases, there are additional shock absorbing properties gained through the use of springs that are a part of the shock assembly. While the springs cannot dissipate energy, only store it, they do assist in the whole dampening process. The action of the shock absorbers, working in conjunction with the torsion bars on the rear axle, help to make a ride in a vehicle smooth and give drivers more control while driving.

Spring Rates

Spring rate is the rate that a spring compresses when weight is applied. When referring to shocks, it plays a large part in determining how hard or soft the spring is when reacting to the shock from the road. Too hard or soft and the spring becomes ineffective. That is why it is important to get the right shock with the correct spring rate for a vehicle. If unsure as to which spring rate matches a vehicle, shoppers should check with an automotive professional for further guidance.

Shocks play a large part in the overall stability of a vehicle. The stiffer, or harder, the shock, the firmer the ride. A harder shock also makes for a rougher ride overall. A softer shock does not dampen the shock from the road as much, causing the vehicle’s tires to bounce and lose contact with the road, lessening vehicle control.

When to Replace Shocks

Shocks typically have a life expectancy based on a certain number of miles. Factors such as the type of driving and road conditions affect the life of a shock. A vehicle owner can test the condition of a vehicle’s shocks by finding a secluded parking lot, accelerating to 10 mph, and hitting the brakes. If the vehicle bounces after coming to a complete stop, then the shocks need replacing.

Vehicle owners can also inspect the shocks, looking for dents in the shock tubes or any leaking oil. A slight oil film on the lower portion of the shock is normal and doesn’t signal a need to replace the shocks. While inspecting the shocks, vehicle owners should also check for loose mounting bolts or a worn mounting bushing.

Make sure to maintain the shocks and replace them when worn. Failure to do so can harm the vehicle suspension and reduce the efficiency of the brakes, the ability of the vehicle to turn corners, and the overall effectiveness of the antilock brake system, as well as reduce the comfort level while driving.

Replacing Shocks

Once a vehicle owner knows that the shocks need replacing, there are two options. An owner can pay an automotive professional to replace the shocks or do it him or herself. If the vehicle owner feels confident enough to replace the shocks, this can save both time and money. The section below includes instructions on how to remove and install shocks on a vehicle. In order to successfully remove and install shocks, vehicle owners need a socket wrench and the appropriate sockets.

Step 1: Find out the type of shock needed. Vehicle owners should replace both of the shocks. If owners choose to upgrade, they should make sure that it is okay to use the new shocks on the vehicle. 
Step 2: Elevate the vehicle to gain access to the shocks. This means using safety stands to safely elevate the vehicle. It might also help to remove the front or rear tires to allow better access to the shocks. 
Step 3: Find the shock mountings and loosen the hardware using a socket wrench. Also remember to unplug electric shocks; look for a piston rod that spins when removing the upper mount. Anchor the piston rod in place with vice grips. 
Step 4: Pry the old shocks out, removing them completely. 
Step 5: Before installation, the new shocks might need the air bled out of them. To do this, hold the new shock in the upright position, extend it, turn it around, and then compress it. Do this several times. 
Step 6: Follow the installation instructions that come with the new shocks. Vehicle owners should apply a thread-locking compound to the studs to ensure the stability of the shocks’ connections to the vehicle.

Popular Shock Brands

Popular shock brands include Bilstein, KYB, Monore, and LEACREE, among others.

• Bilstein
• Gabriel
• KYB
• Monroe
• LEACREE

Buy Shocks Online with Confidence

Shoppers can quickly and easily find shocks on eBay and Amazon.. Before bidding or making a Best Offer, read the details in the shocks listings, including delivery costs, product quality, money-back guarantees, shipping insurance, and product cost. Ask the seller more questions by clicking the Ask a Question link. Always read the seller’s feedback rating to ensure a positive and secure transaction while shopping on eBay.

What's different nissan rogue, qashqai and x-trail?

The Qashqai is not offered in North American markets. Instead, Nissan offers the Nissan Rogue. Although larger and appearing to be a completely different model it is based on the same basic platform as the Qashqai / Xtrail with some visual similarities. In Mexico, the X-Trail and Rogue are both sold and the Qashqai is about to be offered in the Mexican Market.

The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that debuted in October 2007[1] for the 2008 model year, produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan. It is the North American version of the European-designed Qashqai, known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia.

The Nissan Rogue made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 7, 2007. It replaces the Nissan X-Trail in Canada as Nissan’s entry-level SUV and the body-on-frame Nissan Xterra in Mexico due to the Smyrna plant freeing capacity for the 2009 Suzuki Equator, but the Xterra continues on sale in the United States and Canada after being withdrawn from the Mexican market after the 2008 model year. An all-new version of the X-Trail, whose platform the Rogue shares, has been launched in Europe, Mexico and elsewhere, but there are no plans to market it in both USA and Canada.

The Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 2001. It was one of Nissan’s first crossover SUVs and was released about the same time as several other companies competing car-based compact SUVs including the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Escape and its Mazda Tribute sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The X-Trail is positioned below the truck-based Xterra and Pathfinder and was never offered by dealerships in the United States. The first generation was available in Canada until it was replaced by the Rogue. However, both the Rogue and the X-Trail are sold in Mexico before, now rouge is replaced by Xtrail. The Rogue shares the same platform as the second-generation X-Trail and same to the Qashqai.

If you’ve just joined us from the NAFTA region, Nissan’s new, larger crossover for Europe probably looks a bit familiar. That’s because it’s on sale there already - as the Rogue. Nissan model names by market can get a bit confusing so I’ll try and add to that with the following explanation.

Previously, outside NAFTA, there was the smash-hit first generation Qashqai (aka Dualis in Australia and Japan and something unpronounceable in China). Built mainly in UK but also Japan and China. Five seats. For seven seats, there was, later, the Qashqai+2. For something bigger and a bit more butch for offroading, but just five seats, you moved up to the previous, second generation X-Trail.

In NAFTA (and the odd other market, such as Taiwan),there was the Japan-built Rogue, a bit bigger than the Qashqai but on the same platform, with a bigger petrol engine, a CVT auto and no diesel. The move up in NAFTA was to the Xterra.

Now, in Europe, we have a new generation Qashqai with just five seats and the old +2 model is gone. Build, again, is mainly here in the UK but Russian and Chinese production is planned and Japan is possible. But we can now get the third generation X-Trail with a seven seat option. Ours are made in Japan but production has also started in China and Russian output is planned - eventually nine plants will make this new one. It’ll eventually be sold - at the rate of 500,000 a year - in 190 countries.

In NAFTA, old Rogue continues, imported from Japan, as the Rogue Select, and our new X-Trail is their new Rogue, built in the US and, from the second half of 2014, also by Samsung in Korea. Like ours, that also has a seven seat option. And the step up remains the Xterra.

I have never ridden in or driven a previous generation X-Trail but the new one is much more stylish than its boxy predecessors - more Qashqai than Patrol.

Despite the softer looks, Nissan claims enhanced off road capabilities and sector-best levels of rear legroom, and highlights a unique second row seat sliding and reclining function, the new Connect infotainment/telematics system with suite of applications and the Safety Shield with an extended network of safety features.

The 3G X-Trail is built on the new, jointly-developed Renault-Nissan Alliance Common Module Family (CMF) platform and, for the UK, replaces the NAFTA Rogue’s 2.5-litre petrol I4 engine and CVT automatic with, initially, a 1.6-litre turbodiesel and two-wheel drive (new to the X-Trail line) or 4WD with six-speed manual and 2WD automatic transmission options.

“Less SUV and more crossover” is Nissan’s description of the new model which is 17mm longer (4,643mm) than the previous generation and has a 76mm longer wheelbase. It is also 30mm wider and 5mm lower while ground clearance remains 210mm. It’s 266mm longer than a Qashqai on a wheelbase 60mm longer and 100mm taller with 20mm more ground clearance.

The new model is also 90kg lighter than the model it replaces. Ultra high strength steel now accounts for 49% of body construction.

Rear doors open to 80 degrees for improved access and legroom is up 20%. The three seat rows are mounted theatre style, each a little higher than the one in front to improve the view forward. With judicious folding an item 2,600mm long can be carried and the tailgate is electric with remote operation.

That tailgate is constructed from plastic rather than steel while the front and rear bumper assemblies have been optimised for material thickness.

Inside, a redesigned combimeter has a drive-assist display, a large five-inch colour display screen located between the two main dials. This high-resolution touchscreen displays information from such items as the safety systems and navigator.

The centre console houses the latest NissanConnect system with a seven-inch high resolution screen and smartphone connectivity features.

The cabin has high quality materials, including chrome, piano black and leather with contrast stitching. Nissan said it examined every surface where the driver or passenger comes into contact with the car and, as a result, the door armrest pads and centre console pad are eight times thicker than sector rivals offer. A large centre storage box is big enough to take an iPad or 10-inch tablet.

The powered glass panoramic roof is said to be the biggest available in the class and the front half can be opened.

A double load floor provides nine flexible storage options. The cargo area can be positioned into upper and lower areas in a simple, single hand move. In its top position, the board can hold up to 10kg of luggage or 75kg in its middle position. This enables the user to store, for example, a stroller and large items below while creating a fully usable upper load surface for smaller, lighter items.

Tech

NissanConnect combines in-car navigation, information and entertainment with access to an evolving range of apps covering music, social networking, entertainment and travel.

Navigation integrates Google features from weather forecasts to the location of fuel stations, hotels, restaurants and so on. Send-to-car also allows drivers to plan a trip at home. The system includes Bluetooth audio streaming and mobile phone integration as well as aux and USB slots.

The five inch TFT colour display between the main dials incorporating 12 graphic displays accessible on rotation offering advice and warnings covering average and actual speeds, navigation turn-by-turn instructions, audio content, traffic sign recognition, eco driving advice and torque distribution settings in 4WD mode and more.

Around view monitor with intelligent park assist automatically measures the size of an available parallel parking space and actively steers into the space with the driver controlling forward and reverse motion. The system can also park in car park bays, with the driver benefitting from the bird’s eye view.

LED daytime running lights are standard and higher grade models have Bi-LED headlamps with full LED power for both dip and main beam producing a whiter, clearer light than Xenon bulbs while using 50% less power.

The Safety Shield package includes forward emergency braking, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, lane departure and blind spot warning, moving object detection and high beam assist.

Drivetrain

Four wheel versions adopt Nissan’s electronic four-wheel drive system, All Mode 4x4-i controlled via a rotary switch on the centre console, offering a choice between two-wheel drive, auto mode or lock offering permanent four wheel drive.

In the ‘default’ auto mode, the system constantly monitors throttle opening, engine speed and torque to anticipate wheel spin and to distribute torque between front and rear axles as needed, at speeds of up to 80km/h (50mph).

Above that speed, the system reacts to wheelspin, again shifting drive rearwards to restore traction as required. For tricky conditions and at low speeds, lock gives permanent four-wheel drive.

Four other electronic systems are active ride control which monitors the road surface to detect undulations which could potentially upset the pitch of the car body and alters the damping to compensate, active engine brake which, on CVT versions, adds a degree of engine braking while cornering or when decelerating to a standstill and active trace control which monitors speed, steering angle, throttle opening and braking effort and brakes wheels individually, as required, to reduce understeer and help the driver steer a safer path through bends: it is said to be particularly effective on slippery, wet roads.

Hill start assist is also included.

The X-Trail will be launched in the UK with the Renault-Nissan Alliance dCi 130PS turbodiesel engine with a choice of two and four-wheel drive and six speed manual transmission or an optional ‘XTronic’ CVT automatic gearbox for 2WD only. A 163PS 1.6-litre DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine will be added in 2015. The outgoing line had a 2.5-litre petrol and two-litre diesels.

The new XTronic gearbox mimics the behaviour of traditional, multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration, with stepped changes and worked pretty well. I thought the 1.6-litre diesel was a bit small for a vehicle of this size and it needed plenty of manual gearbox work to keep it in the right torque range for rapid progress and decent acceleration.

Spec

UK buyers will be offered Nissan’s familar Visia, Acenta, n-tec and Tekna specification packages.

All grades have air conditioning, alloy wheels and six airbags, LED daytime running lights, five-inch colour combimeter display, Bluetooth with microphone, cruise control and speed limiter, hill start assist, sliding and reclining rear seats and the luggage board system.

Range-topping Tekna models have bi-LED headlamps, leather seats, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels, intelligent key with engine start button, forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist and traffic sign recognition.

Prices start at GBP22,995 with CVT adding GBP1,350, 4WD (instead) GBP1,700 and seven seats GBP700.

Nissan said UK servicing and maintenance costs should be down 12-15% versus the old model with insurance down as many as 10 groups, a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and a fleet-friendly CO2 cut of 39g. Residual values are up an estimated 9%.

Volume is estimated at 9-10,000 in a full year with the 2WD manual taking 45% (and opening up a whole new market to the X-Trail which previously was 4WD only), 4WD 43% and 2WD CVT auto 12%.

Trim choices are expected to be Tekna 41% (UK buyers like lots of goodies and nice finishes), n-tec 35%, Acenta 19% and Visia 5%.

About 30% of buyers are expected to opt for seven chairs.

When to replace shock absorbers?

When driving, a vehicle’s shocks are always in use. Like many other car components, overtime this continuous use will lead to general wear and tear and they’ll lose their ability to function properly. There are signs you need new shocks that are right under your nose. Once you know them you’ll be able to determine if you need to take your vehicle to the workshop. Here are 6 tell-tale signs you can notice for when to replace shock absorbers.

When to replace shock absorbers:

Longer stopping distance

Having worn shock absorbers on your vehicle can increase your stopping distance by up to 20%. As you increase your travelling speed this will also increase the distance it takes your vehicle to completely stop. This 20% extra distance can be enough to cause a fatal incident and should be attended to as soon as possible.

Swerving & nose-dives

Does your car dip or swerve under braking? If so you need to have your shock absorbers checked. If you do dip or swerve under braking it decrease your control over the car which can be very dangerous in wet weather.

Vibrations

Are you getting vibrations through the steering wheel as you’re driving along? If your shocks are working properly they should keep your tyres in optimal contact with the road and there shouldn’t be any vibrations. If this problem occurs you need to be cautious, at high speeds the vibrations can be more intense and decreasing overall control of the vehicle.

Car sliding & veering

Do you have to correct car sliding or veering across the road in mild winds? This is a tell-tale sign of worn shocks and can be easily fixed with a shock replacement.

Rocking & rattling

If your vehicle rattles and rocks over bumps, railway tracks and uneven surfaces it is highly likely your shocks are heavily worn. Along with an unpleasant ride this rocking and rolling can be putting unwanted pressure on other car components and should be seen to as soon as possible.

Uneven tyre wear

Can you see bald patches or uneven wear on your tyres? This usually means your tyres don’t have optimal contact with the road, which can be caused by worn shocks. This will have an affect on car control and tyre grip and both should be checked and replaced.

REMEMBER: Only 4 postcard sized areas of your tyres are ever in contact with the road. It makes sense to have your shocks functioning properly to make sure you’ve got all the grip and control available.

Not sure about your shocks? Contact LEACREE and replace our shock struts!

How to Check Shock Absorbers?

If you feel like your vehicle’s ride quality is not what it used to be, it is a good idea to know how to check shock absorbers. It is fairly simple and easy to do. And it can save you from an unnecessary visit to a garage, or inversely, indicate that you need to get the car to a professional.

1. Observe your car from the front. With the car on a flat surface, it should appear perfectly level, i.e. both sides being the same height off the surface.If you actually know the specifications of your car’s suspension, you can measure the height. If the height is at or below the minimum specs, then you should take the car to a professional for further evaluation and repair. Being at the “minimum” is just that. It is no longer at the ideal, and something has changed.
2. 2Push down on the front of the car to test for weak shock absorbers. This is not a scientific test and is somewhat subjective. But it can be helpful when taken in conjunction with other checks made.Stand in front of the car and carefully place your foot on the bumper, or your knee on a surface that won’t dent or bend; it doesn’t have to be center. Shift your weight onto that point, pushing the car down. Then quickly remove your foot, or weight. The car should bounce up and return to its original position rather stiffly, without continuing to bounce. If it bounces more than a couple of times, this is an indication that perhaps the shock absorbers are weak.
3. 3Visually inspect the struts or shock absorbers. Look for signs of liquid that is or has been running down the shock absorber. If present, then your shock absorbers could be bad. Once the seals begin leaking, the shock absorber becomes ineffective.You will need to get the car into a garage to confirm your observations and replace the shock absorbers. Note that you want to get a confirmation that the liquid tracks you observed are indeed emanating from leaking shock absorber seals. It could easily just be something splashed up from the road.

What’s the Air suspension System?

Speaking about the air suspension system most people think too far too upset, because in our minds it is either to please the big boss of high-end luxury car, or is for those who deal with ultra-running speed humps or bad road, orIt is used to give the opportunity to run wild in a luxury SUV. But in fact the air suspension system can justifiably claim to be a "simple good cause," the guy, it involves something even better than your home golf turbocharged or DSG gearbox is much less, but is improving ride comfort is far less urgent to improve combustion efficiency and necessary.

Air suspension is the use of air suspension shock absorber, mainly to adjust the air volume and pressure of the air damper by air pump, the hardness and elastic modulus can change the air damper. By adjusting the amount of air pumped, you can adjust the air damper and the stroke length of the chassis can be raised or lowered.

Air suspension with respect to conventional steel suspension system, has many advantages. Such as high-speed driving, the suspension can be hard to improve vehicle stability; and low or bumpy roads, the suspension can be softened to improve comfort.

Why use air suspension?

Very simple, because the average by a coil spring and shock absorber tube consisting of a suspension system and can not adjust the firmness and height. After the length and elasticity of the coil spring calm, suspension of height with hard and soft characteristics of curing down body will not change; the calm after the damping cylinder, the response speed and shock-absorbing characteristics of the suspension is also not changed.

But the problem is with the state of the vehicle with the road is changing, ah, for example, who do not want to run bad road when the suspension is soft and comfortable, solid and stable when running the curve. Or again a little stingy, when the rear brake if the front suspension can timely hardened alleviate nod degree, accelerated time hanging harden reduce the rise, and that nice ah, the body is always well-organized. To achieve all of these, it would require the entire suspension system, or even each individual wheel suspension damping characteristics can be quickly changed.

On the other hand there is a lot of flexibility to change the vehicle body from the need to distance. Such as customary "stick to the ground," but fear "Road see injustice," the car who needs another example of some heavy-duty commercial vehicles manned cargo. Of course, we are most likely to imagine that those who need off-road vehicles run on both sides of the city suburbs and SUV. If you have seen our era film footage of the off-road users should remember that the inside of the Q7 and Touareg, the two of them are equipped with height adjustable air suspension system, which can be described in the project day to shine, this is for us to provide today's article rich material.

As stated above ordinary coil spring suspension system's physical properties can not be changed unless replacement parts, so the manufacturer can only be based vehicle positioning and sales area, to make a compromise set to "maintaining the status quo." So not convinced engineers thought the air with readily available hardware and software to be made or height adjustable suspension system.

Air suspension How does it work?

In fact there are many types of air suspension, both soft and hard only adjustable height can not be adjusted, but also the level of hardware and software can be adjusted, for example, in the early part of the application of air suspension system limo, then adjust the two air chambers to change the air flow between the hard and soft suspension, but not with height adjustment function. This paper places the prevailing level of hard and soft adjustable air suspension as an example.

Through the above chart shows, air suspension with our body structure is actually familiar form of a coil spring + shock absorber tube is almost exactly the same, but in the upper portion of the coil spring has a closed chamber, by changing the chamber volume (up and down direction), you can change the length of the spring, to adjust the body from the ground and to some extent changed the hard and soft characteristics; additional vent damper part by changing the size of the motor, thereby adjusting the damping force of the shock absorbers.

Since you want to change the volume of the gas chamber through inflated, it is bound to involve a set of gas pumps with high-pressure gas storage mechanism. The number and level of the body to maintain inflated amount, by corresponding sensors and electronic control unit to decide. Our Volkswagen Touareg for example, the electric pump mounted on the chassis front passenger seat is probably the following location, and the high-pressure gas tank is located next to the trunk spare tire.

When the body needs to be raised, the system issued a directive to make the compressed air pump starts and the gas tank inside the compressed air supply to the spring air chamber inside, if you need to reduce the body only needs to control the exhaust valve exhaust air can be. As for the actual height of the body by the side of each vehicle wheel height sensors to monitor and revise. In the end when it needs to be raised when the need to reduce it? One can select interface to control by the driver through the car's model, on the other hand the system will automatically be automatically adjusted according to vehicle speed, road shock and other reference data.

The driver can follow the road from inside five modes need to choose, body height, while the suspension hardness change accordingly change automatically. Of course, taking into account the vehicle's stability and security, air suspension system will automatically change the condition of the vehicle from the ground. For example, in general a paved road, the Audi Q7 permanent ground clearance of 180mm; but when the vehicle speed reaches 120 km / h and kept more than 30 seconds later, the suspension will automatically lower the body's ground clearance 15mm, so better high-speed stability; if the speed for 20 seconds to keep the 160 km / h, the body will be reduced by 15 mm, the ground clearance is adjusted to just only 150mm.

Go wild and occasions, off-road mode allows the body ground clearance increased to 205 mm, helping to keep the Audi Q7 100 km / h in the general security bumpy mountain road by speed; the high-order mode allows the vehicle ground clearance increased to 239 mm, rose to the highest Q7 approach angle of up to 24 °, departure angle reaches 25 °, the maximum wading depth of 535 mm.

The other hand, the Touareg's air suspension provides four kinds of body height and three damping modes, respectively, through the back of the vehicle height adjustment lever knob and roll damping mode switching from the main regulator. On the surface can be combined 3X4 = 12 modes, but in fact the ground clearance required damping mode to select a compromise, such as when SPORT mode the damping, the ground clearance is no way to go to the maximum, so driving those who still want to grasp the actual height of the body according to prompts dashboard.

What are the limitations of the current still?

The more complex the system architecture also means more factors caused the failure, so the air suspension system problems of probability and frequency than ordinary coil spring suspension system. First, adjust the ride height of the air as a "propulsion", damper seal fiasco, if there is leakage of air suspension, then the whole system will be in a "paralyzed" state; secondly, because of the low air density relationship, with air suspension damping characteristics to make real-time adjustment, the response speed of the system and not the common hydraulic active suspension system.

In addition, compressed air from the pump, if you frequently adjust the chassis height, but also may cause overheating pump system, will greatly shorten the life of the pump, test drive the day we have encountered since the pump can overheat protection and short-term adjustment car high. Although there are limitations can not be avoided, but after I consult the brand and our service shop that, as long as the normal use of the words air suspension failure rate is not higher than other car parts, now rarely encountered because the air suspension itself damaged parts The cause of the fault. (Source: Pacific Automotive cloud lit)

★ Interpretation fast and stable flying carpet secret air suspension

Childhood, we read many fairy tales, for the future also has a variety of fantasy, although different protagonists different adventures, but there always seems to have a flying carpet, carrying us speeding. Growing up, we know that a lot of dreams are only illusions, and carpet has become a reality, it is the car. It took us rolling down the road of life, and let our "dream of flying carpet" more comfortable and more stable Secrets - air suspension, we are saying today is the protagonist.

● Define air suspension

Suspension means simply, it is the general term for the connection between the body and the wheels, by the shock absorbers, the guide means and the elastic components, air suspension with air springs is broadly as the suspension of the elastic element.

● Historical air suspension

Air suspension is not only born in recent years. In the early 1930s, Harvey • Firestone (Harvery Samuel Firestone) in his friend Henry • Ford (HenryFord) and Thomas • • Alva Edison (ThomasAlvaEdison) technical support, developed the air column form the air spring suspension system.

So in 1934, Harvey • Firestone in his own company (Firestone Tire and Rubber Company) in the first real air springs for the automotive industry. In 1938, interest in GM's happened to the air spring suspension system is installed on the bus. They cooperate with the Firestone company, he conducted the first round of tests in 1944. And in 1953 began production of passenger cars equipped with air suspension, which is the beginning of commercial vehicles using air suspension.

Before we understand the air suspension structure Let us look at the difference between the air suspension and the suspension of the ordinary, the elastic element common suspension spring, between the body and acts as an elastic contact of the tire, and bear and transfer the vertical load , ease and curb the impact caused by uneven road and so on, in order to accelerate the shock absorber damping vibrations, limiting body and wheel vibrations.

The air suspension with air springs replace the ordinary spring as the elastic member, it is because of a compressible and expandable gas, so you can play in addition to the air spring between the body and the wheels make contact elasticity to withstand and transfer the vertical load, impact mitigation and suppression caused by uneven road, you can also take the initiative to adjust the body height, which do the groundwork for the next we have to mention electronic control suspension system.

○ air suspension structure

The air suspension system generally consists of air springs, shock absorbers, guiding structure, the air supply unit (such as air compressors, single valve, gas, cylinders, etc.), height control valve. Now many brands, especially pay attention to the comfort of luxury cars or attention by a lot of SUV models are equipped or can be equipped with air suspension, here let us recently in the limelight of the new Audi A6L, for example, be carded

Air springs are added to the compressed air in the flexible sealed container utilizing the compressibility of air to achieve a non-metallic resilient spring action. It has excellent elastic properties, thereby improving the vehicle running comfort. And no matter how much the vehicle load, can be selected by changing the air pressure. For example, by adding additional air chamber means to increase its internal volume, can reduce the stiffness.

Air suspension system to resolve

Meanwhile, according to the compressed air used in different containers, air springs and membrane capsules have two forms, bagged air spring is sandwiched cords rubber balloon and enclosed therein composed of compressed air. Airtight inner layer made of good rubber balloon and the outer layer is made of oil-resistant rubber. Enclosed between the Festival and the Festival steel waist ring, the intermediate portion does not have the radial expansion and to prevent friction between the two sections. The diaphragm air spring sealed balloon made of rubber diaphragm and metal parts composition, will produce radial expansion. In the production car we've seen are mostly membrane air spring, and more applications in the modified field is bagged air spring.

○ shock absorbers

Air suspension at the rear suspension, shock absorbers and air springs are separated from the body of the level of regulation by the air spring, and we often say "Flex" has been referred to the independent shock absorbers responsible, in After the suspension of the new Audi A6L, the shock absorber using ZF company's products, this CDC variable damping shock absorber built-proportional valve, which can continuously control the fluid flow in the shock absorber to achieve adjustment damping coefficients. Front suspension is also true, but considering the space problem, it will air springs and shock absorbers CDC variable damping is integrated.

○ guide means

Air suspension with ordinary suspension guiding mechanism is not much difference, the new Audi A6L below shows the optional air suspension and anatomy ordinary suspension structure, also you can clearly see the air spring instead of the original a coil spring to become an elastic element.

Air suspension system to resolve

○ air supply unit

Air suspension system to resolve

The air supply unit consists of an air pump, air dryer, gas tank and other components, air supply assembly is generally placed in the engine compartment or trunk.

○ height control valve

Height control valve is an important part of the air spring suspension system, its role is to make an air spring under load are to maintain a certain height. Advantage of air spring, and only in the case of using a height control valve can be fully reflected. When the vehicle load increases, the body is equipped with height control valve will be down, connecting axle and height control valve pendulum rotation drive cam shaft is rotated so that the piston and the mandrel move the exhaust valve is closed, into the valve opens, at this time, coming from the intake port of the compressed air into the airbag. With the rise in pressure inside the balloon, the air spring height increases, the body will also rise, because the intake valve is closed to move the pendulum, then height control valve in a state of equilibrium. When the vehicle load is reduced, due to excess pressure inside the balloon, the air spring increases, and thus the body is also increased, and therefore, rotation of the pendulum, driven by the camshaft is rotated, so that the piston and ram down, so that the exhaust valve opens, the intake valve is closed, the balloon of excess pressure to the atmosphere. The body back to normal levels, then, the jack and on the move, the exhaust valve is closed, the height of the valve and in a state of equilibrium.

● Electronic Control Suspension System

With the continuous development of science and technology, electronic control suspension system enters into our lives. Early air suspension merely mechanical body height will remain within the set range, now equipped with an electronically controlled rear suspension car when load, speed, road conditions and other driving conditions change, the active suspension system can automatically adjust the suspension stiffness (vehicle adjustment and single wheel adjustment), but also by adjusting the air spring, to adjust the height of the purpose of the body, which can meet the cars ride and handling all aspects of stability requirements. So that the electronic control suspension system can be described as standing on the air suspension of the "shoulders of giants" on.

○ Dynamic Chassis Control Unit

Air suspension system to resolve

The new Audi A6L is equipped with a dynamic chassis control system, dynamic chassis control system and vehicle stability system (ESP) via a data bus to complete the transmission of information, based on travel demand, the dynamic chassis control system can pump, dispensing valve and CDC variable damping The proportional valve is controlled.

For example, we have chosen while driving dynamic mode, then the control system will receive instruction on the implementation of the above mentioned elements are controlled, CDC in the proportional valve can be adjusted to a minimum to reduce the flow of damping fluid velocity to achieve tight stretch of driving experience, the air spring pressure air will be reduced accordingly so highly compressed, so that the lower body; if we want to create a comfortable driving state, pump will provide more high-pressure air to tank, at the same time, the control unit which will tell the dispensing valve to give air pressure air spring delivery. Meanwhile the air suspension control unit via FlexRay in-vehicle networking standards and automotive networking, enabling cross-system and other important body acceleration signal, eliminating the need of early automobile systems require specific acceleration sensors.

Air suspension system to resolve

○ Here it is necessary to mention the body during the process of raising or lowering the details of the transition from the highest level to the lowest position, the system will this process is divided into three parts, the front will be dropping the first third of the stroke, is completed, the rear third of the stroke decreases, thereby further action will be completed twice from the highest to the lowest shift in the whole process, chassis control unit and the dispensing valve has been working in collaboration.

Air suspension system to resolve

Air suspension system to resolve

○ As the driver after you, via the MMI system in the comfort, auto, sports and choose from four modes defined in "automatic" mode, the new A6L to more than 120 km / h speed with more than 30 seconds, suspended frame will automatically be reduced by 10 mm, and provides better driving stability (speed of less than 35 km / h back to the initial height), in the "active" mode, the suspension starting height is lowered by 10 millimeters. In contrast, "elevated" mode, this mode A6L space vehicle from being an extra 10 mm increased to over small obstacles, the vehicle speed over 100 km / h will automatically fall back to the original height. And A8L compared with height adjustment range of the system is relatively small, intuitive feel for the driver may not be so obvious, variable damping and stiffness characteristics of touches for comfort have significant control or assistance.

Air suspension system to resolve

Select Dynamic mode while power output is not only more active, steering wheel feedback intensity has increased significantly, significantly improved pointing accuracy. The air suspension can be adjusted to the hard state, became very nervous the whole car tight, give the driver a sense of control purely mechanized.

Back comfort when comfort mode, the air suspension good filter road vibration, while maintaining proper firmness. Driving experience is still the familiar calm style.

Full Summary:

In fact, the air suspension is not a mystery, Airmatic suspension system such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is equipped with the Porsche Cayenne S and the Turbo models can optional PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control system, etc., many models are equipped with the optional air suspension or possible shelf or electronically controlled suspension system. We bring our air suspension comfort while intoxicated driving experience, we should also see the system structure is more complex because the air suspension failure probability and frequency much higher than the coil spring suspension system, if the air shock absorbers leak occurs, then the whole system will be in a "paralyzed" state. And if you frequently adjust the chassis height, but also may cause overheating pump system, it will greatly shorten the life of the pump. The so-called things are no absolutes, for his is the best.