Valve blocks which direct air to the four springs from the storage reservoir through a set of solenoids, valves, and o-rings.A storage tank for compressed air, which allows you to store air at around an average of 150 PSI.An air compressor in the vehicle's trunk or under the hood of the vehicle.Vulcanized, heavy-duty rubber air springs at each of the vehicle's wheels.The United Kingdom-based company developed the ECAS to include several key features: What Is Electronically Controlled Air Suspension?Īccording to the company now known as Dunlop Systems and Components, at the start of the 1990s, Dunlop developed and installed the Electronic Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) system on the 1993 Range Rover Classic and again on the Range Rover P38A. Air suspension has also become popular in low-riding trucks like this gorgeous 1982 Dodge D200 Camper Special. Similarly, air suspension replaces a conventional steel spring suspension in heavier vehicle applications, like trucks, tractor-trailers, passenger buses, and even passenger trains. In most cases, air suspension is used to achieve a smooth and constant driving quality, but in some instances, sports suspensions feature an air suspension system too. What's the Purpose of an Air Suspension System? Air suspension also differs from hydropneumatic suspension because it uses pressurized air instead of pressurized liquid. A compressor inflates the bags to a certain pressure in order to behave like springs. Additionally, Pro Car Mechanics describes air suspension as a replacement to the leaf suspension or coil spring system with airbags composed of polyurethane and rubber. What Is an Air Suspension System?Īn air suspension system is a style of vehicle suspension that's powered by an electric pump or compressor that pumps air into flexible bellows that are typically made out of a textile-reinforced type of rubber. Ultimately, the air suspension system offers several benefits and drawbacks for drivers who rely on larger trucks and vehicles to carry heavy loads. This would ultimately result in a vehicle with an axle height independent of the weight of a vehicle's cargo. Back then, air suspension systems were also used in other aircraft and some heavy trucks to achieve a self-leveling suspension. The original purpose of air suspension was to save weight with a compact construction. The United States developed the air suspension system during World War II specifically for heavy aircraft.

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