As we know, vehicles all need a suspension system for better driving experience. Such a system could be conventional spring suspension or an air spring suspension. Either one, the suspension system does a great job in providing a smooth ride. While conventional spring suspension systems use steel springs, air suspensions use airbags. When it comes to airbags suspension, an air compressor is a dispensable part. Vigorairride provides various air compressors for you to choose.
An air compressor is responsible for the supply of air in an air spring suspension system. It keeps a certain level of air pressure in the airbags. The pressurized air allows the air suspension system to perform properly. Like steel springs break down, air compressors tend to malfunction as a result of stress and work after years. As a result, it wears out at a faster pace, causing it to fail sooner.
An air compressor is the key to an air spring suspension. Airbags with compressed air serve as the springs and do a better job than steel springs do. To achieve this goal, an air compressor is irreplaceable as it inflates the airbags to a certain pressure. Then airbags function like springs. Because of that, they are usually called airbags springs, air springs or air bellows. The use of compressed air rather than pressurized liquid also distinguishes air suspension from hydropneumatic suspension systems.
When do you need to replace your air compressor?
After several years of service, an air compressor will wear out and breaks down. This may be because of natural wear and tear or poor maintenance. No matter what reason it is, once there’s a problem with your air compressor, get it fixed or replaced soon. So when do you need a replacement?
- Lower ride height. Lower ride height is the first and most obvious signs. When you sense that your vehicle’s driving height is lower than usual, it indicates an air suspension compressor failure. Air suspension compressor is the tool to inflate the airbags, providing the air springs or airbags with enough pressure. Only with pressurized air in the air spring suspension system, can it function If the air ride compressor is worn, it’s unable to adjust your ride height. So that is when you know there’s something wrong with the air suspension compressor.
- Stranger noise. When you’re driving your care, abnormal noise come from your suspension system. Abnormal noise is one of themost evident signs of potential compressor malfunction. When you hear unusual noise like clicks, whining, or high shredding, you may need to check the air compressor. That could be a problem with the engine or the compressor fan. Continuous operation with odd noise could cause severe problems, even complete failure. The air compressor will be unable to pump air into the airbags if the compressor breaks down. In result, the vehicle’s air ride suspension system would be disabled.
- The compressor won’t switch on. A serious problem lies thereif your air compressor does not turn on. Some air ride suspension systems are self-regulated. They can turn the air compressor on and off based on the system’s needs automatically. An air suspension system won’t work without an air compressor. Because the pressurized air required for air suspension system is supplied by the air compressor.
Air suspension components last for several years from 3 to 10 years, depending on its quality, and the maintenance. Other factors like how often you drive also affect its service time. So how can you test an air suspension compressor?
How to test an air compressor?
Before you decide to replace your air suspension compressor, the first step is to test your current one. Here’s how you should do it.
Take air leaks test procedure as an example. Connect a pressure gauge between the compressor and the hose that links to your vehicle’s air ride suspension system. Once every part is connected, turn on your ignition but leave the engine off. By doing this, surplus air inside the line will go out through the bottom tire before restarting it. The pressure gauge will rise to maximum before falling back down, if there are no air leaks between the compressor and system. But if when you restart it, that’s not what happens, it means there’s leaking. It could be the line or one of the connections, which cause this problem. So it’s not the compressor. You should have that part repaired first.
Some symptoms or signs are more obvious to observe. Pay more attention to the noises coming from this component. Abnormal noise is the indication for air compressor concerns. Besides, examining the height of your ride is another way to assess a damaged air compressor. To be more specific, if it falls below the normal range, it tells that your compressor is not working well. That is, if air compressor fails, there’s not enough pressure in airbags, so the vehicle ride height is lower than usual.
Knowing those signs will help you get to know some possible problems about the air compressor. And you should remind yourself to have it repaired immediately. But the question is: how can you get it repaired?
How can you get air suspension compressors replaced?
You may feel a little overwhelmed when you’re trying to find an air compressor kit for your airbags suspension. Don’t worry; you’re the only one who has this kind of problem. To solve this problem, let’s answer some questions about selecting an air compressor first.
You can always get professional help from a vehicle repair shop. When you suspect there’s something wrong with your air ride compressor, you can have your vehicle examined by a technician. Or you can do it yourself if you know how. As a start of your DIY, you can buy an air ride compressor from aftermarket.
And for more information about air compressors, vigor air suspensions is ready to help you out. Air compressors they have can be a direct replacement for your OE air compressor. With some professional advice, you can finish it yourself.
