1. 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
2. Important tips to remember when installing a new unit
1). Check levelling valve, linkage and transmission parts for wear
and damage and if necessary replace
the damaged parts.
2). 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.
3). Check bearing for air spring bellow for external damage,
deformation, sharp edges and correct
fastening.
4). Before installing the new unit, clean the air spring mounting
plates to ensure proper attachment to
the suspension.
5). Always use new attaching bolts for the installation and observe
the tightening torques. Never use
old bolts, because these can fall out.
6). 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.That opens the
exhaust valve, allowing air to
escape until the arm returns to the neutral position. Then check
the driving level.
