Glossary of Common Air Suspension Parts and Terms
Get a better understanding of your air suspension but first learning the key parts and terms associated with your suspension.
- Active Suspension - Computer controlled suspension system with double acting solenoids at each wheel.
- Air Lines - Plastic lines that move air from compressor to air spring.
- Air Spring - An air filled membrane that replaces the conventional coil spring.
- Air Strut - A strut with an air spring incorporated on to it.
- Bushing - Allows upward and downward control arm movement and absorb wheel impacts and vibrations.
- Compressor - Devise that produces and delivers the air in a air suspension
- Control Arm - Control lateral (side to tide ) Wheel movement.
- Dampening - Reduces or restricts up and down movement.
- Dryer - Removes moisture from air produced for air springs.
- Electronic/Magnetic Suspension - This type of active suspension uses linear electromagnetic motors attached to each wheel. It provides extremely fast response, and allows regeneration of power consumed, by using the motors as generators
- Height Sensors - Send a electronic signal to the suspension computer to relay the height of the vehicle.
- Hydraulic suspension - . Almost instantly, the servo-regulated suspension generates counter forces to body lean, dive, and squat during driving maneuvers
- Lift Kit - is a modification to raise the ride height of a vehicle
- Load Leveling Kit - Maintains vehicle height and stability when hauling or towing heavy loads.
- Module - electrical control unit for active suspension systems
- Mount Studs - studs used to attach a mount
- OE parts - Original Manufacturer equipment.
- Passive Suspension - Suspension containing normal shocks and struts(non computer controlled)
- Shock Absorber - A hydraulic mechanism connected between the Chassis and the suspension to control spring action.
- Shock Bolt - bolt used to mount the shock to the frame
- Shock Mount - is a mechanical fastener that connects two parts elastically
- Solenoid - An electrically controlled valve to allow air in and out of an air spring or strut.
- Suspension Conversion Kit - Changes an O E M syle active suspension to a passive style suspension
- Suspension Warning light - Warns the operator of a potential hazard or fault in the suspension system only.
- Strut - Components connected from the top of the steering knuckle to the upper strut mount that maintain the knuckle position and act as a shock absorber to control spring action.
- Strut Bearing - Allows the strut assembly to swivel with the steering system.
- Strut Mount - the devise used to attach the strut to the vehicle.
- Sway Bar - Reduces or restricts body roll.
- Sway Bar Links - Attach the sway bar to the control arm
- Torsion Bar - torsion bars take the place of a coil spring in controlling vehicle height and load.