Pneumatic suspension to "Gazelle Next"

As you know, the suspension for trucks in the XX century was a spring type. However, in the 90s, European manufacturers began to install air systems. Thus, vibration damping was effected by pneumatic cushions. Now, this suspension is installed on domestic cars. Basically it is 5 and 10 tons. However, there are a number of examples of installing an air suspension on the "Gazelle", the carrying capacity of which is 1.5 tons. This is really an effective completion of the running gear. What is the air suspension on the "Gazelle Next" and how much it costs, we will consider below.

Characteristic

The air suspension provides adjustment of the vehicle's clearance relative to the road surface. Also this system performs vibration damping. Works on a similar principle. Only in contrast to the spring elastic elements are the pillows. Inside of them air is pumped from the receivers under pressure. Currently used for trunk tractors, as well as for cars as an option.

Benefits

Why do "gazelists" switch to using such a suspension? The main advantage of it is reliability. Springs eventually sag. Of course, they can be re-rolled. But this is an additional waste of time and money. Airbags do not require such maintenance and pay off already for 2-3 years of operation. In addition, the installed air suspension on the "Gazelle" ensures the softness of the stroke. After all, the cushions are an elastic element and compensate for all the buildup, as well as vibration. The car on this suspension rides more smoothly.

Another plus is manageability. Yes, the pillows will not turn the "Gazelle" into a racing car, but significantly reduce the roll, especially in long bends. After all, as you know, there is a bridge in the back. And on the old versions of the Gazelle, there is also a dependent beam in the front. The machine is heavily swinging in corners and on pits. Installation of air suspension on the "Gazelle" allows to improve the controllability of the truck, which has a positive effect on safety. The next advantage is the strength of the suspension. When fully loaded, the leaf springs strongly bend. The road clearance also decreases. With pneumatic cushions, the driver himself can adjust the clearance and stiffness of the suspension on the rear axle. In addition, the "glasses" have a high margin of safety.

Kinds

There are several types of air suspension:

• Single-circuit.
• Two-circuit.
• Four-circuit.

For "gazelles" choose the first type. This is the simplest and cheapest suspension for commercial vehicles. It is installed on one axis (usually on the back). Pillows are controlled from one solenoid valve and inflated evenly.

The dual circuit is mounted on both axles of the car. In this case, they are controlled from different valves. The driver can choose his own pressure parameter on each of the axles of the car.

The four-circuit is the most complex and expensive suspension. Used only on passenger cars or SUVs of premium class. In this case, each pillow is independent. The driver can adjust the pressure not only on each axis, but also on each side.

Cost

The average price for a single-circuit suspension for Gazelle Next is between 15 and 20 thousand rubles. This parameter depends on the completeness of the product. So, the minimum set includes:

• Fastening element.
• Pneumatic springs (production of AirCraft or AirTech).
• High-pressure plastic tubes.
• Adapters to the nipple.
• Fittings.

The complete air suspension kit for "Gazelle" consists of:

• Fasteners.
• The compressor.
• 9-liter receiver.
• Plastic tubes, fittings, nipples, pillows.
• Manometer.
• The fuse box.
• The air pressure sensor in the circuit.
• The dehumidifier.
• Pneumatic distributor.

Installation

It should be noted that the installation of pneumatic elements is carried out between the spring and the channel of the frame. The cushion is fixed on the aluminum plates that come with the kit. For this, it is required to drill the corresponding holes. Then the plate is bolted. The pillows themselves are put in a deflated state. The design is clamped from below by stepladder. The receiver is installed in any convenient location. It can be the lower part of the body or the engine compartment. But in the latter case, it is necessary to lay long hoses through the entire car. Also lay the control wires of the solenoid valve and connect the compressor. The latter is powered by 12 volts. The fittings are tightened securely in the seats. In addition, the control buttons are installed in the interior and a pressure gauge. This will allow you to monitor the pressure in the system remotely and perform parameter adjustments if necessary. This is how the air suspension is installed on the Gazelle. You can repeat this with your own hands. The technology is similar to the above. However, remember that if you are self-installing, you lose the warranty. The manufacturer allows installation only on specialized services.

Service

The main enemy of pillows is dirt. When it accumulates on the surface of the pillow, it works as an abrasive. After all, when the pressure is lowered, the rubber parts of the element are in tight contact with each other. The same happens when the cushion is damped when the car passes an uneven road section. As a result, the element is cracked. The involuntary bleeding of air begins. If you do not solve this problem on time, replacing the pillow with a new one, the compressor can burn out from constant loads. How to avoid premature failure of the pillow? To air suspension on the "Gazelle" has served for a long time, you should periodically check its condition and perform the cleaning of the pneumatic elements. On the eve of winter colds, it is recommended to treat the cushions with silicone grease (for example, in the form of a spray). Do not use the VD-40 and others for this. Lubrication should be only silicone. It will create a dense fat layer on the surface, which will prevent the ingress of salts and dirt. Spray should only be applied to a thoroughly washed and dry surface. To make the composition penetrated into all grooves, apply it on fully inflated cushions. Also, the suspension is not allowed to operate under a pressure of less than 1 bar.