ACROPHOBIA
“The Fear of Heights”
 
In Europe, air bags are very popular. In fact they are used in many places such as
Trucks (LKW), trains and some EOM vehicles. Air bags offer a good ride and an even
better ride when strategically placed to ensure a full usage of the bag. On the other
hand, hydraulics are very popular in the U.S.A. and have been used in EOM vehicles
since 1955 (Citroen’s Traction Avant). The Citroen was fitted with the hydraulic system
for ride height adjustment. Other companies, such as Austin Rover, MGF Roadster, and
Metro have all used a HYDROGAS suspension, which is similar but a more unorthodox
method of hydraulics. Also, heavy machinery, amusement park rides and tractors use
hydraulics. Both types of suspensions have their UPS and DOWNS but today we will talk
about Air Suspensions.

The main key to an air system is the AIRBAGS’ weight-handling capabilities. In order to
make an air ride suspension reliable, keeping the water out of the system is very
important but is often overlooked. It’s also important to ensure the bags don’t rub
anything. Keep the air lines isolated from heat and use a large enough gauge wire for the
compressor.  SOLENOIDS or VALVES are fairly inexpensive these days. They are very
reliable as long as they remain dry during the winter season. If not, they can freeze and
then your system is useless. COMPRESSORS are the heartbeat for your system. They
breathe the necessary air into your air tank automatically. The air tank is fitted with an
air pressure sensor. It recognizes when the pressure drops and then automatically turns
on the compressor which fills the tanks. Upon achieving the higher preset pressure, the
sensor shuts the compressor down. This will allow your compressor to cool off prior to
the next tank filling. Some compressors can work constantly without a break (cool down
time), but others have a ratio of working time to cool down time. The con to a
compressor has to be the amperage draw on the battery and alternator. They require a
lot of current to run. If you are running a massive music/multimedia center in your
vehicle, extra batteries and beefed alternators will be needed. AIR LINES come in various
colors and are made of plastic or a poly, which is more heat resistant. The lines should
be cut with proper tools for a clean edge. This prevents an air leakage. The AIR GAUGE
can assist you in determining your ride height from sitting in the drivers’ seat. They can
also assist you in finding faults in your system. AIR TANKS come in three main
materials. Stainless steel, Cast Iron and Aluminum. The cast iron tank is not
recommended because it rusts inside and the particles enter and ruin your air lines and
valves. This can be a very costly and time consuming to replace.

DURABILITY TIPS:
Ensure you run a complete air ride system. Don’t try and cut corners and save a few
dollars. Do your research prior to purchasing. Always use a water trap, to keep the
moisture out. (Moisture will ruin your system faster than anything else). Be sure to run
your hoses intelligently. If you have the ability to use HARD lines, take advantage of this
opportunity. A two way kit has 4 valves (two for air input and two for air output). This
means the air for the front two shocks share the same air and the same for the rear.
This is a good idea except during hard and fast turns; the car will tend to sway or dip
occasionally. The air is forced from the inner side of the turn to the outer side. This
makes the car lower unexpectedly and rub or bottom out on the outside of the turn. To
prevent this, run a 4 way kit. But as you know, it will be more expensive due to the
additional valves, gauges, switches and air hoses. There are several companies in
Germany that you can purchase an Air Ride system for you car.

BULLOCKSTYLE-HAS(Hessen Air ride Systems)
STREETEC
HPS Air Ride Systems
GAS Air Ride Systems