As you know, the suspension for trucks in the XX centurywas of the 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-tonnik. However, there are a number of examples of mounting the 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.
Pneumatic suspension provides regulationroad 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.
Why "gazelists" switch to the use ofsuch a suspension? The main advantage of it is reliability. Springs sag with time. 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 - 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 swinging heavily on corners and on pits. Installation of air suspension on the "Gazelle" allows to improve the controllability of the truck, which positively affects the safety.
There are several types of air suspension:
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 pumped 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 expensivesuspension. 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.
The average price for a single-circuit suspension for Gazelle Next is between 15 and 20 thousand rubles.
The complete air suspension kit for "Gazelle" consists of:
It should be noted that the installation of pneumatic elementsis 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 construction is clamped from below by steps. The receiver is installed in any convenient place. 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, the electro-valve control wires are laid and the compressor is connected. The latter is powered by 12 volts. The fittings are tightened securely in the seats.
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.