Air bag suspension installation instructions

Fitting times above are based on airbag kits with manual inflation valves only, extra time and cost will be added for optional on board air control systems. A cracked or bent chassis can only occur with Excessive Load Over Loading and positioning of load as well as vehicle operation. See below PDF Download from 3rd party engineers who have completed a chassis analysis report on how bent chassis can occur.

This was tested with and without air suspension installed, with over 20 years of Airbag Man and working with air suspension and thousands of satisfied customers we have never come across our air suspension being the cause of a bent chassis.

Our airbags are positioned where the vehicle manufacturer expects the bump stop impact load to be taken. Excessive load and or an unusual operation is usually the cause vehicle or chassis damage. PDF Download of third party engineers chassis analysis.

We have carried out inspection and testing on vehicles and components to confirm their operation and compatibility with our products. These systems are a switching circuit to give two states of front to rear brake bias dependent on the position of the lever on the valve.

If your vehicle has not been previously adjusted then the Airbag Operating Height is to be checked against the proportioning valve engagement to ensure the rear brakes are engaged in loaded conditions. If the vehicle has been adjusted in this area, due to a suspension lift or prior work, then the proportioning valve may require adjustment to ensure correct engagement. As these valves are not gradual and only switching between two positions the variation between unloaded and loaded bias conditions can be set at a small height variation.

Airbag Man are in regular communication with Transport Authorities and approved persons assisting with writing safe rules for air suspension. We design and manufacture our kits following their requirements.

In most instances our kits require no modifications to the vehicle for fitment and will meet applicable State Legislation, Regulations, Guidelines and Codes of Practice.

The below information is to be used as a guide and in all instances we encourage the end user to seek advice from their local regulatory authorities or call Airbag Man Direct on Australia Wide. Each end user application is at the discretion of individual interpretation of State or Territory Legislation. Western Australia has a State specific process in place regarding installation and approval requirements.

In all instances it is recommended to confirm with local regulatory authorities. The longest we have seen our airbags fitted and still operating to this day has been over 20 years. No, airbags do not increase your GVM as they act as a suspension helper. If you were to get a full suspension GVM upgrade and install our airbags to the upgrade the airbags will be more than capable in carrying weights up to your GVM.

So, the question over which device is required comes down to identifying the problem, issues, concerns being addressed. If the front of the tow vehicle lifts more than about 15mm then a WDH may be required to push it back down again, and no other product can do this.

If the front of the tow vehicle raises less than this this it is likely no WDH is required, unless it is a small or particularly sensitive vehicle. In the event that a WDH is required, then it is likely that the rear of the vehicle will have dropped an obvious amount, and when the hitch is connected it will return some or most of this height, however this comes at the cost of decreased rear axle loading may be desirable , and decreased rear spring stiffness less desirable for stability.

This is where airbags come in as they are able to help correct the height at the rear, but more importantly they maintain or increase the stiffness of the rear springs so that the rear suspension of the tow vehicle retains or improves its stability, which is becoming an increasingly large issue with tow vehicles as they become tuned more toward un-laden ride comfort.

Download PDF for more information. Fitting Airbag Man air suspension does not increase the vehicles stated weight ratings for GVM gross vehicle mass , GCM gross combined mass , individual axles or tow ball loads. What types of Airbags are there and where do they go? Do I load the vehicle first and inflate the airbags, or inflate the airbags and then load the vehicle?

Do you supply safety airbags SRS airbags? No, you will need to contact the vehicles manufacturer for replacement SRS airbags. Do I need Airbags? Then remove the tires. Step 2: Remove the coil spring and front struts. Determine whether the air suspension is just going to be in the rear or if the kit is for the front and rear.

If the front is going to be addressed, remove the front struts from the vehicle as per the kit instructions. Step 3: Prepare to install the air suspension. If the kit being installed uses a compressor, the most common place to install this is in the spare tire well.

Remove the spare tire and any interior panels required to make room for the compressor to sit in the trunk. Step 1: Install the rear air spring. Install the rear air spring, or rear coil, in place of the previous spring. Step 2: Install the front air struts. The front air struts will be installed in place of the previous front air struts. Step 3: Install the air compressor and air tank. Step 4: Wire the compressor for air and power. The air compressor will need power to operate.

Each corner of the vehicle will need its own airline that is then run to the compressor. These air lines must be tucked under the vehicle so they do not bend and break when driving.

The lines are attached to the compressor so the air suspension can be controlled. Step 5: Do a final check of the installation and setup. Look over the installation and make sure all components are tight. Most air systems will also need to be cycled a few times and checked for proper operation.

Operate the air suspension to confirm that the vehicle attains the proper ride height. This may require some adjustment. Air suspension can be a helpful addition to your vehicle, whether it is to help carry a load or to improve how a vehicle rides. If at any time during the installation process any questions arise, you can always Ask a Mechanic to recieve quick, detailed advice.

If you do not feel entirely comfortable working on this yourself, qualified technicians at YourMechanic can help you with any repairs, replacements , or other services concerning your suspension. The six steps above vary depending on the unique suspension of your vehicle. No questions asked, money-back guarantee. Learn more. We're with you for the long haul. We use cookies to ensure your best experience. Through your continued use of this site you accept this use.

For more information, please see our privacy policy. Return to shop. Installing Air Lift Is Easy! There are six basic steps to installation: Once you receive the kit I know that you are anxious take time to lay out each individual component and check it off against the parts list printed in the installation manual. Then make sure that you have the necessary tools to complete the job and proceed to step 2. If any part that is on the list is not provided in the kit, stop and contact Air Lift customer service.