Air suspension systems have been in place for a long time in the trucking industry, and over the past decade, they have moved into ordinary passenger vehicles. The support to the springs is delivered by means of air spring bags, which deliver a smooth, controlled ride, working in conjunction with your car’s shock absorbers. They are simply bags made of plastic and rubber that are inflated to a specific height and pressure, and thereby mimic the action of traditional coil springs. They adjust for various load weights, and may be powered either electronically or manually.
Since your car’s suspension is working every time you drive, that means that your air spring bags are also working constantly. So how long do they last? The great thing about air spring bags is that if they are installed correctly, you can expect them to last the life of your car. And even if the installation is less than perfect, and the bags end up rubbing against the body of the car, they will still likely last about ten years – in other words, you can reasonably assume that they will last the life of your car. They hardly ever fail, but if they do, you will notice the following signs:
- Rough ride
- Difficulty negotiating tight curves
If you think that your air spring bags are failing, or need to be replaced, get in touch with a qualified mechanic. Air spring bags can be replaced, but usually will last a very long time. For air spring replacement, or issues with your air spring bags, an experienced mechanic can diagnose the problem and correct it for you.
