air suspension reliability?

[formula]

hey guys, Im considering an air ride setup for my daily driver. I know air ride systems have made vast improvements in handling and ride comfort, but are there any major reliability issues with them over normal suspensions, presuming they're installed by a relatively amateur person (aka me)? In other words, are they a professional-install only sort of mod if you want them to be safe?

[MrQuick]

no, i've seen some hack jobs done by some local companies, if you want it done right do it yourself. just make sure your lines are well placed and not going to get in the way.

[darren@ridetech]

Like Mr. Quick said, they are as dependable as the install. Abrasion is the biggest enemy of the air spring. If it is allowed to rub it will eventually wear a hole in the spring. On some cars there is some trimming around the coil spring pocket required to obtain the necessary clearance. This is all explained in the installation instructions for the the first timers.

What vehicle are you working one. Most of the instructions are on the web site. http://www.ridetech.com/instructions/instructions.asp

I always look at it like this.... These are basically the same springs Firestone is using on the big trucks, just smaller. If they trust it, so can you.

[formula]

well im hoping to be able to get in on the second gen air bar when it comes out, and then shockwaves up front. It'll be going on a 78 firebird. As I recall, the front subframe actually has to be notched a wee bit for the shockwaves to fit.

Good point on the firestone trucks. I'm really more worried about a mistake on my end than I am mechanical failure

[Steve1968LS2]

The second gen Air Bar IS out.. see the March issue of PHR for a complete install article and testing.

Yes, you do need to cut the front spring pockets on the frame, Air systems fail for two reasons. 1. bad and sloppy install where, lets say, an air line is cut or crushed and 2. bad install where the bags come in some contact with the car anywhere in thier travel (ie. they rub on something and eventually rupture).

The only other issue would be if a component failed like a solenoid or the compressor but that's what warranties are for

Oh, in regards to the air ride install story in the magazine.. there will also be extended and detail coverage online of the install process (37 pictures)..

[formula]

sweeeet....is there going to be any sort of advice as far as line routing goes?

[darren@ridetech]

Just keep it away from heat and abrasion. On most cars it typically works well to route the airline through the frame horn to keep it away from the headers. If you have to run it through a hole in the frame use grommet's or rubber hose to protect it. We typically use zip ties or clamps to secure the line. Routing it with the brake lines works well.

[Travis B]

we have run ridetech stuff on lots of cars over that past few years and have never experienced a problem! Other than a bad rear suspension bushing on a 62 that let the bag rub it's self other than that no problems at all!

[wiedemab]

Not to hijack, but I've got 4 corner air bag setup from AirRide along with the RideProE.

I've been thinking of running hard lines along with braided for the entire system. I bought AirRide's braided line kit, but was wondering what people have run the hard line out of. I was thinking aluminum with compresion fittings? What have people used for their hard lines (brake line?)

Thanks

[Travis B]

Not to hijack, but I've got 4 corner air bag setup from AirRide along with the RideProE.

I've been thinking of running hard lines along with braided for the entire system. I bought AirRide's braided line kit, but was wondering what people have run the hard line out of. I was thinking aluminum with compresion fittings? What have people used for their hard lines (brake line?)

Thanks

I have seen copper and stainless used before?

[Tony@AirRideTech]

I usually dont recommend copper unless you are plumbing a refreidgerator I would suggest using seamless stainles tubing.......

[Travis B]

I usually dont recommend copper unless you are plumbing a refreidgerator I would suggest using seamless stainles tubing.......

trust me the mini truck I saw it on was not a nice ride by any means....

[wiedemab]

Do you double flare the ends or use compression fittings? I wasn't sure if a brake style fitting would be air tight. Althought the braided line I bought from AirRide looks like brake lines.


I would probably just run right along side my brake lines?

[formula]

hah, thanks for answering my next question! I'll move right along to the next thing then...what sort of front suspension would go well with air bags? just the standard go-fast stuff?

[Travis B]

hah, thanks for answering my next question! I'll move right along to the next thing then...what sort of front suspension would go well with air bags? just the standard go-fast stuff?

an air bag can be used in any fron suspension configuration(i.e. most anywhere a coilover,coil spring, or strut will go and air bag will go)

[sinned]

Do you double flare the ends or use compression fittings? I wasn't sure if a brake style fitting would be air tight. Althought the braided line I bought from AirRide looks like brake lines.


I would probably just run right along side my brake lines?

Compression fittings are fine, anything that is acceptable for use in an air brake line will work for air ride. Check the heavy truck air brake section of the hardware, they have lots of cool fittings.

[Steve1968LS2]

hah, thanks for answering my next question! I'll move right along to the next thing then...what sort of front suspension would go well with air bags? just the standard go-fast stuff?

ART sells a front control arm system called the "strong arm" for second gens. I would think the airsprings would work with other control arms as well.

[USAZR1]

On my way to Chevellabration in Nashville last June,I had an air line failure to my car's right front shockwave. Was running about 80mph on Interstate 40 in eastern Oklahoma. Kinda scary because of all the tire smoke. It practically stopped all the traffic.
Luckily,it happened right near an exit and there was a truck repair shop about a block away. Cut out the damaged section of air line,spliced in a new piece,and we were back on our way in about thirty minutes. Damage to the tire was just some scuffing on the outer edge. Kumho V700's are pretty tough.

Steve Cook's Yellow 69 Camaro has stainless hard lines. I might switch to those in the future,if I keep the air ride.

[formula]

On my way to Chevellabration in Nashville last June,I had an air line failure to my car's right front shockwave. Was running about 80mph on Interstate 40 in eastern Oklahoma. Kinda scary because of all the tire smoke. It practically stopped all the traffic.
Luckily,it happened right near an exit and there was a truck repair shop about a block away. Cut out the damaged section of air line,spliced in a new piece,and we were back on our way in about thirty minutes. Damage to the tire was just some scuffing on the outer edge. Kumho V700's are pretty tough.

Steve Cook's Yellow 69 Camaro has stainless hard lines. I might switch to those in the future,if I keep the air ride.

that's good to know, too. I figured a single bag failure at speed would be pretty much catastrophic. it's nice to see that it's still relatively controllable.