Hi all! Have you ever heard about how air suspension is installed on a VAZ? The topic is quite interesting and, as it turns out, relevant. Therefore, I decided to study this issue a little and also share my observations with you.
It’s not difficult to find VAZs with air suspension in Russia and Ukraine. Moscow alone or the glorious city of Yekaterinburg is filled with owners of classics from AvtoVAZ and something newer like the Lada Priora, whose cars have pneumatics.
To begin with, it is worth understanding not how this is done, but why. Some will say that air suspension has only disadvantages. Let me disagree. Installing such a solution has impressive advantages. Let's talk about everything in more detail.
Is it advisable to install air suspension on a car?
Let's figure out what air suspension is and whether it's worth spending money on it.
Air suspension is a shock absorption system that allows you to automatically change the vehicle's ground clearance without the use of physical force.
This type of suspension is considered a universal option, which allows it to be mounted on both cars and trucks.
Installing air suspension guarantees a number of advantages:
- Changing the vehicle's ground clearance. To increase (decrease) the clearance, it is not necessary to change the springs or make major alterations. A few minutes of adjustment and the suspension sets the desired ground clearance.
- Smooth ride off-road. The disadvantage of spring shock absorbers is their sensitivity to uneven roads, which requires maximum attention from the person behind the wheel. With air suspension it is simpler - vibrations are compensated, which reduces vehicle shaking to almost zero.
- Comfort and controllability. Hard or soft springs have strengths and weaknesses. The former are suitable for asphalt roads, and the latter for off-road use. The advantage of air suspension is that it smooths out the disadvantages of different springs.
- No drawdown. The air suspension guarantees optimal ground clearance even at maximum load, as the ground clearance can be easily adjusted to the required value. So it doesn't matter how many passengers are inside the vehicle.
Before deciding to install such a suspension, it is worth considering a number of its disadvantages:
- The cost of air suspension is high, which discourages car enthusiasts. The money is used to purchase air bags, an air receiver, a compressor and other devices.
- Not maintainable. If any of the system elements fails, the entire unit will have to be replaced. This leads to additional costs, which not all car enthusiasts are ready for.
- Insufficient resistance to the negative effects of “chemicals” on the roads, frost, heat, and so on. Such factors lead to a decrease in the resource of the node. And if alcohol poured into a pillow can save you from the cold, then only the installation of original and expensive products will protect you from “chemicals” on the road.
The principle diagram of the air suspension looks like this.
Another scheme.
Key Benefits
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At first I was surprised why so many owners of domestic cars that fall into the classic category are looking for an air suspension kit.
But when I began to delve into this issue, I discovered serious arguments in favor of such a change in the suspension design. If I had an old VAZ, maybe I would decide to install pneumatics on it myself.
Historically, the authors of this idea when organizing suspension were the French. And to be even more precise, representatives of the car company Citroen. They were the first to use air suspension on cars. And for good reason, because it provides a number of advantages.
- Comfort. Pneumatics can significantly affect the level of comfort in a car, and in a good way. Such solutions help achieve an optimal balance between rigidity and comfort. Classic shock absorbers are not capable of this;
- Ground clearance. Exhibition cars only compete to go lower and go higher. But let's talk about real operating conditions. Pneumatics allow you to change the current vehicle clearance at your discretion. This way you can relate the clearance to the degree of load of the machine. The more cargo, the higher the car rises. But it is also useful to lower the car when entering the highway. This lowers the center of gravity, allowing the car to stay on the road better;
- Overload resistance. By adjusting the suspension, the driver, if necessary, can load the car as much as possible, but without fear of possible damage to the chassis, or any significant changes in the behavior of the car on the road.
This is just a small part of the benefits. There are many more of them that can be identified
But we won’t focus too much on this.
Installing air suspension on a VAZ 2110
Statistics show that car enthusiasts are more dissatisfied with the product of the domestic automobile industry. That is why the number of tuned “nines”, “tens” and other AvtoVAZ models is growing on the roads.
The principle of selecting components and installing air suspension for different VAZ models is almost identical.
For example, let's take the 2110 model.
So, to install the air suspension yourself, you will need the following material:
1. Racks.
Here it is allowed to use factory racks of the SAAZ type with oil filling. Purchase costs - 8 thousand rubles.
2. Air suspension cushions.
As an option, use pillows from Scania’s fourth generation, mounted under the cab of a truck. The issue price is 3 thousand rubles per piece. For example, these.
3. Receiver for air suspension.
A gas cylinder from the “nine” is suitable as a receiver. It has several advantages - the presence of a check valve, resistance to pressure up to 22 atmospheres, capacity up to 45 liters.
All these advantages indicate that the car will rise faster. The main disadvantage is the large mass.
As an alternative, a 25-liter cylinder from KamAZ can be used. The cost of purchasing a cylinder is 2.5 thousand rubles.
4. HBO valves.
To operate, you will need two pairs of solenoid valves. Pay attention to quality. Devices must withstand up to 25 atmospheres. Price - 350 rubles per piece.
5. Fittings and tubes.
The best option is the use of PVC pneumatic tubes used in the brake systems of trucks. Tubes are selected with a diameter of 6 and 8 mm. The first (at 6 mm) are mounted from the intake valves to the receiver, and the second (at 8 mm) - from the compressor to the receiver. The asking price is 35 rubles per meter.
6. Compressor.
An excellent option is to install a Berkut P 20 series compressor costing 4,950 rubles. Advantages: high pumping speed, reliability.
7. Management.
To control the valves, a special system was used, controlled by three toggle switches. The first starts and stops the rear circuit, the second the front circuit, and the third controls the compressor.
8. Pressure gauge.
A pressure gauge, as well as a moisture and oil separator, are installed between the receiver and the compressor. The installation location in the cabin is determined independently. The issue price is 80 rubles per piece.
Before starting work, it is worth considering the following points:
- To manufacture the body, you will need the help of a specialist turner. Without this, it will not be possible to fit the pillow (has a diameter of 4.5 cm) tightly onto the car body. In addition, you will have to make several sealing washers;
- On the boots at the front of the car, you will have to remove the spring cups. In this case, the springs installed at the rear are first lowered until the body touches the 15″ wheel, and then cut off.
The air suspension installation algorithm is as follows:
- Install racks. There are two options - make new holes or use existing ones (the second method looks preferable).
- Remove the rubber bands and thread the oxygen tubes. Next, secure them to the body part using clamps. To avoid drilling the body, you can use drainage holes;
- Next, we secure the tubes with clamps;
- Place the rear contour over the beam at the back of the car, and then pull along it;
- Mount the gas equipment valve, which is necessary to bleed air and reduce the vehicle's ground clearance, onto a special bracket for fixing the fuel tank. Remember that you need extra space for the tube, which will be required when raising or lowering the vehicle's ride height. The tube will be flexible, so it is fixed using clamps;
- Installing the front circuit takes more time because the tube has to be routed through the entire machine. The main difficulty is in fastening. Here you will have to stretch your brains and find a suitable place to fix it;
- Guide the tubes from the airbags installed at the front along the steering rods. Then bring them into the engine compartment, install the crosspiece, route the pipes, install the relief valve and the HBO valve;
- We connect relays, toggle switches, fuses with wires; here you will need electrical knowledge;
- It remains to check the operation of the mechanism. Here you need to fill the system with air (up to eight atmospheres), close the garage and listen to the system for leaks. If the ear does not detect anything, then it is worth checking the joints with a soap solution.
Finally, it is worth noting the following points:
- The pressure in the system should be maintained at 8 atmospheres for the front airbags and 6 atmospheres for the rear airbags. During the inflation stage, it is worth monitoring the compressor to prevent it from overinflating the air suspension. Otherwise, negative consequences for the system are likely - damage to fittings, swelling of hoses and other problems;
- The wheel alignment of the air suspension should be left at the usual level. Adjustment is required only in the position that is most needed (at mid-height).
It should turn out like this.
Price examples
Prices may vary depending on transmission trim level. Additional functions and devices that are not included in the basic package may be used. All conditions are discussed with the master or manager of the salon where the installation is carried out.
Several sets can be presented:
- Economical. A single-circuit axle, simple cushions and a control system will be installed. Average cost from 45,000 rubles .
- Average. Two single-circuit axes or double-circuit. Price from 65,000 rubles .
- Maximum. A four-circuit version is installed, controlled by a special remote control or mechanics. The average cost is 80,000 rubles .
Installing air suspension on a Mitsubishi Eclipse GTX 3.0TT AWD
There is a lot of speculation on the Internet that installing air suspension on a Mitsubishi Eclipse often leads to a number of problems. But that's not true.
If you organize the process correctly and strictly follow the technology, the result will please even demanding car enthusiasts.
Another option is to install ready-made equipment from K-Sport or other brands.
But this approach is not rational for the following reasons:
- Costs turn out to be higher than planned;
- The reliability of such a system is minimal;
- You have to wait several weeks, or even months, for the necessary repair kit.
Thus, self-assembly of component materials is preferable. Moreover, the market is saturated with everything necessary for work.
So, to install the air suspension you will need five high-quality struts.
Many people recommend installing Rubena products, but they have a number of disadvantages - difficulty in choosing spring stiffness, problems in selecting a design for the rear suspension, minimal service life.
To avoid problems and additional costs in the future, you should give preference to original spare parts for air suspension of Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes and others.
Here it is better to consult a specialist.
You will also need a Berkut type compressor (it is affordable and has a maximum service life).
The work begins with installing the rear pillars and drilling several holes in the body under the spare tire.
New holes are required to install adapter fittings for air lines.
What does the valve block look like?
Next, the pneumatic line is connected to the compressor and pumped up to 7-8 atmospheres. A few seconds and the car jacked itself up to the required height.
All that remains is to check the system for leaks. If there are obvious “spikes”, it is worth checking the joints and the quality of tightening of the fittings.
The last stage is removing the jacks and testing the car.
If the work is done correctly, the machine becomes soft and problems with overcoming high obstacles are eliminated.
When falling into a hole, the air suspension behaves with dignity and withstands the test.
One likely problem is proximity to the tire. In such a situation, a spacer will need to be installed.
A separate point is the body level sensors. They have to be completed separately and even have special brackets welded in for subsequent installation.
Sensors from Land Rover are excellent.
When connecting sensors, it is recommended to use high-quality factory wiring that has native insulation.
Wheel alignment in the middle position of the suspension will not hurt, after which the swing goes away, speed bumps go over more smoothly, small holes are “swallowed” and are almost inaudible in the cabin.
Video “Do-it-yourself pneumatic signal”
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This video talks about how to install a pneumatic signal with your own hands (the author of the video is dimonchik445).
Many car enthusiasts are not satisfied with the sound of the factory signal and want to install a pneumatic signal. Nowadays, there is a large selection of signals for a car, and here the choice remains with the consumer. From many listened signals, such as Volgovsky, HELLA, etc. The pneumatic signal still sounds louder.
Installing a pneumatic signal on a VAZ is quite simple, or rather, you can simply connect plus and minus to the compressor from the factory terminals. Next, we connect the “pipe” to the compressor and everything is ready. You can choose the location of the signal at your discretion, both behind the bumper and in the engine compartment, fortunately there is enough space.
Of course, there are some nuances in installing the “pipe”, or rather, these are blown fuses. A standard 10 A fuse usually does not cope with its purpose and, in violation of the vehicle operating rules, it is necessary to install a fuse with a higher rating, at least 15 A. Below is a video example of installing a pneumatic signal.
Also, if you want to get an even louder sound from a pneumatic signal, you can take a compressor for 2 - 3 pipes separately and put it with an adapter on one large pipe. The result will be an even shriller beep.
Installing air suspension on a Gazelle
To install the air suspension on a Gazelle, you will need the following material:
- Single-cylinder compressor (it’s worth taking water-cooled products), for example, from PAZ 3205.
- A water separator is a device that is useful for removing moisture.
- Solenoid valves are available in a wide range. Here, give preference to products from famous brands.
- Receiver. The option with a new or used device is allowed. The main requirement is performance.
- Valves for separating circuits. Another option is to purchase a 4-circuit valve.
- Floor level tap. The recommended option is Wabco. The asking price is 6.5 thousand rubles.
- Air bags. There are several options - Ruben 170*3 (7-8 thousand rubles), Atego (4-5 thousand rubles). The characteristics of these units are almost identical. Air springs ROR 21222663 (2b220, 113002, FIRESTONE: W01M586887) performed well.
- Brackets for fixing pillows.
- Control system - buttons, pressure gauges, toggle switches, joysticks and others.
The “brain” of the system is the ECAS unit, which will cost a pretty penny.
The greatest difficulty during the installation process is the fastening of the air springs. It is this moment that we will pay attention to.
The algorithm is as follows:
- A cross member is welded in with stops installed on it for installing pneumatic cushions. It is not difficult to weld the cross member - use the 16th channel;
- Prepare a platform for the pillow. If the springs sag, then the car should be raised using jacks;
- Installation starts from the top. First, the top is fixed, then the cushion swings and after the studs are joined, the holes are drilled. Please note that the work should be performed at working height. Also make sure the pillows are as far from center as possible. This is necessary to prevent friction of the products against the springs under load;
- Installation of airbags on the front axle is not required if the vehicle has a short wheelbase. If the base is long, then you cannot do without performing such work.
- Installation of pillows is done in two ways - above the springs (in the central part of the beam) or directly to the spring. Both options have disadvantages. So, if you install it behind the beam, then when you unscrew the steering wheel, it is possible that the newly installed unit will touch. If you place the structure closer to the central part of the beam (above the springs), then the front part of the car lifts up;
- A brand is screwed to the Gazelle frame, and a special channel structure is provided above the springs. So you will have to work on welding to eliminate possible risks for the air suspension;
- The cushions on the front and rear axles are installed from above, and then inflated to the desired height. Once the position of the holes is determined, drill the holes and install the pillow.
See the photo for more details.
The result of the work is a rigid front suspension. To add softness, it is worth placing receivers using thick tubes in parallel to the pillows.
In this case, the following design features can be distinguished:
- Comfort. If it is impossible to install shock absorbers on VAZ cars with different settings for different driving modes, you can get a truly optimal ratio between stiffness and comfort for the car’s suspension.
- Possibility of adjusting vehicle clearance. This feature not only allows you to link the ground clearance with the load of the car, but also lower it for high-speed races (in order to lower the center of gravity).
- Overload resistance. Individually adjusting the suspension stiffness allows you to load an additional volume of cargo without fear of damaging suspension parts or changing the behavior of the car in motion.
The list of additional benefits that air suspension provides can be continued with other narrow features. However, each car owner can determine such advantages for himself.
Reviews
The results of installing the air suspension can be judged by the reviews of motorists who have successfully completed the process:
1. Egor, Ford Fiesta.
“Great thing. If the price of the factory version were not so high, then it would take less time to install the air suspension. But in any case, I’m happy as an elephant. The car has become softer, “eats” potholes better, and passes speed bumps without problems.
2. Igor, VAZ-2110.
“I had a hard time installing the air suspension, but I was satisfied with the result. Now on the highway I lower the ground clearance, and when driving off-road I raise it to the maximum. The result was an explosive mixture of an all-terrain vehicle and a sports car.”
3. Alexander, Mitsubishi Lancer.
“I spent several weeks and almost 50 thousand on installing the air suspension. The result was amazing and I don’t regret for a second that I decided to do it. The car has become soft, it takes turns better, and it has become much more comfortable inside. So the installation of air suspension justified itself 100%.”
Disadvantages of the pneumatic system
The fact is that when the center of gravity of a car changes, its stability, both directional and rollover resistance, also changes. This is understandable; the manufacturer could not have known that the body would be raised to an unimaginable height or lowered to the level of the curb
Any careless movement of the steering wheel at high speed can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or a rollover, which is not very impressive for those in the cabin.
It is for this reason that cheap pneumatic systems are installed only to create the visual effect of a lowered suspension. Whether it’s worth paying a hundred thousand for such a pleasure is up to everyone to decide, but if you invest the same money in good springs with progressive characteristics, good Bilstein sports shock absorbers, high-quality silent blocks and bushings made of expensive polyurethane, then you can also get airbrushing on the hood for change and get a good practical Priora for life. Smooth roads and good directional stability to everyone!
How, where and from whom to buy and order a service
Services for installation, repair and replacement of suspensions are provided by numerous companies and small private workshops. In addition to installation, they are able to offer additional components.
Before visiting the center, you can consult with an online consultant who will tell you and help you choose the most suitable suspension for a specific car. The selection will be carried out using leading questions.
Contacting specialized centers has a lot of advantages, for example:
- Guarantee of the quality of the service provided.
- Use of original parts from suppliers.
- Availability of specialized equipment and qualified personnel.
Differences between air suspensions
More complex air suspensions may also have four circuits to regulate the pressure in the air strut on each wheel separately. The price of such a system is multiplied by four, compared to the simplest one, in which pneumatics can only be installed on the rear axle.
It is precisely these systems that are installed on inexpensive cars, and the suspension is adjusted manually and by eye: softer/harder, higher/lower. This is where we find the main difference between home-made pneumatics and intelligent air suspensions of expensive cars. If expensive pneumatics with intelligent control can improve the controllability and stability of a car at high speeds tenfold, then collective farm pneumatics do the opposite.
TOP 10 Lithuanian automotive sites for searching cars and spare parts
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Buying cars in Europe is much more profitable than on the domestic Russian market, even taking into account all the fabulous fees and taxes. For comparison, a BMW 5 Series produced in 2004-2006 can be purchased in Lithuania for 6-8 thousand euros. In Russia, such a copy will cost 23-25 thousand, and even the condition of the Russian car will be much worse.
Bad roads, low-quality fuel, savings on maintenance – there are many factors that lead cars in Russia to a ruined state. Therefore, many are looking towards the Baltic states in order to purchase a higher quality and reliable car, while spending much less money.
The most popular Lithuanian sites for searching cars
Almost all Lithuanian car websites have versions in Russian, which makes it much easier to search for cars and compare different options. We present to your attention the TOP 10 most popular and extensive Lithuanian portals with the ability to search for cars:
- Autobonus.lt is a large portal with an extensive database of used vehicles. Allows you to use convenient filters to search for the desired car, and also lists all prices in euros and litas.
- Autogidas.lt is one of the largest portals in Lithuania. Here you can not only buy a used car, but also communicate with Lithuanian entrepreneurs who, for a reasonable fee, will transport the car to Russia and help with the documents. The portal has a large forum where you can ask all your questions.
- Auto.plius.lt is the largest and most popular portal about cars, which contains advertisements from all over the Baltics. You can look at prices for new vehicles, as well as buy used cars from their owners.
- Autotaurage.lt – the portal is aimed at Russian buyers who want to buy a car in Latvia and Lithuania. There is information on how to get to the desired city, where to inexpensively spend the night and have lunch. Large database of advertisements, since the portal is completely free.
- Skelbiu.lt is one of the young, but very interesting Internet projects that offers users a convenient search through a database of used cars in Lithuania. There is also a lot of other interesting information about the features of purchasing transport in the Baltics.
- Alio.lt is a Lithuanian bulletin board where you can search not only for cars, but also related products, components and body parts. There is a convenient form for searching for spare parts for any equipment.
- Autoaiksteles.lt is a portal for those who want to travel to Lithuania on their own and choose a car on the car market. Here is a map of automobile markets with all the necessary information for visitors.
- Egzotika.lt is a professional website for searching car tires and wheels. Much more attractive prices for tires than in Russia. There is a convenient search form for tire manufacturers, sizes and properties.
- Autozebra.lt is a new used car search site. Few advertisements, but quite detailed information about each vehicle. Lots of photos and other useful data.
- Balsana.lt is another specialized portal for tires and wheels. A large selection of manufacturers, types and sizes of tires, as well as original wheels for almost any European car.
Here is a list of the most useful, in our opinion, Lithuanian sites for buying cars and spare parts.
What should you not forget when choosing a car in Lithuania?
As soon as you find a car that meets your requirements, you should resist the temptation to immediately start packing for your trip to Lithuania. First, find a customs duties calculator and calculate how much money you will have to pay to the state. Perhaps it’s worth looking for a more profitable purchase option?
The following points can make a car from Lithuania unprofitable:
- the car is too old (for old vehicles you will have to pay a lot during customs clearance);
- large engine capacity (the duty is calculated based on the number of cubic centimeters);
- overpriced car in Lithuania.
To begin with, it is worth including in the final cost of your future car travel and accommodation in the Baltics, customs duties, recycling fees, and the cost of transporting the car to Russia. If you end up with a good figure, then you should go to Lithuania to inspect the car or order it from professional companies.
Let's sum it up
To buy good transport in Lithuania, it is enough to study several sites, compare the cost of a particular car model on different portals. As soon as you make your choice, immediately calculate the final amount using a customs calculator.
Happy shopping in the Baltics!
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