EVERYONE AND THEIR DOG HAS AIR RIDE THESE DAYS, BUT DO YOU KNOW ITS HISTORY AND HOW IT WORKS?
Where it all began - Believe it or not, the concept of air suspension dates back to the early 20th century, so even your grandad’s grandad might have known about it. The first patents for air-based suspension systems appeared in the 1920s, and it was aimed at improving ride quality over rough terrain and to address comfort and load management challenges. By the 1940s, companies like Firestone began developing pneumatic suspension systems for commercial vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks and buses, where smooth rides and load levelling were critical for the safe transportation of certain goods. By the time the 1950s came around, the systems were adapted for use in performance-oriented applications. It’s a little-known fact, especially seeing as these days when a car has air ride, people assume it won’t be able to do circuit duty at high speed. In 1957 General Motors experimented with the technology in their Cadillac Eldorado Brougham as part of a luxury push, but the idea caught the attention of engineers in motorsport. Air suspension could dynamically adjust stiffness, giving racecars better handling and cornering performance, tailored to specific track conditions and layouts. The 1955 Citroën DS, featured hydropneumatic suspension, and though not purely air-based, it incorporated pneumatic principles and demonstrated how adjustable suspension could improve handling performance and comfort.
In the 1960s and 70s, air suspension evolved from niche performance use to widespread adoption in luxury vehicles. Mercedes-Benz introduced air suspension in its high-end models like the 600-series Pullman, emphasising ride comfort for the elite. At the same time, the trucking industry embraced air ride systems for load levelling and stability. In the 1980s and 90s, lowrider culture began adopting air suspension systems for their ability to lower vehicles dramatically for a unique stance, and then raise them back to driveable heights. Sound familiar? Lowriders are pretty much the forefathers of modern show cars. With proper aftermarket interest, components and systems started undergoing revisions to make them better, smaller and easier to use. The advent of electronic controllers in the 2000s brought air ride systems to new heights (and lows). Users could adjust ride height and stiffness at the touch of a button, making the systems more reliable and precise. Today, air suspension is a staple of show cars. Builders and enthusiasts love the combination of form and function, allowing cars to lay frame at shows for maximum scene points, and then rise to tackle shitty streets for the road home. Modern air ride kits, like those from AccuAir and Air Lift Performance, come with app-based controls, height presets, and self-levelling systems. Most of the people in the circles I run in have a car fitted with air ride, some more than one, and it’s an aspirational mod to many who don’t have it. While everyone knows that a system has an air tank, height-adjustable bags and a controller, many still don’t know exactly how a system works. Time to learn…
Take a look at the YouTube video that explains exactly how a modern air ride system works and all the components involved in a system and what their functions are: How does an Air Suspension System work? | Bag Riders Air Suspension
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!