Fit for Mercedes M Class W164 ML 500 2005-2007; Mercedes M Class W164 ML 500 4MATIC 2007-2010

Apllication(s):W164 ML& GL

Classification(s):Shocks,Shocks Airmatic,Spring&Suspension.

Air compressor

The air system works by pumping compressed air into air bags or springs made of textile-reinforced rubber via compressed air lines. The air compressor is an electric or engine-driven pump that’s usually attached to the car frame and found under the hood. It draws in outside air, compresses it, and uses the compressed air to fill the air springs to “lift” the vehicle’s chassis from the axle.

Aside from being the main part of an air system, air compressors are also coupled with air tanks in some vehicles. This allows the driver to inflate tires when driving off-road, for example. Air compressors can also be used to re-seat a tire that has slipped off of its rim. Air compressors also have a number of other pneumatic-type applications like maintaining the PSI for air horns, etc.

Air spring

Air springs contain a column of air in an elastomeric bellow or sleeve to provide suspension, isolation, or actuation. Commonly found in vehicle suspension systems, occasionally in conjunction with a coil spring, they are also used to insulate vibration in machinery and as linear or angular actuators
Air springs are employed through the use of an air compressor which fills and empties the pliable air bladder. The load is not distributed to the rubber liner, which only serves to contain the gas; the weight is attached to a piston or bead plate, which is directly supported by the air with very little deflection. A self-leveling mechanism is common to keep the air spring's load stable, and occasionally a separate coil spring is incorporated into the design. Also available are electronic air spring systems that can monitor air pressure, filter compressor air (preventing damage to the rubber bellows), and a lock to keep air inside of the spring in case of compressor or air line failure.
Air springs are most common in vehicle suspensions, but can also be used to keep vibrating/rotating machinery from affecting other components. Occasionally used as actuators, air springs can provide linear and angular translation.

Types of Air Springs
Outside of custom fabricated air springs, there are three available types of market-ready air springs.

1.Crimped, convoluted bellows, which attach the bellow to the bead plate by a permanent crimp in the plate. These provide good vibration isolation and linear/angular actuation, but are not for vehicle suspensions.
2.Sleeve bellows, which attach the bellows to the bead plate by an external clamp. This air spring type provides good vibration isolation, but only linear actuation. They are not typical in suspensions.
3. Rolling lobe bellows, which incorporate a piston at one end of the bellows, rather than a bead plate. This is most commonly found in vehicle suspensions, and is generally not recommended for vibration isolation.

Air Springs Advantage

1. More driver comfort due to the reduction in noise, harshness, and vibration on the road that can cause driver discomfort and fatigue
2. Less wear and tear on the suspension system due to reduced harshness and vibration of heavy-duty driving
3. Trailers last longer with air suspension spring because the system components don't take on as much vibration
4. Air suspension spring reduces the tendency of short wheelbase trucks to bounce over rougher roads and terrain when the vehicle is empty
5. Air suspension spring improves the ride height based on the load weight and a vehicle's speed
6. Higher corner speeds due to air suspension spring being better suited to the surface of the road