3W5616001D Left Rear Airmatic Shock Bently Auto Air Suspension

Auto parts air suspension struts 3W5616001D Left rear airmatic shock for Bently 

Air Suspension Strut Buyer's Guide

Summary

An air suspension strut is a strut with an air spring incorporated into it. The air spring or airbag is inflated or deflated to adjust the height of the vehicle.

A faulty strut may cause your vehicle to roll when you press your brakes, squat when you accelerate, or lean to one side while you’re driving.

Driving with a bad air suspension system will not only make your ride uncomfortable but also put you and your passengers’ safety at risk.

An air suspension strut replacement usually costs around $250 to $1000, depending on the brand you choose.

Air suspension struts are essential components of an air suspension system. They work with an air suspension compressor and several other parts to provide smooth ride quality and make sure you’re in full control of your vehicle. If your air suspension struts start showing signs of failure, you must replace them immediately.

What is an Air Suspension Strut?

An air suspension strut or air strut is a strut with an air spring or airbag incorporated into it. To fully understand the role of an air strut, let’s discuss

how air suspensions work.

In an air suspension system, air springs typically replace the coil springs or leaf springs found on traditional systems. A sensor monitors the air springs on each side of your vehicle.

Data regarding internal air pressure and ride height are sent to your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM adjusts the air pressure and riding height accordingly using an onboard compressor, air dryer, and air reservoir. The air springs or airbags in your air suspension strut inflate and deflate to adjust the height of your vehicle.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Air Suspension Systems

An air suspension system can adjust your car’s height in seconds. This lets you achieve a smoother ride, ideal ground clearance, and even out any heavy payload.

Most off-road vehicles use air suspensions. This is because, aside from improving ground clearance, air suspensions can also improve approach, breakover, and departure angle. Efficient height adjustments also help prevent damages caused by trail hazards.

However, cars with air suspensions also come with disadvantages. Since air suspension systems are more complex than traditional systems, they are more expensive. They are also more prone to failure because they involve a lot of technology. Fortunately, regular maintenance can prevent most of the issues that may affect air suspension systems.

What Happens When an Air Suspension Strut Fails

A worn-out strut can result in a lot of driveability issues. It may cause your vehicle to roll when you press your brakes. or squat once you start accelerating. When making turns, a worn-out strut may also cause your vehicle to lean to one side.

Faulty struts also can’t absorb the impact when your car bounces due to bumps on the road. Aside from that, the front-end struts are crucial for steering and alignment.

It isn’t safe to drive with bad struts. Driving with a bad air suspension system will not only make the ride uncomfortable but also put you and your passengers’ safety at risk.

Other Air Suspension Problems

Faulty struts can cause a multitude of problems, and it is best to have faulty ones replaced right away. However, the struts aren’t the only crucial component in an air suspension that can get faulty over time.

Here are other common issues you may encounter with a faulty air suspension:

Leaking Air Springs

This is one of the most common problems you may encounter with an air suspension system. Air suspensions are equipped with airbags that deflate and inflate to adjust your car’s height. The rubber components of these bags can deteriorate over time and cause holes and tears.

It is easy to notice symptoms related to this problem. For instance, a damaged air spring won’t be able to absorb shock efficiently, so expect a bumpier ride. As a result of air leaks, you may also notice that the air compressor is constantly running. This is because the compressor is supposed to keep the airbags or springs properly inflated.

Malfunctioning Air Compressor

Aside from air leak issues, it isn’t uncommon to encounter problems related to faulty compressors. Just like any other vehicle component, compressors can get worn out over time—especially if they work double-time to inflate the airbags.

An easy way to determine if an air compressor is faulty is to look at your vehicle’s height. If you notice that it’s lower than usual, chances are something is wrong with the air compressor. Clicking or grinding noise is also a clear sign that either the compressor or another component is not working as it should.

Excessive Moisture

Moisture in an air suspension is normal. However, excess moisture in the system may mean that the air dryer assembly is malfunctioning. When visually inspecting the air springs and airbags, make sure to look for signs of rust or corrosion. That’s a clear indicator that you need to have your air dryer replaced along with other faulty components.

Once you notice anything wrong with your air suspension system, have your vehicle checked by a mechanic. If it isn’t the air struts that are faulty, chances are something else is wrong with the system, so it is best to address the problem right away with the help of an expert.

How Much Does an Air Suspension Strut Cost?

An air suspension strut replacement usually costs around $250 to $1000, depending on the brand you choose. It can be sold individually or in sets of two. Make sure to check how many you need before making any purchase.

Finding the Right Fit

Although universal air struts are being sold on the market today, most suspension components are vehicle-specific. To ensure that you’re getting a compatible strut, enter the correct details (year, make, and model) of your vehicle into our built-in search bar. Browse through our wide selection of air suspension struts and choose the best one for your ride.