Pneumatic shock absorbers are gas-filled devices that are usually installed on the rear axle of a car and are part of the suspension system. Their primary purpose is to absorb vibrations and jolts from uneven road surfaces transmitted to the body while driving. Thanks to the dampers, a smooth ride for the driver and passengers is achieved. These products improve the stability and handling of the vehicle by stabilizing the position of the wheels relative to the road.
Where the Components Are Used
Devices are mainly installed on large vehicles - trucks, buses, trailers, as well as SUVs and premium class models. Pneumatic suspension provides high load capacity, smooth ride, and good off-road capability. Pneumatic dampers are rarely used for passenger cars due to their high cost. Therefore, if there is a need to buy a rear shock absorber for a passenger car, it is likely to be a regular hydraulic component. However, for commercial vehicles, despite the higher price, pneumatic parts will be the optimal solution.
Advantages of Pneumatics
Compared to hydraulics, these devices have the following advantages:
- Increased comfort and smooth ride. Pneumatic suspension effectively dampens vibrations with a frequency of 1-3 Hz, corresponding to typical road irregularities. The amplitude of vertical body oscillations is reduced by 60-80%.
- Adjustability of suspension stiffness. Changing the pressure in the air springs within the range of 4 to 10 bar allows variation of suspension stiffness and adaptation to different operating conditions.
- High reliability and durability. The lifespan of the components averages 500,000 km, while that of hydraulic ones does not exceed 150-200,000 km.
- Adjustment of ground clearance within ±60 mm by changing the air pressure in the pneumatic system. This is important when the truck and bus load is incomplete.
- Improved handling by 10-15% due to the stable position of the center of mass when the load changes.
- High off-road capability, ability to overcome obstacles up to 300 mm high at a speed of 30 km/h.
When selecting rear shock absorbers, it is necessary to determine the type of pneumatic suspension - single-tube or dual-tube, and also correctly choose their sizes - the stroke of the piston and diameter must match the car model and its weight. It is important to consider the permissible load and gas pressure inside, which affects the suspension stiffness. For full loading, components with increased pressure are required. If the car is used in off-road conditions, it is better to choose products with increased stroke and high cross-country ability.