AIR SPRING MODULES
Description
The BWI McPherson Strut Suspension Module was born from a challenging customer requirement requesting an air spring module with side load compensation. This was successfully performed for the first time in the automotive industry on the 1999.
Range Rover and still used today on this same platform. The design was made to survive extreme off-road conditions while still being an integral component of the most comfortable air suspension on road.
Range Rover and still used today on this same platform. The design was made to survive extreme off-road conditions while still being an integral component of the most comfortable air suspension on road.
Technology
The BWI Air Spring Suspension Modules are validated and tested in extreme off and on road conditions to help ensure performance and durability for the customer.
Designed in a modular way, the BWI air suspension modules minimize the number of custom components and maximise commonality between the front and rear. The modules are designed in Europe and made from three main sub assemblies; the top mount, the air spring and the damper.
The Top Mount can integrate the suspension bearing when required for a McPherson strut construction.
It is designed to be air tight for the life of the vehicle.
BWI has experience with most available air spring technologies:
- Cross ply KevlarTM fiber springs are used for high pressure or high side load applications or when a contoured shape is required for packaging or variable spring rates.
- Cross ply nylon fiber springs, supported by an aluminium-restraining cylinder, are used for high-pressure applications demanding superior ride comfort.
BWI air spring suspension modules are available with possible damper configurations from the largest 28mm Ø damper rod twintube McPherson strut to the multidisc high-pressure monotube. The air spring suspension module can be combined with BWI’s new MagneRide magnetorheologic fluid damper with the objective of incorporating all the best features of BWI’s air suspension with advanced controlled damping.
The unit is supplied fully assembled and 100% tested for air leak. Low leak rates ensure vehicle ride height stability even during long parking periods.
The unit is supplied fully assembled and 100% tested for air leak. Low leak rates ensure vehicle ride height stability even during long parking periods.
Benefits
- Maintain same vehicle trim height independent of payload
- Can be for rear axle only, or all 4 corners
- Maintain vehicle esthetics in all load conditions
- Maintain or improve vehicle ground clearance when loaded
- Improves Ride & Handling
- Maintain constant body frequency when vehicle is loaded (suspension stiffness increases with air pressure)
- Maintain full suspension travel in jounce and in rebound
- Suspension kinematics remain consistent for the full range of loading conditions.
- Suspension tuning is not compromised. Vehicle is comfortable but within specified maximum GVW load.
- Allows automatic (or manual) selection of vehicle height depending on driving conditions
- Highway setting to improve handling, reduce drag, and improve aerodynamics
- Off-road setting for increased vehicle trim height for improved ground clearance
- Lowered position for improved passenger access
- Available only on 4 corner systems