Maintenance Work on Air Spring Systems

Why Care About Air Springs?

Truckers with air brake systems may be quick to inspect and maintain shock absorbers and other suspension components, but they may neglect their air springs – that is, until they discover an air leak or crack. The often-unnoticed air bags underneath the truck's undercarriage mimic the actions of a balloon to help keep vehicles from sagging under heavy loads thus, providing a safer, more comfortable ride.

Air springs should be regularly checked prior to long-haul trips and should be replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 miles in heavy-duty vehicles. Here are a few things you should know about air springs including why you should care about replacing them on commercial vehicles.

Maintaining Rubber Air Springs

Most air springs on the market are made from a durable nylon reinforced rubber used to increase longevity, butthe material also helps to support heavy cargo loads (thanks to its elasticity compounds) while isolating vibrations. Rubber is used as the material of choice in many suspension systems truck parts because of its long-lasting qualities for customers and cost-effectiveness for manufactures.

However, because of the location of air springs on trucks, the parts tend to go through some trauma from road grime, salt, debris, and other harmful contaminants. For one, when the ozone hits the rubber, it can cause discoloration on the air spring leading to surface cracks. These cracks are different than abrasion, as Firestone Industrial Products Marketing Director, Mark Hilburger, suggested in a 2017 CCJ article stating that ozone cracking would "typically be isolated to a particular area versus consistent along the spring's circumference and should be addressed immediately." (Maintenance is key to air spring longevity, CCJ) Hilburger suggested that when caring for air springs, it is best to mix soap and water to wash the rubber.

Inflation will play a major role in the effectiveness of air springs, too. If truckers choose to dump air out of air spring systems when they are not towing, or to get under certain loading dock areas, then they are limiting the shape of the air spring if they do not re-inflate the air bag enough for comfortable ride height. This will lead them to wear out quicker and call for a replacement sooner than expected.

Lastly, truckers may be surprised to learn that worn shock absorbers can play a role in the lifespan of air springs. Driving with bad shocks is never a good idea, and can be quick to diagnose. The weight of the vehicle won't be as supported with failing shocks and drivers will notice every bump in the road and increase vibrations. Match Made recommends replacing shocks every 150,000 miles. Bottom line: While you are replacing your air springs, brake valves and cylinders, go ahead and replace your shocks, too.

Warning Signs Of Failing Air Springs

If the vehicle is bottoming out or you are experiencing a bumpy ride, you could have bad air springs that require immediate action for replacement.

Where to Buy Air Springs

When thinking about buying air springs, customers feel comfortable turning to Firestone . Firestone has earned a distinct reputation in the trucking industry for the "World's Number 1 Air Spring" and has impressed customers since 1934 with their introduction of the Airride air spring. When it is time for replacement, consider buying Firestone air springs. Contact us to learn more!