Ban the Bounce with Road Choice® Air Springs and Shocks
For many drivers, a comfortable ride isn’t just a job perk – it’s a requirement. Driver shortages, and the pressure they put on fleet managers to improve...
For many drivers, a comfortable ride isn’t just a job perk – it’s a requirement. Driver shortages, and the pressure they put on fleet managers to improve comfort, are one reason why the popularity of air suspensions has expanded from highway to off-road applications. Air suspension systems offer a more consistent ride, opportunities to reduce weight, greater protection for freight and electronics, and higher values at resale.
The American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council recommends that air springs be inspected every 50,000 miles. That actually may be too often, or not often enough, based on road and load conditions for individual trucks. Instead, exposure to ozone, the sun’s ultraviolet rays and high temperatures – all of which can weaken rubber – should be considered when setting inspection intervals.
To be sure an air suspension system is working properly, follow these steps:
- Visually inspect air springs for cracks, bulges, distortion or chafing. These are signs that air springs are reaching the end of their lives. Air spring deterioration also can indicate that a truck has damaged shocks, worn bushings or other suspension problems.
- With a loaded trailer and the air system operating at normal pressure, check for air leaks by coating all line connections, valves and air springs with a mixture of soap and water. The existence of soap bubbles at any point in the system can indicate a leak.
- Test the suspension’s air pressure protection valve, which is located on the chassis. This valve isolates the air suspension system from the brake system and protects the brakes’ functioning capabilities.
In addition, shocks should be visually inspected before every trip, and potentially replaced if a driver is experiencing ride deterioration, uneven tire wear or excessive vibration. That’s because the leading cause of air spring failure is overextension caused by an improperly functioning or broken shock absorber. Manufacturers also recommend that you record the purchase date of the truck or trailer, purchase date of the air springs and date code on each spring to simplify air suspension maintenance.
Even with a solid preventive maintenance routine, air springs and shocks eventually wear out. For these and other heavy-duty truck components, Road Choice is always the right choice. Road Choice aftermarket parts are built to last and available for all truck makes and models.
Road Choice Air Springs
All Road Choice air springs are designed for safety. Built from lightweight, high-strength materials, they offer:
- Greater load cushioning and constant-level hauling
- Improved driver comfort
- Long-life performance through advanced engineering
Road Choice offers three types of air springs – rolling lobe, bellows and sleeve – that provide a quiet ride and less vibration for trucks, truck cabs and trailers.
Road Choice Shocks
Pairing Road Choice air springs with Road Choice shocks can help maximize value and comfort. Road Choice shocks are heavy duty, hardworking and built to withstand extreme conditions, with:
- Solid steel end mounts and eye rings
- Corrosion-resistant chromed piston rods
- A unique hydraulic stop design that absorbs energy and protects the axles, air springs and shock mounts from impact damage.