automatic front air suspension system - laura's...

1 9 9 4 F o r d P r o b e

2.0L Automatic

Automatic Front Air Suspension System

( Anti-Dive / Ground Clearance System )

Revision A

October 19, 2006

Jeff Hunt Red Wing, Minnesota [email protected]

Index

Page Section 1 Index 2 Operation Basics 2 Air Strut Assembly 2 Ride Height Pressure 2 Stage 1 Pressure 2 Stage 2 Pressure 3 Controls 4 Air System 5 Controls System 6 Appendix 1 – Air Bag Installation

Operation Basics Air Strut Assembly

The McPherson Strut Spring is replaced with an Air Spring. The height and firmness of the front struts is then determined by the air pressure applied to the bags. This system provides 3 pressure levels: Ride Height Pressure

Ride Height Pressure is set by Regulator 1. This is the default pressure applied to the front struts. This pressure should be set to allow proper ground clearance and suspension firmness according to driving style. Stage 1 Pressure

Stage 1 Pressure is set by Regulator 2. This increased pressure is adjusted to provide a 1 inch lift above Ride Height pressure. Stage 1 Pressure is applied either by pressing the Stage 1 Button, or by applying the brake pedal. Once applied the pressure is held for a preset length of time after the brake or button is released. After the release time, the suspension is returned to Right Height Pressure. Stage 2 Pressure

Stage 2 Pressure is set by adjusting the maximum air tank pressure at the compressor pressure switch. This setting MUST NOT exceed 100 PSI or damage to the front air suspension may occur. Stage 2 Pressure dumps the maximum air pressure from the tank to the front suspension when the Stage 2 button is pressed. Pressure is held for a preset length of time after the button is released, and then returns to Ride Height Pressure.

Controls

An air pressure gauge is installed in the A-Piller to indicate pressure at the front suspension. A second pod is provided in the A-Piller with pushbuttons and switches for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 air systems. Pressing the momentary buttons will boost the air pressure to the regulator setting. Once released, the system will hold the boost air pressure for a preset amount of time. The air system LED Lights will illuminate any time the air solenoid valves are powered (by the pushbutton, hold timer, or brake pedal).

Air System

A 12V Compressor provides the compressed air for the suspension system. The Tank Drain and Water Separator drain should be bled monthly to keep contaminants out of the air suspension system. Regulator 1 (Ride Height Pressure) and Regulator 2 (Stage 1 Pressure) should be set with the car sitting on a level paved surface. Ride Height Pressure should be set so the car sits level and has a suitable amount of firmness in the suspension for cornering. Stage 1 Pressure should be set so that it causes approximately a 1 inch lift of the air dam to improve clearance for driveways, and reduce front end dive during heavy braking. Main System Air Pressure, used during Stage 2 applications, is adjusted at the compressor pressure switch. This pressure should be verified at the tank with a known good gauge and must not exceed 100 psi.

Controls System

A 12V Compressor is powered by the air management system, which is automatically activated when the engine is running. The control system will not allow the compressor to run while the brake pedal is pressed, so as not to cause a sound similar to ABS braking. C1 and C2 capacitors are installed to hold the system on for a predetermined length of time after the pushbutton (or brake pedal for Stage 1) is released. This allows the driver to apply lift and drive over an obstacle without having to hold the button/pedal. LED 1 and LED 2 light any time power is applied to the air solenoid valves. A monthly check should be made that when the buttons for Stage 1 and Stage 2 are pressed, the LED lights and the pressure gauge indicates the correct pressure at the suspension. After the timer is completed, the LED light should go out and the pressure should release to Ride Height Pressure.

Appendix 1 – Air Bag Installation

Universal Air Suspension 463 W. Highland Ave San Bernardino, CA 92405 800-864-2470 WWW.UniversalAirSuspension.com

Universal Air Suspension 800-864-2470

Universal Air Suspension 463 W. Highland Ave San Bernardino, CA 92405 800-864-2470 WWW.UniversalAirSuspension.com

Universal Air Suspension 800-864-2470

Using NEW Upper Bearing

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