Air Suspension Compressor Fit for Audi

Fitment

Audi A8 D3 Type 4E 2002-2010

Only for 6 and 8 Cylinder Gas-Engined

Not for Diesel-engined and not for 10 or 12 cylinder

Reference OE/OEM Number

4E0616007B / 4E0 616 007B

4E0616007D / 4E0 616 007D

4E0616005D / 4E0 616 005D

4E0616005H / 4E0 616 005H

What is an air suspension struts?
The main difference between a traditional shock or strut is that they have a dampening mechanism set to a certain ride control feel while an air suspension system uses an air compressor in combination with air struts and suspension air bags to control the feel of the ride. Air suspension has several advantages over traditional shocks and struts. The first is that the ride quality is often controlled by the driver of the vehicle. Therefore, if you want a softer ride you can set your air suspension system to deliver that and vice versa if you are looking for a stiffer, rougher ride. The second advantage is that you can control ride height, some systems are advanced in that they automatically control this for you. The final advantage of an air suspension system is weight management. If you load the back of your SUV with a large amount of groceries from the store, the air suspension system either automatically adjusts to handle it or you can manually adjust it. For traditional shocks and struts the level of rebound is set and therefore no matter what the weight of your load is, you have to stick with it. This often creates a sagging rear end when carrying a heavy load.

While an air suspension system is more complex, the advantages are clear. The system is comprised of a central air suspension compressor as well as air struts within an air bag at each wheel. The air compressor pressurised the air struts as needed to control the feel. Other components can be seen in the diagram above, all of which are mainly air lines to transfer pressure and driers (filter) to complete the system.

Air suspension compressor

An air compressor is a pneumatic device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure. When the tank's pressure reaches its engineered upper limit, the air compressor shuts off. The compressed air, then, is held in the tank until called into use.

An air strut with separable air springs
If your vehicle offers a separable air suspension (Audi Allroad A6 C5, Mercedes-Benz W164, BMW X5, etc.), you should regularly (about once a week) lift the car to the maximum position, and remove dirt with a high-pressure cleaner (keep the cleaner at a distance to the air spring about 30 cm/12 inches, otherwise water pressure can damage the air spring). The highest position may vary depending on your model and regulation options. Therefore, please test this by trying the different modes available to you (Sport, comfort, dynamic, off-road) and choose the one that sets your vehicle to the highest position. The dirt will most likely be found under the fold of the pneumatic chambers. If you find a frozen layer of bitumen on the piston guide (the part of a strut on which the air spring is installed), it is recommended to clean it as well. Whenever possible, avoid riding on fresh asphalt, as fresh bitumen mixed with sand immediately results in a build-up of abrasives on the piston and in turn contributes to accelerated wear and tear of the air spring.

The air supply
The air supply system consists of the engine air compressor, the air tanks, air valves and air lines. The engine air compressor supplies air for all the air equipment on the vehicle. The pressure delivered by the compressor varies. For several years, the air supply was maintained around 120 to 125 psi but on some new vehicles this has been improved to 135 psi. Dash gauges are present that will supply system pressure information but all vehicles have what we say to as a “pop off valve”. You can get the valve “pop off” when the system reaches the maximum air pressure.