It is important to note that one feature that contributes to a comfortable smooth ride in Bentley is the air suspension system. We can associate Bentley vehicles with extremely high reliability and comprehensive use but this is not true. Although exceptionally designed and engineered, Bentleys face damages or failures like any other man-made creation. Hytec Auto Garage a Bentley specialist would like to share the most frequent suspension faults we encounter when working on Bentley cars.
Bentley Air Suspension System
Bentley air suspension is a complex system of air springs and an electronic control unit that provides the utmost comfort to its customers. These springs are created using a unique rubber polyurethane blend and the pockets are filled with air using a compressor. Thus, the filled bags help to eliminate vibrations from even the most irregular surfaces. Major components of the Bentley air suspension system are:
- Air springs
- Struts
- Shock absorbers
- Compressors
- Sensors
- Control modules
Hydraulic Suspension vs Air Suspension
Hydraulic suspension systems are relatively new technologies in the automotive market and it substitutes oil and compressed gas for springs to absorb the traveling road knocks. Air suspension is another type of vehicle suspension in which this suspension works by an air pump or compressor; it may be electric or engine-mounted and it uses compressed air. The only major difference between these two is that the air suspension pressurizes air while the hydraulic suspension pressurizes liquids or compressed gases. Choose the best for yourself.
How Does Air Suspension Work?
In an air suspension system, there are no metallic springs, usually fabricated of steel at each wheel. Some bladders are capable of being inflated or deflated with the help of the installation of an onboard air compressor. Depending on the volume of air compressed in each of the bladders the vehicle goes up or down. These adjustments also alter the way that the air-flowed pouch grows around the perch it sits on. This perch’s shape defines how the spring rate varies in conjunction with ride height.
Bentley Air Suspension Problems
Blocked Plenum Chamber
A plenum chamber is an enclosed pressurized case in which an enclosed pressurized fluid, commonly pressurized air, is put up. One of the functions of a plenum chamber is to provide pressure balance to improve distribution because it may be erratic due to irregular supply or demand and also function as an acoustic silencer device. If you have a blocked plenum chamber, you are at risk of water overflowing both in the front footwalls and in the ventilation system as well. This can damage electrical parts which will be overall costly to solve in the course of the journey.
Rubber Air Springs
In Bentley Continental models, there are cases where the air suspension parts wear or malfunction early. Unlike the conventional coiled type spring found under most cars, the Bentley is mounted with four rubber cylinders otherwise known as air springs. The decreases in the volume and hardness occur with time and will cause small cracks in the rubber air springs. Once this occurs, the air will start deflating gradually and you will find your Bentley parked car lower on one side or one corner in the morning.
Electronic Malfunctions
Bentley suspensions come with several electronic features such as sensors. These components may also fail over time due to mechanical or electrical breakdown or worn-out software. The only way this damage can be avoided is if one should never ignore the dreaded dashboard warning light as this is the single most important clue of such errors.
Faulty Compressor
A common problem with an air suspension compressor is that it will eventually develop a problem over time. This is usually due to a leak that is putting too much load on the compressor and thus burn up. However, moisture affects its operation as well as faults in various seals and gaskets that keep the compressor sealed.
Maintenance of Bentley Suspension System
The various problems associated with air suspension systems are commonly a result of wear and tear. This means frequent maintenance is the only sure way of avoiding these damages. It is recommended that Bentley should be serviced by a Bentley repair specialist every 8000 to 16000 kilometers or once per year at minimum. However, problems with the suspension system may develop at any given time, and in such circumstances, they may necessitate more frequent services. Routine maintenance of the suspension system includes:
- Regular Checkings for Leaks
- Monitoring Tire Conditions
- Thorough Cleaning
- Performing Bounce Tests
Conclusion
Air Suspension faults in your Bentley can be fixed at Hytec Auto Garage which is located in Dubai. Hytec is one of the most successful local car repair garages that has been repairing vehicles since 2002 and has professional mechanics to fix your Bentley. Call Hytec Autos today and feel the difference now!
