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Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 9:48 pm
by jamiemacp
Or whatever it's called!
I have recently bought a 99 AFT which came fitted with adjustable air suspension.
There is an accumulator tank in the spare wheel space to top up the bags and ride height can be adjusted by about 4" from a small panel fitted below the dashboard.
It's a great toy but the ride is REALLY harsh, you feel every pot hole and crease on the road, so what I am thinking is switching it back to original factory suspension.
However, in order to do that I need to know what's supposed to be in each corner!
That's where I am hoping you can all help out! So is there anybody out there who knows what I am talking about, seen a similar system or fitted a similar system?
Any advice appreciated!
Cheers folks!
Jamiemacp
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:06 pm
by Simon Jones
Most people think that fitting suspension assistors improves the ride and make it less 'wallowy' at the back end. Before removing them, try letting the pressure down gradually, or even right down and that will give you a feeling for how it will handle without them.
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:19 pm
by jamiemacp
Hi Simon,
Thanks for reply.
I don't have much of an issue with the handling (although the front end can feel a little light and skitty on cornering) but how hard the ride is. As explained if you hit any holes or sleeping policemen etc, then the jolt is spine shattering.
The system works fine as it rises and falls with ease and actually when you drop it right down the van looks excellent!

but the uncomfortable ride is already starting to grate!
Jamie
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:07 am
by teenmal
Hi jamiemacp,
The system that your vehicle has fitted is it,Air assisted (bags),or a Full blown Air Suspension System with an on board compressor etc.
Cheers.
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:01 pm
by jamiemacp
Hi,
It's a full blown air suspension system. As I said there is an accumulator storage tank where spare wheel should go which you use to raise the vehicle front and back ( separate controls) and a compressor which then pumps the tank back up if stored pressure gets too low.
If you let it all the way down then the inner arches are pretty much touching the tops of the wheels, it looks excellent!:-)
I tried letting it all the way down this morning and then pumped back up before driving and I think it made a difference to the ride so will keep trialling it for a while until I can look at what the cost of returning it to stock would be.
Cheers
Jamie
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:16 pm
by helen&tony
Hi
Where did that system come from....I want one....
Cheers
Helen
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:17 pm
by Simon Jones
Proper 'Pimp My Ride' stuff then

. I reckon someone would happily buy that lot off you, or at least part-ex for the conventional springs & shockers.
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 6:49 pm
by teenmal
Hi Jamie,
I have worked with these systems in the past,it is a major task to reinstate back to original and would cost a fortune depending on the spec used.
I would persevere with it and get used to the setting that most suit you.
PS remember and inform your Insurance Company as this is a heavy modification.
Have a nice ride.

Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:16 pm
by jamiemacp
Hi all,
I have had this bongo about a month and am first UK owner so it must have been fitted in Japan.
I will take some pics of the various components etc along with some showing highest and lowest heights of the car.
If its going to be excessively expensive then I will probably be as well keeping it fitted.
Front end is a bit light in the steering with it as well, so will hope that different settings in height from front to back cures that as well.
Cheers
Jamie
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:39 pm
by dandemann8
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 12:00 am
by chipvan
francophile1947 has it on his..maybe worth asking him
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:04 am
by teenmal
Hi,
I think Jamie is talking about Full Air Suspension not air assist.It is a wee bit more expensive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTcG8_5WIt0
Cheers.
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:33 am
by jaylee
...Or even this sort of "hot action" going on.??!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ZcocgSw2I
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:22 pm
by beerfinder
hello Guys N Gals
Looking to fit a Full Air Suspension Kit myself
does anyone know of someone in Scotland, as previously tempted to get it done at AirRide Norwich, but obviously bit of a Trek
Did hear of a Place in Dunfermline - Trix , yet to hear back from them
Any feedback Greatly Appreciated
K
Re: Removing adjustable air bag suspension!
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 12:13 am
by Simon Jones
I think Jamie and Beerfinder need to get together in a car oark with a box of spanners and some axle stands and get swapping them springy bits over
