AirTec offers unsurpassed quality repair of all types of adaptive shock absorbers. Only at AirTec do you receive a computer graphic from our test bench, guaranteeing absolute correspondence between the characteristics of the repaired product and a new original one. By opting for AirTec , you choose reliability, quality and safety!
One of the most important components of the car suspension is the shock absorber. It is of key importance for the comfort, safety and attitude on the road. The shock absorber absorbs the unevenness of the road (increases comfort), prevents excessive leaning of the car in a corner (improves attitude and safety), as well as the “sinking” of the front when braking sharply (the weight of the car remains evenly distributed on the 4 wheels, thus ensuring equal traction of the tires during braking).
Further information about what an adaptive damper is and how it works is available in the frequently answered questions section (FAQ)
What does the repair of an adaptive shock absorber include?
1. Disassembly.
Once removed from the vehicle, the adaptive damper is separated from the air spring. It is thoroughly cleaned and inspected for severe damage, traces of hydraulic oil, bends, mechanical damage visible to the naked eye.
2. Preliminary test performed using a computer-controlled dynamometric shock-absorber test bench (Shockabsorber Dyno).
The secret of any repair lies in the correct localization and identification of the problem. Most companies and repair shops believe that one inspection of the shock absorber is enough to assess its condition – bound the stem all the way and if it rebounds then it is OK, if it remains in the bounded position it is damaged. This is absolute nonsense and grossly inadequate. Each shock absorber has certain performance characteristics. By performance characteristics, we mean its different behavior at different speed and load. A shock absorber may look strong at first glance, but at the same time be completely useless and ineffective under heavy loads.
We at AirTec leave NOTHING to chance. For the correct diagnostics of each shock absorber, we use our own computer-controlled dynamometric shock absorber test bench. With its help, we actually simulate shock absorber performance in real time and road-like conditions, while recording all characteristics and presenting them in tabular and graphical form. Some of the more important (and easier to explain) features are:
- Oil-leak test
- Bound & Rebound test at a random speed
- Test of shock absorber resistance force in different position of bound and rebound
- Test and check of the electronic adjustment of the stiffness of the shock absorber
The preliminary test on the test bench is a key stage in the repair process. Thanks to it, the problem is identified, localized expediently and reliably.
3. Opening, changing parts, changing oil, closing, gasification.
After a careful analysis of the data obtained from the stand, we proceed to the opening of the shock absorber. All adaptive dampers are manufactured so that they cannot be opened or serviced (encapsulated). The purpose of this is of course clear:) , to buy a new one for a few thousand Euro. Thanks to our technological training and company know-how, as well as our machines, we can reliably and safely open, repair, close and gasify any adaptive damper. Exactly how this is done remains our proprietary secret. In the repair of a shock absorber, OEM European made upgraded guides, special oil seals, an original set of calibrators, valves and electric solenoids and mounts are incorporated. After our intervention, each shock absorber remains completely identical in quality and characteristics to a new original one. With repaired each shock absorber, the electronic stiffness control remains operational. Through a complex system, each shock absorber is filled with gas whose type, pressure and quantity are absolutely identical to the original ones.
Note: We do NOT offer repair of Chinese copies of adaptive dampers. Any aftermarket replicas that are offered at deceptive prices are NOT subject to repair. They are designed in such a way that they both do not work well and do NOT have a stiffness adjustment system (they only have a pacifier for the electronics). These shock absorbers are DANGEROUS because they drastically worsen the behavior of the car at high speed!!!. Quality repair is only possible with original shock absorbers!
4. Final test on the dynamometric test bench.
After changing parts, oil, closing and gassing the shock absorber, it’s time for its final test. By means of the computer-controlled dynamometric test bench, we test the already repaired shock absorber at any kind of speed, load and degree of electronic stiffening. If it successfully passes all harsh tests, it is ready for use. The resulting bench data collected during the final tests are carefully analyzed and compared with the initial ones.
Each shock absorber repaired by us receives a printed graphic (certificate) from the dynamometric test bench certifying its correct operation and guaranteeing full compliance with the factory specifications. Guarantee of quality and security available only and only at AirTec!
5. Marking
Each shock absorber handled by the AirTec team is automatically marked and entered into our database. Thus, in the event of a complaint, it is extremely easy and accurate to track who, when and what did about it. This is a small part of our monitoring and quality control system.
6. Assembly and mounting
At the end of the whole procedure, the adaptive damper is assembled together with the air spring, and the whole unit is ready to be mounted back in the motor vehicle.
Take advantage of our package services and spare yourself undesirable headaches, time and money, while enjoying a full warranty.