Height of control

One of the benefits of an air suspension is the height control valve. A sensor monitors relative air pressure between bags on either side of the vehicle and then quickly adjusts pressure as needed to fight the vehicle’s tendency to lean as it goes through turns. A dump valve is often included, too, so the tractor’s rear can be lowered to duck under a low trailer nose during coupling.

These valves see a lot of action. Eventually, they wear out.

So the air and suspension control group at Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems designed its new Precision Response (PR) Height Control Valve with one goal in mind: to outlast other valves on the market. To wit, the company’s PR valve uses a single dynamic seal made from ceramic material rather than the conventional synthetic rubber. Haldex says this gives the valve a life expectancy three times that of valves with rubber seals.

The valve shaft is a longer, more robust design that, combined with the bearing materials, eliminates wear-induced ride height variation. In addition, the valve’s deadband area is 50 per cent less than competitive valves, providing a better ride, less air consumption, and reduced driveline component wear.

An adjustable control arm design enables accurate, quick adjustment during installation, and customizable manifold port configurations improve the piping routing. Using less piping and a simpler piping configuration reduces chances for air leaks, Haldex says, helping to improve reliability and performance. For details, go to www.hbsna.com.