Originally, an air spring was only known as a type of bellows. Only recently have they mutated into air spring struts. That means optically they have replaced the coil spring on a McPherson strut, for example. One speaks here of an integrated air spring, because of course much more has to be changed on the strut than just replacing the steel spring.

From the outside you can only recognize the air spring at the front by the aluminum sleeve instead of the coil spring. The actual spring bellows is hidden behind it. Below the aluminum you can only see a bellows that shortens or lengthens with the compression or rebound. The air spring unit is not usually opened in the workshop.

The replacement of the air spring should be combined with the installation of new damping, although both parts can be separated in terms of assembly. At the back, the air spring is separate anyway and can still be seen as the original bellows. The exchange is also easier here. You just have to push the chassis down a little compared to the body.

At the rear, the air springs can be replaced alone without having to change anything on the dampers. Of course, they nevertheless need to be checked. At the front, depending on the design of the wheel suspension, the upper part of the air spring strut together with the axial bearing is attached either to the body or, if there is a wishbone, to its intake.

If this can be unscrewed, the upper part of the air spring strut can be connected to it when it is assembled outside the vehicle. To do this, the air spring part must first be carefully sealed when it is slipped over the damper. The new O-ring in the lower part of the damper is particularly important.

Then the new air spring is conducted over the damper. There is also a seal at the top through an O-ring. It must still sit correctly after it has been screwed to the vehicle or to the intake of the wishbone. Although there is also a rubber ring to install damping towards the body, the actual stop rubbers are integrated inside.

The complemented air spring strut can now be connected to the vehicle, e.g. to the lower wishbone as usual. At the top, after attachment to the body, pay attention to the air supply with a new sealing ring. According to Arnott's instructions, wheel alignment does not seem to be necessary. There are also no complex adjustments after reconnecting the battery.

The only thing that seems to be electrically decisive is ensuring all connections to the ABS, shock absorber and vehicle height sensors. Only the coupling rods to the stabilizer could resist simple assembly. For example, a lifting platform is required that lifts the vehicle itself and not via the wheels.