REAR SUSPENSION
64-14 DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The air supply unit comprises a 12 V electric motor, a compressor and air dryer unit, a pressure limiting valve, an
exhaust valve and two air supply control valves. The exhaust and control valves are solenoid operated responding to
signals from the SLABS ECU. The electric motor, compressor, air dryer and pressure limiting and exhaust valve are
mounted on flexible rubber mountings to reduce operating noise.
The electric motor drives a crank with an eccentric pin to which a connecting rod is attached. The connecting rod has
a piston which fits in the bore of the compressor. Operation of the motor rotates the crank, moving the piston in the
bore of the compressor.
The compressor is attached with Allen bolts to the motor housing and sealed with an O-ring. Attached to the
compressor is the air dryer which contains a silicate box for removing moisture from the compressed air. Air supplied
to inflate the air springs passes through the air dryer. When the air springs are deflated, the exhaust air also passes
through the air dryer, removing the moisture from the unit and expelling it to atmosphere.
Attached to end of the air dryer unit is the pressure limiting valve. The valve protects the air springs from over inflation.
The pressure limiting valve also operates when the exhaust valve is opened. The valve is pneumatically operated,
responding to air pressure applied to it.
The exhaust valve is also located with the pressure limiting valve. The exhaust valve is solenoid operated by the ECU
and directs air from the air springs and control valves to atmosphere when required.
The two air control valves for the LH and RH air springs are located at the forward end of the housing. Each valve is
connected to the compressor/air dryer unit through a shared single pipe which directs air to and from the air springs.
Each control valve is individually operated by the ECU.
All air connections to and from the air supply unit are made through the SLS air harness which is located along the
left hand chassis longitudinal.
If faults occur with the air supply unit, fault codes are stored in the SLABS ECU. These fault codes cover the
compressor power supply and the LH and RH air control valves and the exhaust valve. The current and past fault
codes can be retrieved with TestBook. TestBook can also be used to operate the compressor and the valves for
diagnostic purposes.
Air intake filter
The air intake filter is located in the left hand 'E' post, behind the tail lamp assembly. The filter comprises a plastic
moulded housing which contains two filters of differing density to remove particulate matter from the air drawn in by
the compressor. The air intake filter has a pipe which is connected to the SLS air harness by a quick release
connector. The air intake filter must be replaced as an assembly.
Air intake/Exhaust silencer
The air intake/exhaust silencer is located on the outside of the left hand chassis longitudinal, behind the air supply
unit. The silencer is an integral part of the SLS air harness and cannot be serviced individually.
The intake and exhaust air to and from the compressor passes through the silencer. The plastic moulded silencer has
two chambers. One chamber reduces system exhaust noise and the other dampens intake air pulses produced by
the compressor.
