Valve Blocks | Air Suspension Parts
Valve blocks are one of the central components of an air suspension system. They are what allows the right amount of air to be delivered to the right parts of the system. When the valve block wears down or stops functioning properly, it can quickly lead to total air suspension failure.
How Do Valve Blocks Work?
You can think of the valve block as the manager of an air suspension system. While it is the electronic control unit (ECU) that processes the data and determines how much air needs to go where, it is the valve block that actually carries out that precise process.
They feature four to six outlets that connect to air supply lines; one for each of the four corners of the suspension, one for the air compressor, and one for the air tank — also known as the air reservoir.
Each outlet features an electronically-controlled solenoid valve that uses signals from the ECU, also called a suspension control module, to send a specific amount of air to the place it needs to go.
Why Do Air Suspension Valve Blocks Fail?
Valve blocks are a common point of failure in air suspension systems. This is for several reasons, including:
- Electronic controls: Parts controlled by electronics such as valve blocks always run the risk of failure due to wiring issues or software errors.
- Seals and gaskets: Because they are made of rubber and other flexible materials, the seals and gaskets that keep the valve blocks from leaking will eventually wear down over time. This can happen slowly with normal wear-and-tear, but it can also happen due to dry rot or cracking due to extreme cold.
- Solenoid failure: As moving parts, the solenoid valves that control airflow in a valve block tend to wear out over time. If ignored, this can lead to additional problems in the block and elsewhere in the air suspension system.
- Overheating: If the block itself or nearby components runs hotter than they are meant to, the excessive heat can damage the block.
How to Find the Right Valve Block For Your Vehicle
Valve blocks aren’t typically specific to a particular make or model, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all kind of component either. The wrong valve block for your car and system can deliver subpar performance at best and could damage your vehicle at worst.
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for a valve block:
- Quality of components: Since they feature lots of small components like gaskets, solenoids and valve connectors, some manufacturers try to get away with using cheap components. These inferior blocks may look similar on the surface but they can deliver dramatically different results.
- Compatibility: You’ll want to make sure that any valve block you buy is meant to work with your existing system without modification. This includes things like wiring and the size of valve connections.
- Hardware: There is some essential hardware you’ll need to install a new valve block. Some companies leave these parts out to save on costs, leaving you to find the specialty hardware you need.
Valve Blocks from AirSuspension.com
Given how essential the valve block is to your air suspension system, it is critical that the one you buy offers robust performance you can depend on. As leaders in the air suspension industry, we understand the importance of this and refuse to carry valve blocks and other components that don’t meet our rigorous standards.
You can count on each of these valve blocks to provide the exact fit, function, and longevity you need for your vehicle. Another thing you can count on is real human support if you need it. If you require assistance for anything from finding the right valve block for your car to advice on installing it, we’re here to help. Simply call us or use our chat assistant to speak with one of our experts.