Inside the World’s No. 1 Air Spring:

Airide springs are available in single, double and triple convolution types plus reversible sleeve models for virtually every conceivable heavy-duty vehicle suspension application.

1.  Stud - Manufactured as a permanent part of the bead plate assembly for maximum strength and durability. Used to attach the spring to the vehicle’s suspension.
2. Combo Stud - Serves the dual purpose of mounting the spring to the suspension and providing an entrance for air.
3. Blind Nut - Also a permanent part of the bead plate assembly. Provides an alternative mounting system to the stud.
4. Air Fitting - Usually 1/4 N.P.T. Provides an air entrance to the bellows.
5. Bead Plate - Crimped onto the bellows at the factory for a more durable design and maximum quality control. Allows 100% leakproof testing prior to shipment.
6. Bellows - The 'air bag' includes four plies of material: an inner layer, two plies of cord-reinforced fabric, and an outer cover. Natural rubber construction provides functional properties to –65F.
7. Bumper - A solid rubber or engineered plastic device designed to prevent significant damage to the vehicle or suspension in the event of a sudden loss of air pressure in the spring.
8. Piston - Provides a lower mounting arrangement for the air spring. Controls the characteristics of the spring under changing pressure loads.
9. Piston Bolt - Attaches the piston to the bellows. Sometimes extended as a means of attaching the spring to the vehicle suspension.
10. Girdle Hoop - A wire-wound ring molded into the bellows to provide lateral stability in convoluted type springs.

    Composite Piston - Firestone offers a composite fiberglass reinforced plastic piston into its reversible sleeve Airide springs for bus suspensions.

    These pistons are manufactured from a high percentage, glass filled thermosetting resin using stateof-the-art SMC technology. Compared to conventional steel or aluminum pistons, they are lighter, more impact-resistant, and impervious to atmospheric corrosion, water, salt, and ice-melting chemicals, plus their smooth non-porous surface finish virtually eliminates the buildup of harmful dirt and grit. This allows the rubber bellows of the air spring to last much longer due to significantly reduced wear as the bellows flexes up and down the smooth piston. At temperatures as low as -40°F, the new pistons are 100% functional.