VB Air Suspension - Let's Discuss...

[andys]

Hy all,

I'm very interested in VB air suspension and so I'm looking for any information to get a good understanding about what it needs, what is it necessary to do and more.
Like this I found this "Einbau by HESS" video showing the installation of VB Full air on T6. I just translated to English its comments (in yellow color).

VB airsuspension VW T5-T6-T6.1 Einbau by HESS 2020.mp4

MP4 File

1drv.ms

My questions is "Do you know exactly what your reseller did on your T6 to install it?" because I'm a little bit scared as he has to do many disassembly.
Have you got any technical documentation about this installation from VB Aire suspension?

Interesting video. Thanks for doing the subtitles

 

[PM31]

Hi,
And thanks @Kurien Philip and @andys for your reply.
@Kurien Philip: Did you get a VB workshop manual after your VB installation and all removed parts?

To complete my previous question. In this video we can see:
1) The step "Shorten the original rubber stop support to 10 mm"


=> Is it easily possible to go back to the original suspension after that?
(My understanding was we can keep all removed part to do it if necessary)

2) Here, the reseller's technician seems to move back the fuel tank to drive some air lines or sensor cables behind it. It's more secure, but not sure that all reseller's technician will do it.



=> Is it a mandatory request of the VW certification?
=> Is there a VW tracking sheet that reseller's technician must follow?
=> In the followed thread we saw that VB Air Pump for Suspension has been connected directly to battery's negative. Is it correct? Not sure...
Starter Battery Wiring - VW Disagreement | VW T6 Transporter Forum (t6forum.com)

3) After I noted this interesting view…

… with the emergency valve set option and some unknow plugs which disappear after …


But on the second view the air cables are colored and not on the first one, so it's a video building and my questions are:
=> Is the emergency valve set position an VW request?
=> What are the other plugs? Are they VB Airsuspension parts?

4) After the most terrifying view, the disassembly of the dashboard for the speed signal if my understanding is good. I was not aware of that…


=> Could you confirm that?
=> @T6 administrators: if possible, is it possible to get the current VB workshop manual?
Thanks to everyone for any help

 

[kurienp]

Hi,
And thanks @Kurien Philip and @andys for your reply.
@Kurien Philip: Did you get a VB workshop manual after your VB installation and all removed parts?

As with all workshops, they do not allow you into the assembly area, so most of my responses are from what I asked the technician.

On the manual - Just a useless user manual that gives you marketing spiel.

To complete my previous question. In this video we can see:
1) The step "Shorten the original rubber stop support to 10 mm"

View attachment 94499
=> Is it easily possible to go back to the original suspension after that?
(My understanding was we can keep all removed part to do it if necessary)

I did ask the question and the answer was yes, but that it is an involved process. If the idea is to move the suspension from one van to the other, then it is possible, but a costly affair. I did it as my van is a keeper.

Yes, do ask them for all the removed parts and they will give it to you, including that cutoff piece

2) Here, the reseller's technician seems to move back the fuel tank to drive some air lines or sensor cables behind it. It's more secure, but not sure that all reseller's technician will do it.


=> Is it a mandatory request of the VW certification?

As I understand all VB certified resellers have to do it as per instructions from VB HQ. It will be a VB requirement. VW have certified the kit (and I am sure the installation process as well for warranty reasons).

=> Is there a VW tracking sheet that reseller's technician must follow?

Yes, there is a VB sheet the technician showed me on what all had been done. I thought it will be included with my final bill etc, but missed out on then asking for that ... and I agree, it will be good to get access to it. Not been able to find one though.

=> In the followed thread we saw that VB Air Pump for Suspension has been connected directly to battery's negative. Is it correct? Not sure...
Starter Battery Wiring - VW Disagreement | VW T6 Transporter Forum (t6forum.com)

ha ha! that is a contentious topic. Mine is connected direct and don't worry too much about it as I also have solar charging the leisure as well as the starter battery.

3) After I noted this interesting view…

… with the emergency valve set option and some unknow plugs which disappear after …

Good spot. I don't have the emergency valves ... so will not be able to comment on that.

But on the second view the air cables are colored and not on the first one, so it's a video building and my questions are:
=> Is the emergency valve set position an VW request?
=> What are the other plugs? Are they VB Airsuspension parts?

4) After the most terrifying view, the disassembly of the dashboard for the speed signal if my understanding is good. I was not aware of that…

=> Could you confirm that?

Sorry cannot help with that. I am sure they took out some parts of the dash, but if I remember it was the bottom side ... not as in your pic (but please don't quote me on that) as it was not assembled back as well as I would have liked it to ... but over a few rides all things fell into place

=> @T6 administrators: if possible, is it possible to get the current VB workshop manual?
Thanks to everyone for any help

 

[PM31]

Hi @Kurien Philip
And many thanks as you spent your time to answer all my questions.
I'm really interested in VB air suspension for several reasons but it's a heavy work too.
But the main reason is my wife had an operation for a slipped disc two years ago and she has often a backache after getting up in the van or going down if the van is too high, or if the road is bad.
And there are also technical problems as the van is not horizontal in the two axes and is leaning to the heavy sides (rear and left side), and of course, all advantages of the VB suspension (comfort, auto level, car park, off road, vehicle height down).
So, If you like, as you practice it I would like to ask you other questions:
• My van is a T28 and I think its suspension not too bad but could you confirm that VB suspension swallows street holes and bumps better than the original one?
• Is there a height sensor on each wheel? (I think yes with the auto level, but not sure on the video)
• Are you got any information about the lifetime of the air springs?
• When you keep your van a long time in your garage does the air pump motor look after the Van height level?
Thanks and Have a good week.

 

[kurienp]

Hi @Kurien Philip
And many thanks as you spent your time to answer all my questions.

You're welcome. Glad to be of help.

I'm really interested in VB air suspension for several reasons but it's a heavy work too.
But the main reason is my wife had an operation for a slipped disc two years ago and she has often a backache after getting up in the van or going down if the van is too high, or if the road is bad.
And there are also technical problems as the van is not horizontal in the two axes and is leaning to the heavy sides (rear and left side), and of course, all advantages of the VB suspension (comfort, auto level, car park, off road, vehicle height down).
So, If you like, as you practice it I would like to ask you other questions:
• My van is a T28 and I think its suspension not too bad but could you confirm that VB suspension swallows street holes and bumps better than the original one?

Air suspension is not a magic carpet ride but yes, it is slightly better than other suspension I have tried. For me it is not so much about just swallowing up the bumps and holes but controlling the body roll around turns, and VB definitely keeps the vehicle planted.

• Is there a height sensor on each wheel? (I think yes with the auto level, but not sure on the video)

Yes, I think there is ... though not 100% sure.

• Are you got any information about the lifetime of the air springs?

Apologies, no.

• When you keep your van a long time in your garage does the air pump motor look after the Van height level?

Yes, it does and does a check and adjusts when you start it as well.

Thanks and Have a good week.

You too.

 

[Martinf]

Hi @PM31 I have VB on a T28 and for me it’s great.

With regards to your question on whether the system actively keeps the air topped up over a long period of time in a garage, I would have suggested not. For this reason VB suggest leaving it high [ie ‘off-road’ mode] if parked for a longer period of time. I would say though that I have never noticed any air loss/ height reduction over a period of time when parked.

 

[t0mb0]

Hi @PM31 I have VB on a T28 and for me it’s great.

With regards to your question on whether the system actively keeps the air topped up over a long period of time in a garage, I would have suggested not. For this reason VB suggest leaving it high [ie ‘off-road’ mode] if parked for a longer period of time. I would say though that I have never noticed any air loss/ height reduction over a period of time when parked.

I agree, it won't adjust itself when left. If it did then it would run the risk of flattening the battery. I've never noticed ours losing any air though. It'll definitely sort itself out when started again though.

 

[t0mb0]

You're welcome. Glad to be of help.



Air suspension is not a magic carpet ride but yes, it is slightly better than other suspension I have tried. For me it is not so much about just swallowing up the bumps and holes but controlling the body roll around turns, and VB definitely keeps the vehicle planted.



Yes, I think there is ... though not 100% sure.


Apologies, no.


Yes, it does and does a check and adjusts when you start it as well.



You too.

On the height sensor on each wheel point, there must be to enable it to get to the target height on each wheel. It definitely compensates for side to side, or front back changes in loading. It's pretty sensitive, it often adjusts slightly just getting in and out of the van.

 

[PM31]

Thanks Happy men,
Now I'm jealous...

 

[Algebra]

Hi PM31,


Are you got any information about the lifetime of the air springs?


In real life it could last anywhere between 1 to 5 years it really depends on your usage, operating environment, operating temperature, road condition .

VB gives 2 years or 150,000km (which ever comes first) If I am not mistaken warranty on their products so you should be covered for 2 years. Here you can find the warranty online

General terms and conditions of delivery and payment » VB-Airsuspension Look for Article 10, Warranty


if you have any questions abt the VB T6 full air kit please feel free to ask.

 

[PM31]

Air suspension is not a magic carpet ride but yes, it is slightly better than other suspension I have tried. For me it is not so much about just swallowing up the bumps and holes but controlling the body roll around turns, and VB definitely keeps the vehicle planted.

Hi Kurien,
"... and VB definitely keeps the vehicle planted"
I didn't think that. In France there are many roundabouts and I observed that my van swing from one side to the other and one more each time I crossed them.
So do you think that the VB airsuspension fill in the air springs on one side and let the air out on the other one? It's a function not listed but very interesting. I am more interested in it.
Thanks for this information.

 

[PM31]

Hi @Martinf and @t0mb0,
So my understanding is that the van keeps the last height level choice and the pump motor can operate to do it even if the van is parked in its garage a long time.

 

[Algebra]

Hi @Martinf and @t0mb0,
So my understanding is that the van keeps the last height level choice and the pump motor can operate to do it even if the van is parked in its garage a long time.

Hi, the auto level function will not work if the vehicle is switched off (ignition off). VB's Air suspension always levels out to the ''ride height'' of that vehicle with or without load unless you're using a different setting (off-road/sport mode or park garage etc)

 

[kurienp]

Hi Kurien,
"... and VB definitely keeps the vehicle planted"
I didn't think that. In France there are many roundabouts and I observed that my van swing from one side to the other and one more each time I crossed them.
So do you think that the VB airsuspension fill in the air springs on one side and let the air out on the other one? It's a function not listed but very interesting. I am more interested in it.
Thanks for this information.

On reducing body roll, many people have achieved that using thicker ARBs (Anti-Roll bars) and also alternate suspension setups such as Koni shocks and lowering etc. AFAIK VB does not actively manage suspension the way you are stating it, though it is constantly monitoring and ensuring that the van is level, though not at the every turn level. I think it is the overall package setup including thicker ARBs and the VB suspension setup that reduces body roll.

 

[t0mb0]

Hi @Martinf and @t0mb0,
So my understanding is that the van keeps the last height level choice and the pump motor can operate to do it even if the van is parked in its garage a long time.

I don’t think this is the case. The system is active a few minutes after ignition-off to do auto-level but I don’t believe it will actively adjust when left for long periods. If it did, it would flatten the battery.

If you load up the van with ignition off, it does not adjust, it’s only when the ignition is turned that it fires up and adjusts to the new loading.

 

[PM31]

Are you got any information about the lifetime of the air springs?

Hi @Algebra
Not at all... but I found your linck with the two years of garantie. Thanks for that
SO:
Hi all,
Did someone have to change his air springs because they were defective?
And if yes, is it expensive?

 

[t0mb0]

On reducing body roll, many people have achieved that using thicker ARBs (Anti-Roll bars) and also alternate suspension setups such as Koni shocks and lowering etc. AFAIK VB does not actively manage suspension the way you are stating it, though it is constantly monitoring and ensuring that the van is level, though not at the every turn level. I think it is the overall package setup including thicker ARBs and the VB suspension setup that reduces body roll.

I think VB do have some dynamic stabilisation system for bigger motorhomes but, AFAIK, it’s not available for the T6.

 

[Algebra]

I think VB do have some dynamic stabilisation system for bigger motorhomes but, AFAIK, it’s not available for the T6.

Correct, it's not an option for the T6.

 

[chriscroft]

When VB launched VB ActiveAir over 4 years ago for the 7.5t+/- type motorhomes, they stated that the technology would trickle down to the smaller vehicles over time.
And I think that's the last we've heard of it?, so I'm not sure what happened?, by now I would have thought it would have been available for T6s.
When I order our T6 Vel Exec 5 years ago we speced up the active suspension, and I've always thought one day I'll go to VB Air, if I can keep the active dynamic shockers - Dynamic Chassis Control.

 

[PM31]

Hi VB AirSuspension team,
Please, don't forget my last question:
Do you know someone having to change his air springs because they were defective?
And if yes, Did he tell you that it was expensive?
If not perhaps nobody needed to change them until today as they are robust...