Shock absorber module — air suspension (Discovery 3)

Item name	Spare part catalog number	Description
1	-	Ribbon*
2	-	Upper protective cover*
3	-	Self-locking nut*
4	-	Elastic washer*
5	-	Shock absorber piston rod seal*
6	-	Shock absorber rod bushing*
7	-	Elastic pneumatic element*
8	-	Fastening pin for fastening the cylinder of the elastic pneumatic element*
9	-	Buffer washer*
10	-	Auxiliary device of elastic element*
11	-	O-ring seal for air spring mount (2 pcs.) *
12	-	Shock absorber rod
13	-	Shock absorber assembly
14	-	Ribbon*
15	-	Lower protective cover*
16	-	Ribbon*
17	-	Self-locking nut (3 pcs.)
18	-	Upper support assembly
19	-	Sleeve
20	-	Voss type nipple

NOTE: * repairable parts

The shock absorber module includes the elastic pneumatic element assembly, the upper support and the shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber and elastic pneumatic element are subject to service only as single units.

Shock absorber

The shock absorber assembly has a two-tube design, in which the usual spring is replaced by an elastic pneumatic element. The lower end of the shock absorber has a bushing that is attached to the lower control arm with a bolt and nut.



The damping capacity of the shock absorber is determined by limiting the flow of the working fluid through the internal channels of the shock absorber. The movement of the rod along the axis of the shock absorber is limited by the flow of fluid through the channels. This ensures the damping of vibrations that occur when the car is moving on an uneven road. At the point where the shock absorber rod exits the shock absorber body, a seal is installed that does not allow the fluid to leak out of the shock absorber and prevents dirt and moisture from penetrating into the shock absorber. In addition, this seal contains a rod cleaner.

Pneumatic elastic element

The pneumatic elastic element has a design similar to the design of the pneumatic elastic element of the front suspension.

The pneumatic elastic element includes an aluminum cylinder, an upper support, an auxiliary device of the pneumatic elastic element, an air cylinder and an internal support sleeve.

The air spring is made of a flexible rubber material that folds and unfolds, providing vertical movement of the pneumatic elastic element piston when the vehicle height changes. The air spring is attached to the cylinder and the support coupling with compression rings, ensuring the tightness of the connection. The support coupling contains a seal housing, which contains two ring seals that seal the support coupling, and two ring seals that seal the shock absorber housing. The upper part of the air spring is attached to the upper support installed on the chassis, using 3 built-in studs and self-locking nuts.



The auxiliary device of the elastic element is installed on the shock absorber rod. It prevents contact of the upper support with the upper part of the shock absorber when the suspension is fully compressed, and also helps to adjust the suspension. The lower part of the elastic pneumatic element is installed above the shock absorber housing and is seated on the machined surface of the shock absorber housing. The air cylinder is rigidly attached to the seating surface with a fixing pin. The shock absorber rod passes through the central hole of the upper support. The outer end of the rod has a thread. A self-locking nut is screwed onto it, securing the pneumatic elastic element to the shock absorber rod.

The upper support is an integral part of the pneumatic elastic element and is equipped with a bushing and elastic washer, which are installed between the upper support plate and the shock absorber rod. A self-locking nut secures the shock absorber rod to the upper support. The upper support is secured to the chassis body with 3 built-in studs and self-locking nuts. The upper plate also has a 6 mm Voss-type nipple for connecting the air line.

The air spring has two protective covers. The upper cover is located between the upper support and the air spring cylinder. The lower cover is attached to the bottom of the cylinder and the shock absorber body with metal bands. The covers prevent dirt and debris from getting between the air spring and the cylinder.