We are frequently asked what a Nivomat shock absorber is specifically and how it differs from a standard shock absorber. Here are some of your frequently asked questions answered.
Nivomats are self-leveling monotube shock absorbers made by Sachs that generate mechanical energy from the movement of the vehicle between the chassis and the body. The majority of the time, they are mounted in the vehicle’s back and are self-contained, which means they don’t require air compressors or air lines.
The way they function is that when the load grows (such as with goods and passengers), the pressure in the shock increases, displacing fluid from its internal reservoir to its valving system and therefore raising the spring rate, thereby keeping the vehicle from “squatting.” It has an oil reservoir and pump mechanism that raises the pressure going to its accumulator, elevating or leveling the car. Additionally, the dampening force is increased while the ride quality is maintained.
Because the Nivomat is mechanical and requires movement for the pump to generate pressure and level the vehicle, the back of a car with Nivomat self-leveling shocks may sag when parked. The shock’s full impact might not be felt for 1-2 miles. When not moving, it is typical for the car to drop.
It is not advised that you replace your Nivomats with conventional shock absorbers, even though they might fit. It is advised that Nivomats alone be used to replace any tires that were initially equipped with Nivomats in the vehicle. The vehicle may permanently droop by around two inches if conventional shocks are used, and the ride quality would decrease.
In This Article...
Self-Leveling Suspension: What is it?
When the vehicle is weighted down, a self-leveling suspension keeps the vehicle’s attitude level using air bags and air compressors or pumps. To ascertain the vehicle’s attitude, electrical sensors are usually installed in key locations on the chassis. The self-leveling suspension is actuated to raise or lower the air bags in that part of the chassis when a sensor detects an unlevel attitude in that area of the vehicle’s chassis, such as the rear section of the chassis. The air compressors or air pumps will turn on to either bleed air from the self-leveling suspension to lower the chassis to a level height with the rest of the chassis, both front and back as well as left and right, or pump air into these air bags to elevate the chassis to a level height.
The self-leveling suspension, which is typically seen in high-performance sports cars and utility vehicles, is essential for producing a well-handling vehicle. The self-leveling suspension assists the vehicle in correct steering and braking proportioning to create a stable driving platform for the driver by distributing weight evenly on the front and rear axles. The self-leveling suspension systems used in factory-equipped cars are so effective in this regard that most racing vehicles cannot utilize them because they are seen to have an unfair advantage.
Modern self-leveling suspension systems normally use air bags, although earlier iterations of the technology relied on air-operated shocks to provide the suspension’s flexibility. When loaded to their maximum capacity, the shocks offered a rough and unpleasant ride in addition to performing well as leveling components. The air-filled shock was no longer effective as an absorber, acting more like a solid ram and failing to give the passengers of the car a comfortable ride.
The air bag suspension system that has been used on long-haul semi-trucks for many years is the source of the air bag suspension system utilized on the modern self-leveling suspension. It has been demonstrated that the system is reliable, efficient, and simple to maintain. The vehicle’s computer system, which checks the vehicle’s ride height several hundred times per second, easily controls a small on-board air compressor to easily modify inflation. Since the self-leveling suspension adjusts itself while the car is moving, the ride height modification is frequently not noticed by the occupants.
How does the self-leveling suspension in Mercedes operate?
When the vehicle is loaded, the Self-Leveling System (SLS) modifies the rear end’s ride height to maintain the correct riding level. The unloaded height is kept constant by the springs and SLS. When loaded, the SLS maintains height by pressurizing the system that raises the back.
What is the mechanism of self-leveling suspension?
The attitude shift caused by variations in weight, especially a high load in the back seat or trunk, adversely affects several vehicle components in a conventional vehicle. This shift in attitude has an impact on the vehicle’s performance during a collision as well as aerodynamics, headlight aim, brakes, bumpers, and shock absorption from the suspension.
When more weight is placed over the front wheels, which is how most braking power is distributed throughout a vehicle, braking will be more efficient. The braking is less efficient when the rear end is carrying a heavy load. Since the majority of the vehicle’s weight is on the back, the rear brakes must perform all of the work. Because there is no weight transfer to the front of the car in this scenario, it will be simpler for the front brakes to lock up while braking quickly. The vehicle’s rear end is raised by the self-leveling suspension to better distribute the weight. By shifting the weight back to the front of the car, the brakes are able to function more efficiently.
The design of suspension has an inherent conflict: if the springs are soft, the car will be pleasant but will be significantly affected by load. The car will be unpleasant but less load-sensitive if the springs are stiff.
Many manufacturers are aware of this issue and have sought out various strategies to simultaneously accomplish comfort and load capacity.
On a BMW X5, how do you reset the self-leveling suspension?
Recently, I’ve noticed that my suspension has been acting up a bit, but I’m not sure if I should attempt to repair it myself or take it to a mechanic. Although I’m not the best at automotive repair, I don’t want to spend money at a shop when I don’t have to. How do I adjust the self-leveling suspension on my BMW X5 the best way possible?
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
A good query! I’m delighted to report that you only need to start by cutting the battery wires if you want to reset the self-leveling suspension in your BMW X5.
Everything you have to do is as follows:
- Contact the battery cables one at a time. After that, leave them connected for another 10 minutes so they can use up any remaining electricity in the car.
- Replug the batteries in. Simply reconnect the battery and start the car once the 10-minute period is up.
The self-leveling suspension should be reset after completing these two stages, so you’re good to go. However, it might be better to take your vehicle to a repair if you’re still having issues. Even though it could be expensive, it’s worth it to know your automobile is in good shape if it’s consistently having problems.
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How does the air suspension of a BMW work?
The shocks of driving on the road are absorbed by air suspension, which uses an electrical air pump or compressor to produce compressed air. The air struts are a part of the suspension system of your BMW that aids in maintaining the height of the car by preventing compression through the use of air pressure from the compressor.
How can I tell if my suspension is self-leveling?
If you observe thick plastic ribbed plastic on the shocks when looking under the car from the back, you most likely have Nivomat shocks. A mile or more of driving can be done after measuring the car once more. You probably have them if you lift the bar by at least an inch.
A BMW X5’s suspension can it be adjusted?
When I purchased the automobile, the salesperson at the dealership demonstrated how to do it, but I completely forgot what they said. How is the suspension height of a BMW X5 changed?
There is a lot of information available to you when you purchase an automobile, so don’t worry! Use the toggle lever on your center console to modify the air suspension on a BMW X5.
A button on the bottom door of the tailgate allows you to completely lower your suspension as well. Alternately, you can set your car to Sport Mode and reduce the air suspension by one level.
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Rear load leveling suspension: what is it?
When towing and carrying a trailer or loading heavy cargo into the back of a car, load-leveler suspensions keep the ride at the ideal height. In either scenario, the extra weight results in sagging suspension, which affects handling, braking, and stability by raising the front and sagging the back.
Shocks used to level loads come in two primary categories. One of them is a hydro-pneumatic system that continuously adds fluid to the rear shock absorbers to keep the ride level while yet cushioning bumps. One of the top shocks for towing is this one.
The other is an air-spring suspension, sometimes at all four corners, that raises the car to account for a high payload or trailer by automatically pumping air into “air bags.” Self-leveling rear shocks and air suspension devices are available as aftermarket accessories. A load-leveling suspension can make your life easier and driving safer if you must haul huge cargo or tow a hefty trailer.
Doug Taylor published this in Arnott Canada on November 19, 2015. Posts Previous Posts Next Post
Why has the suspension on my BMW X5 dropped?
Check airbags, valves, and air lines for leaking (spray soap water on them), check the fuse (which can be loosely connected), and check the fuse at the compressor in case the desiccant silica beads are moist. If they are, the solenoid valve that regulates venting may have a damaged rubber seal.