LR3/Disco 3
Damper
The damper assembly is a twin tube design with the conventional coil spring replaced by the air spring. The lower end of
the damper is fitted with a bush and is attached to the lower control arm with a bolt and nut.
The damper functions by restricting the flow of hydraulic fluid through internal galleries within the damper. The damper rod
moves axially within the damper, its movement limited by the flow of fluid through the galleries, providing damping of
undulations in the terrain. The damper rod is sealed at its exit point from the damper body to maintain the fluid within the
unit and to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture. The seal also incorporates a wiper to keep the rod clean.
Air Spring
The air spring is similar in design to the air spring used on the front suspension.
The air spring comprises an aluminium restraining cylinder, top mount, spring aid, air sleeve and an inner support sleeve.
The air sleeve is made from a flexible rubber material which allows the sleeve to roll up and down the air spring piston as
the vehicle changes height. The air sleeve is attached to the restraining cylinder and the support sleeve with crimp rings
which provide an air tight seal. The support sleeve contains a seal carrier which has two O-rings sealing the support
sleeve and two O-rings sealing to the damper body. The top of the air sleeve is crimped to the top mount which attaches
to a mounting on the chassis with 3 integral studs and self-locking nuts.
A spring aid is fitted to the damper rod and prevents the top mount contacting the top of the damper during full
suspension compression and assists the suspension tune. The lower end of the air spring is located over the damper
body and seats on a fabricated seat on the damper body. The air sleeve is positively attached to the seat with a retaining
pin. The damper rod is located through a central hole in the top mount. The rod is threaded at its outer end and accepts a
self-locking nut which secures the air spring to the damper rod.
The top mount is an integral part of the air spring and is fitted with a bush and rebound washer which are located between
the top mount plate and the damper rod. A self locking nut secures the damper rod to the top mount. The top mount
attaches to a housing on the chassis with 3 integral studs and self-locking nuts. The top mount also incorporates a 6 mm
Voss air fitting which allows for the attachment of the air harness.
The air spring is fitted with two gaitors. The upper gaitor is fitted between the top mount and the air spring restraining
cylinder. The lower gaitor is secured to the lower end of the restraining cylinder and the damper body with metal straps.
The gaitors prevent dirt and debris becoming trapped between the air sleeve and the restraining cylinder.
DAMPER MODULE - COIL SPRING SUSPENSION
