Board Logo

air bags, hydraulics, lowering...
Baja Wes - August 16th, 2004 at 02:19 PM

In my endless quest for knowledge I came across this interesting document (which I copied to my website). It's a bulletin from QLD transport on air bags, hydraulics and lowering in general. Although it is for QLD, most of it would apply for other states too.

http://www.offroadvw.net/tech/vsi_suspension.htm

PurpleT3 - August 16th, 2004 at 03:20 PM

Bugger. Am I reading that correctly drop spindles, air bags and adjustable systems are not allowed and you cannot lower a vehicle more than 1/3 of its' original ride height?

Purple Martin - August 16th, 2004 at 03:43 PM

*EDIT* just realised what I said was wrong, so deleted it. :mad:

[Edited on 16-8-2004 by Purple Martin]

barls - August 16th, 2004 at 03:47 PM

since all states rule are based on the ADRs i think its safe to say that yes they apply to all states but dont take my word on it check with the relevant authorities

Baja Wes - August 16th, 2004 at 03:49 PM

pretty much. no cutting off bump stops either which is a popular link pin mod.

Baja Wes - August 16th, 2004 at 04:40 PM

I better be a little clearer on that last response. You can use air bags, but they are not allowed to be adjustable by the driver while the vehicle is in motion, and a heap of other requirements which make them no fun at all.

aircooled70 - August 16th, 2004 at 04:51 PM

who cares just do it!!!

aircooled70 - August 16th, 2004 at 04:52 PM

already ordered my set from ClassicVW(pacific) here in Qld.

PurpleT3 - August 16th, 2004 at 04:55 PM

The way I understand it, what they are saying is if you have adjustable height devices they can only be for a specific purpose, such as wheelchair access. They must also return to initial position automatically before the vehicle can drive off. This means no using bags to drop the car on it's belly for a show, then rasing it up before you drive off. Definitely takes all the fun out of them. Why are our rules so strict?

Quote:
Queensland Transport will not permit the fitting of replacement/additional air bag or hydraulic suspension systems to vehicles that allow the driver to raise and lower all or some corners of the vehicle for show purposes.


It seems they are specifically targeting car enthusiasts who may do this for show purposes. They don't even allow for these modifications if they are safety approved by an auto engineer, they must be for a specific approved purpose. Are these rules a new revision, or have they always existed?

Baja Wes - August 16th, 2004 at 05:07 PM

the original rules are pretty hazy, so they bring out bulletins and things at a later date to clarify things. This is one of them, dated 7 August 2003.

The original rules already have most of that stuff, the 1/3 travel and everything. That bulletin is the most specifically aimed at taking the fun out of things bulletin I have seen so far. They are pretty silly and generally only issue the bulletins to approved inspectors etc, so most of us never know what's going on. Hopefully that will change in the not too distant future with things moving to australian wide rules.

kombi_kid - August 16th, 2004 at 05:43 PM

rules are made to be broken!!

Unity-28 - August 16th, 2004 at 08:40 PM

At this stage, I Believe its only QLD, as a mate has been pulled over a number of times by the cops after starting his car, lifting it and driving off. The Cops check that he has an engineers report, and let him go, but it would be different if he dragged it in front of them!

N!

blutopless2 - August 17th, 2004 at 07:18 AM

is interesting to note that dropped spindles are illegal... yet how many people have them installed...

HotRodMatt - August 17th, 2004 at 09:11 AM

Dropped spindles can be engineer approved, at least in NSW.

blutopless2 - August 17th, 2004 at 09:21 AM

guess it would take a keen eye to spot them installed anyway..... "honest officer.... they were on the car when i bought it..... " :thumb