ZF Sachs Nivomat: A Success Story with High Level

07.01.2008 -- It doesn’t like leaps and bounds and prefers to take the safe route. That’s what makes the Nivomat level control system from ZF Sachs so successful. The variable spring/damping system ensures perfect levelling in cars or vans – independent of load conditions – for enhanced driving safety and comfort. With a price comparable to an air conditioning, this system can be ordered ex works in many standard vehicles.

Off on a vacation, out shopping, transporting furniture, or giving friends a ride – the load condition of a family car changes constantly. A trunk full to the brim can be really dangerous, because the center of gravity and the vehicle's driving behavior change completely! The heavier the load, the shorter the spring travels – especially on the rear axles. This has a negative impact on vehicle safety, comfort and fuel economy. It also increases wear and tear. Excessive weight on the rear wheels changes the headlight angle and blind oncoming drivers. In a worst-case scenario, the vehicle “bottoms out” resulting in damaged suspension. The Nivomat, a system by the automotive supplier ZF Sachs, provides the solution.

Fully automatic adjustment

The ZF Nivomat system automatically adapts to the vehicle load. Spring travel remains constant under all load conditions to ensure optimum driving safety. Unlike pneumatic suspension, the Nivomat does not require an external energy source – and therefore does not affect fuel consumption. In fact, the level control system generates its own energy from the normal movement between the axle and car body resulting from unevenness on the road surface. Hydraulic fluid is forced against the gas cushion in the high-pressure storage unit and increases the expansion force of the piston rod. Depending on the road conditions, a fully loaded car reaches its normal height within less than a quarter mile.

Added value for less money

With a price comparable to an air conditioning, this system can be ordered ex works in many standard vehicles. The ZF Nivomat system has been integrated into a variety of vehicles including models made by Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, Cadillac, Saab, Opel Mercedes-Benz, VW and Alfa Romeo.

Source: ZF

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