For many Volkswagen owners, aftermarket air suspension systems seem like an ideal solution for lowering their ride height while retaining adjustable ride height control.

However, a growing number of complaints indicate that one particular supplier of VW air ride kits, a company called Glinka Air Ride, may actually be running a sophisticated scam that leaves customers with non-functional, dangerous systems.

In this post, we’ll explore common air suspension issues for VWs, how the alleged Glinka scam works, and tips to help buyers avoid similar problems in the future.

Why Choose Air Suspension for Your VW?

For drivers who want to lower their VW but still need occasional ride height adjustability, air suspension seems like an attractive upgrade over standard coil springs. Some common benefits advertised for air ride include:

Adjustable Ride Height – Owners can raise or lower their vehicle height at the push of a button for improved handling, ground clearance as needed, or custom aesthetics.

Superior Ride Quality – With electronically controlled compressor and dampers, air suspension aims to provide a smoother ride than standard springs over bumps while cornering.

No Modifications Required – Unlike traditional lowering springs that may rub or interfere, drop-in air suspension kits claim to install without modification for a “plug and play” setup.

So for many VW owners, an air ride system from a reputable supplier seems like an ideal choice. Unfortunately, as we’ll explore next, not all air suspension sellers are as reputable as they claim.

The Alleged Glinka Air Ride Scam

Glinka Air Ride markets air suspension kits directly to VW owners on platforms like Facebook and forums. However, a troubling pattern has emerged in complaints from alleged customers:

Non-Functional Systems – Numerous buyers report receiving systems that fail to operate or hold air pressure from the start, rendering the vehicles undrivable.

No Support After Sale – Glinka allegedly ceases communication after receiving payment, providing no warranty support or return policy for defective products.

Questionable Components – Some components like compressors and bags appear to be lower-grade knockoffs rather than name brand parts as advertised.

Misrepresented Inventory – Customers are said to face lengthy delays or non-delivery as Glinka takes orders for kits they don’t actually have in stock.

So in summary, the accusation against Glinka is that they knowingly sell non-functional, low-quality air ride systems but depict themselves as a legitimate supplier to take advantage of unwitting VW enthusiasts. With no support provided afterwards, customers are left with unusable, potentially unsafe vehicles.

This alleged scam poses real risks, as defective air bags could unexpectedly rupture or fail at speed. It also frustrates enthusiasts who end up with non-working expenditures instead of the dream setups they sought. Let’s next examine some technical concepts around proper air suspension implementation.

Understanding Key Air Suspension Components

To avoid being deceived by risky suppliers like the one described above, it helps for buyers to have a basic understanding of how air suspension systems work under the hood:

Air Compressor – The compressor pumps air into the system from a reservoir tank to raise ride height. High-quality models from Viair or similar are recommended over no-name components.

Air Lines and Fittings – Special reinforced air lines and compression fittings are required to withstand suspension pressures safely over bumps without leaks. Cheap tubing poses risk.

Air Bags (Air Springs) – Premium air bags from reputable brands like Firestone or KW feature durable construction to properly support vehicle weight for tens of thousands of miles.

Height/Level Sensors – Electronic sensors monitor ride height and automatically activate the compressor as needed to maintain optimal vehicle posture. Proper sensor calibration is critical.

Compressed Air Reservoirs – Reservoirs store compressed air for instant height adjustment and provide backup in case of compressor failure to avoid sudden drops.

As you can see, each component requires careful engineering and matching to work reliably as an integrated system. Haphazard assembly with subpar parts is a recipe for imminent failure. Reputable sellers carefully source only top-tier components.

Due Diligence is Key to Avoiding Risky Deals

To help steer clear of potential scams like those allegedly perpetrated by Glinka Air Ride, diligent buyers should focus on the following vetting steps before any air ride purchase:

Research the Company – Look for established air ride brands with online consumer reviews versus obscure newcomers. Check if the seller has a legitimate business presence.

Inspect Inventory Photos – Be wary of sellers with only stock photos versus their own images of the actual products in their warehouse.

Get Written Estimates – Reputable shops provide written estimates detailing included components from trusted brands.

Verify Payment Methods – Credit cards provide buyer protection versus riskier payment apps. Beware sellers asking for wire transfers.

Review Return/Refund Policies – Legitimate companies stand by their products with return windows and warranties.

Consult Experts – Discuss specific systems and installation with experienced air ride mechanics before finalizing large purchases.

With diligence, VW owners can feel confident choosing the right reputable supplier and avoiding the pitfalls of risky, deceptive sellers like those alleged scams targeting the air ride community. Prioritizing education and due diligence is key to making well-informed suspension decisions.

Conclusion

In summary, while aftermarket air suspension seems ideal for many lowered Volkswagens, buyers must be wary of deceptive suppliers that peddle non-functional, unsafe systems.

Knowing these basic technical components, researching companies thoroughly, and verifying policies, enthusiasts can make intelligent choices to customize their rides safely and avoid the headaches of alleged scams.

Properly vetting focused on legitimate, reputable sellers, air ride remains a viable suspension upgrade option when done right. Buyers beware, and knowledge is power to steer clear of potential issues down the road.

FAQs

What should I do if I’ve already purchased a faulty system from Glinka Air Ride?

If you purchased a Glinka system that is non-functional or dangerous, you should immediately stop driving the vehicle and contact your credit card company to dispute the charges. Document all communication attempts with Glinka and details about the defective product. You may need to have a repair shop evaluate the system to prove it is faulty.

Is there any way to salvage parts from a bad Glinka system?

It’s generally not recommended to reuse components from an unknown, low-quality system. The compressor, bags, lines and other parts are often inferior knock-offs that could fail again. For safety, it’s best to fully replace such systems with components from reputable brands.

What are some reputable air ride system brands to consider instead?

Some established air suspension brands trusted in the VW community include Air Lift Performance, Air Design, Air Ride Technologies, AccuAir and Bag Riders. These companies use high-quality name-brand parts and back their work with warranties. Shops like EuroCode, H&R and KW also produce OEM-style systems.

Are aftermarket air rides much more expensive than coils?

A quality full air suspension system does represent a larger investment than conventional lowering springs at around $3,000-$5,000 installed. However, air provides adjustability that static springs don’t. The upfront cost can be worthwhile for those who plan to own the vehicle long-term.

Is regular air ride system maintenance required?

Like any mechanical component, air suspension does require periodic inspection and service. Compressors may need replacing every 5-10 years depending on use. Checks for leaks and bag condition are recommended annually or every 20,000-30,000 miles with a reputable shop.