top of page
  • Are oleo-pneumatic suspensions a new technology?
    Nope. Oleo-pneumatic tech kicked off its journey way back. It's a tried & true technology that has been used on vehicles for decades. It's actually very similar to the technology that Rolls Royce uses to create arguably the smoothest ride in the industry. It all began in 1915. Oleo-pneumatic technology was first used to help cope with the high recoil of a machine gun called the Vickers gun. This machine gun was famous for cranking out 10,000 rounds an hour. The idea was to absorb the rapid and repetitive shocks that would occur while firing. In 1925, a French engineer named George Messier decided to install it on a car for the very first time. He ended up selling about 150 of them. It was like flipping a switch — people had never experienced such a smooth ride before. At the same time, oleo-pneumatic technology started making major waves in French aviation and was extensively adopted across the aviation industry for fixed undercarriages. It was subsequently reused to produce several other products, including hydraulic railway buffers and industrial shock absorbers. Now, picture the mid-20th century, when cars practically begged for a smoother ride. Along comes Paul Magès, from French automaker Citroen. He adopted oleo-pneumatic suspensions in the late 1940s, and in 1954, the Traction Avant hit the market equipped with a similar technology called hydropneumatic. It was a game-changer for French cars – especially because of those narrow, undulating, and often unpaved rural roads. At the time, French cars had cushy, long-travel suspensions for a smooth, bump-absorbing ride, which made it tough to maintain control at higher speeds. That's where oleo-pneumatic suspensions stepped in and nailed it – providing excellent control at high speeds while maintaining exceptional comfort at low speeds. The technology has greatly evolved since then but remains the go-to solution in scenarios with heavy loads and oscillating terrain. Citroen kept using it on dozens of legendary models until 2017, and other car makers, like Peugeot, Mercedes, and Rolls Royce, adopted it for some of their higher-end vehicles. Even the Leclerc Tank uses it to improve its ride on battlefields. And by the way, almost every commercial and governmental aircraft still uses oleo struts in their landing gears. It's a rock-solid technology that has stood the test of time.
  • What comes with my order?
    We've gotcha covered with the essentials: fresh suspensions, a high-pressure pump, some slick accessories, installation gloves so you don't get greasy fingernails, and every now and then, a surprise or two because we ❤️ our customers.
  • If I sell my car and buy a new one, can I install my suspensions on the new one?
    Nimbus Suspensions are custom-made for you and your ride when you buy them. So if your new car is the exact same model as your old one, and has a similar setup in terms of equipment, weight, balance, and lift (the whole nine yards), then yeah, they're a match made in heaven. All it takes is a little pressure tweak, and boom, you're cruising on a cloud. If it’s the same model, but the setup is entirely different with a massive variation in weight, whether in the front, the back, or both, we can rebuild your suspensions to adapt them your new specs, making them perfect for your new ride regardless of their age. Any questions? We're here for you. Contact us.
  • Do I need to buy a full set of 4 suspensions or can I simply buy 2 for the front or the rear?
    Our suspensions work better as a team of four, but we can totally hook you up with a pair, either for the front or the back of your ride. However, we've gotta do a quick assessment of your setup first. See, your current configuration plays a role in how our suspensions work, so we just have to make sure it's all in sync before we make the magic happen.
  • What makes your suspensions different than regular suspensions?
    Great question. Where to start, where to start... 🤔 Oleo-pneumatic suspensions don't react as classic metal shocks do. Using the air's physical ability to compress under pressure improves the absorption curve. While old-school shocks play it straight with a mainly linear response, oleo-pneumatic technology has an exponential/ adaptive response, generating a stronger response when the hits come hard...and keeping things extra smooth at slow speeds too. That's the secret sauce behind the magic carpet effect, that feeling of floating you get when cruising on the road or fast dirt tracks. But it's more than just an exceptionally comfortable ride. When you're tearing up mountain trails or driving on some seriously demanding tracks, bottoming out is practically impossible due to this progressive absorption curve. To sum it up: you no longer have to compromise between comfort, safety, and efficiency; the oleo-pneumatic technology we use for our suspensions checks all the boxes. This tech's got your back, no matter what. You can learn more here.
  • I can't find suspensions for my make and model on your website.
    We are constantly developing our suspensions for new models. If your ride isn't covered yet, no worries. It's just a matter of time. That said, maybe you can help us shorten that wait time. If we don’t cover your model and year yet, it’s probably because we haven't have a chance to work on it yet. If you want to bring your car to our factory in the South of France and let us work on it for a few days, we can probably change that. Hit us up, and we will let you know what to expect and why you could benefit from that trip.
  • Where are your suspensions made?
    Our suspensions are crafted with love (and a lot of expertise) in the south of France, right by a charming countryside town named Saint-Gaudens. We manufacture over 75% of Nimbus parts in our factory, and the rest are sourced from right around the corner in France or Europe. Why France? It's the home of automotive oleo-pneumatic technology and we are staying true to our roots 🇫🇷 Not to mention, the croissants and French wine are très bien. So, win/win.
  • What is the “flying carpet effect”?
    The nature of our technology comes with a nice perk: The Flying Carpet Effect. When you hit those off-road adventures, you know those pesky little bumps and imperfections? Gone. Your wheels caress the path while your ride stays rock solid 💪
  • What are Nimbus suspensions made of?
    We've gotta keep our suspension-building secrets under wraps, you know, for all the obvious cloak-and-dagger reasons. But here's what you need to know – we source only the best of the best materials and components on the market. Think military-grade muscle and aerospace-level finesse, all in the name of longevity and customer satisfaction. If you have specific questions, give us a shout!
  • How long will my Nimbus suspensions last?
    Our products are designed and built with longevity in mind, built to thrive for decades on end. We want to make sure they're the last ones you'll ever need to buy for your ride. How do we pull this off? It's all about cherry-picking the crème de la crème of components paired with highly qualified craftsmen and engineers to create a true high-grade symphony for your vehicle 🤌 But we're not just sending you off into the sunset and wishing you luck. We recommend getting your suspensions serviced every couple of years or so to keep them in tip-top shape. If you service them like this, they will last you forever and a day.
  • Can I take my Nimbus suspensions apart?
    We're putting it out there loud and clear: tinkering with Nimbus suspensions is not suggested. These bad boys pack some high pressure gears, and messing with them without proper know-how can be dangerous ⚠️ In the unlikely event that a shock needs to be repaired, we've got your back. Just give us a shout.
  • Are Nimbus suspensions more fragile than regular suspensions?
    Not a chance. Oleo-pneumatic technology is what's used on aircraft landing gears and it's known for its rock-solid reliability. We've tested our suspensions with professional drivers pushing the limit in the most challenging conditions for weeks at a time, and guess what? Zero issues.
  • Do you offer discounts for Military, Law Enforcement or First Responders?
    Absolutely. We are beyond grateful for active forces and veterans of all kinds, as well as law enforcement and first responders. Regardless of the country where you live or serve, if you can provide verification of your affiliation with the military, law enforcement, or first responder sectors, or your retirement from these fields, we'd be pleased to offer you Nimbus suspensions at a reduced rate. Consider it a very small token of our appreciation. Please contact us for details.
  • Why can’t I order directly online?
    Nimbus suspensions are not one-size-fits-all. Your Nimbus suspensions will be meticulously made JUST FOR YOU! This means that we need to learn more about you, the way you drive, your vehicle and anything that might help us to craft your dream suspension set up. Our concierge approach allows us to assist you from the day you consider replacing your suspensions with Nimbus, to the decades that will follow. Drop us a line and let's do this. Get started here.
  • How do I get my Nimbus suspensions installed?
    The technology we use is pretty advanced, but installing Nimbus suspensions is as easy as installing any other brand of suspensions. If you're comfortable wrenching on cars, it'll be a walk in the park. If you're not feeling the DIY vibe, your mechanic can definitely handle the install for you. And if you happen to live in Europe and feel like driving to our factory in the South of France, we will install them on your vehicle for free!
  • Can I install Nimbus suspensions myself?
    Absolutely. If you're comfortable tinkering on cars, installing Nimbus suspensions is pretty simple for most rides -- it's just like any other brand of suspensions. Once your new suspensions land in your hands, we'll hook you up with a "How to" video so you can nail the installation like a pro. And hey, if you hit a snag, don't sweat it – drop us a line anytime. We've got your back, 24/7. PS: if you happen to be in the South of France and feel like taking a drive to our factory, we will install them for free!
  • What happens if I damage the suspensions during the installation?
    It's unlikely you'll mess up the suspensions big time while installing them – maybe just a couple of scratches at worst. But if it does go south, it's on you. No worries though, we've got your back. Just shoot us a message and we'll help sort out the mess, depending on what kind of pickle you're in. We're always here for you 🫶
  • How long does it take to receive my Nimbus suspensions?
    Each set of suspensions is custom made with artisanal craftsmanship for its future owner and their prized ride. Please be aware that production of this level and quality can take a hot minute. Our expert engineers hand fabricate and fine-tune your shocks, then quality control steps in to give these bad boys the nod of approval before they make their grand exit from our factory. Now let's talk timelines. Production can take up to two weeks, depending on demand at any given time. And shipping usually takes from 2 days to one week, depending on your global coordinates. We appreciate your patience in allowing us to focus on delivering the ultimate driving experience, designed just for you. And remember, good things come to those to wait 😎
  • Can I return my suspensions if they don’t meet my expectations?
    Yes. Within 30 days, you can return your intact suspensions back us in their original packaging, no questions asked. Please be aware – there is a $240 inspection and restocking fee. The remainder will be refunded the rest within 7 business days, minus shipping costs. Easy peasy.
  • Can I track my order?
    Absolutely! Once your suspensions are on the move from our factory or global offices, we'll send you a tracking number so you can keep tabs on your shiny new toys in real time. We work with Chronopost and Fedex to make sure the shipping is as fast and as secure as possible.
  • I have a set of tires for offroading and another set for my daily use, mostly on the road. Do I need to adjust the pressure of your suspensions when I swap the tires?
    When your ride conditions change, a pressure tweak is a good idea. That said, it's all about the weight your beast is packing. You don't have to adjust the pressure simply because you're changing tires, but if the load changes too, then it's best to go for it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

bottom of page