VARIABLE BLEED FOR BASE VALVE OF A TWIN-TUBE DAMPER

In general terms, this invention provides a twin-tube damper having an outer and inner tube creating a chamber between the inner and outer tubes for oil. A piston and rod move within the inner tube in response to driving conditions. A base valve assembly is positioned between the inner tube and outer tube. The base valve assembly includes a cylinder end with a first end and a second end. Openings extend through the cylinder end and are in fluid communication between the inner tube and the outer tube. The base valve assembly first end defines a seal surface and an intake disc is mounted adjacent the seal surface. The seal surface has a lowered section. A compression relief valve assembly is positioned adjacent the second end. When pressure is low in the inner tube, the gap between the seal surface and the intake disc allows additional oil flow paths through the base valve assembly. The gap is incrementally closed by the intake disc when pressure increases in the inner tube.