Air bag life expectancy.
OK, no jokes about your mother-in-law.... My 2003 Discovery has the original suspension air bags with 90,000 miles of service. What is the life expectancy of these bags? I travel into Mexico each y...
Forum Discussion
I don't know that there is a life expectancy that can be measured in miles. Commercial trucks put multiples of miles on versus our rigs. the better measure is age and condition.
I replaced my air springs last year, which made them 20 years old at that time. They were dry and cracked. I put off changing them for a few years because a heavy machinery mechanic said "they're fine" and "you would not believe how thick those things are."
When I changed them and cut one open I was surprised the rubber was not really all that thick. Maybe 1/4 in or so. Also, they were truly in as bad of a condition as I suspected. Really dry rotted.
After changing, my MH seemed to ride a bit better, although maybe this was just my imagination. However, before I changed them my MH would lead air pressure so that it would deflate the air springs and settle on the suspension after a few days. Now, it takes weeks for that to happen.
My advice would be - due to safety and peace of mind - that if you really suspect your air springs need to be replaced then do it.
I replaced my air springs last year, which made them 20 years old at that time. They were dry and cracked. I put off changing them for a few years because a heavy machinery mechanic said "they're fine" and "you would not believe how thick those things are."
When I changed them and cut one open I was surprised the rubber was not really all that thick. Maybe 1/4 in or so. Also, they were truly in as bad of a condition as I suspected. Really dry rotted.
After changing, my MH seemed to ride a bit better, although maybe this was just my imagination. However, before I changed them my MH would lead air pressure so that it would deflate the air springs and settle on the suspension after a few days. Now, it takes weeks for that to happen.
My advice would be - due to safety and peace of mind - that if you really suspect your air springs need to be replaced then do it.
