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mtrumpet's avatar
mtrumpet
Explorer
Aug 05, 2015

DIY Replacing Front Air Bags/Air Springs. Tips? Tricks?

I did a search before posting, but found nothing of any help.

For my fellow DIY'rs out there, has anyone replaced their front Air Bags? Getting ready to do mine, and wondering if there are any tips or tricks I should be aware of? I have the shop manual for my front end (Reyco Granning IFS) and it gives the step by step procedure for removing and installing the Air Bags. Just would like to know of any surprises that they might have forgotten to mention in the manual?

I've replaced my rear Air Bags before. They were pretty easy. However, I have yet to ever replace the fronts.
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  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    jack up the vehicle and support, no weight on the wheel. cut out the bags, then lube up the new ones with baby power and slide them in. Put a spot of glue on the spot for the washer if it has one before you put the baby power.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    There are air suspension bags and suspension helper bags, that add to springs.
    All air bags usually are hold by 4 bolts (2 on each end) and have single air connector, so replacing them is not a problem, but access to front bags might be.
    The life expectancy on Firestone bags is about 20 years.
    Crucial part of the job is support the weight of vehicle.
  • Deano56's avatar
    Deano56
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    on your dp coach is there coil springs also or just air bags? I'm taking the easy way out this weekend and putting new air bags in my coils springs, P30 chassis though, instead of new springs, for now. My air bags hold no air at all
  • Cloud_Dancer's avatar
    Cloud_Dancer
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    Factory air suspension airbags, that's what I call the ones on the independent suspension that's on my Spartan chassis Dutch Star. Otherwise people will think it's something different. But, I see where you already know that.
  • mtrumpet's avatar
    mtrumpet
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    ksg5000 wrote:
    Check out Youtube they have a number of videos - I watched one guy replace an airbag on a Mazda it took him less than 5 minutes. I suspect "how hard" depends on the vehicle and whether it's just the deployed airbag that needs to be replaced.


    I'm referring to the suspension Air Springs, not the safety crash air bags in the vehicle. Most of us refer to them as "air bags", but really they should be referred to as "Air Springs".
  • mtrumpet's avatar
    mtrumpet
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    Trackrig wrote:
    I've never thought about changing mine. Why are you changing yours - leaking, age considerations, ride? Are you going to use OEM or aftermarket replacements?

    Bill


    They are not currently giving me any immediate problem. No leaks or anything like that. It's just that they are 13 years old, and just now starting to show some slight weathering. Just want to be pro-active given the age. I will be going with aftermarket bags (most likely Firestone as they have a direct crossover to the Reyco part number). Firestone and Goodyear seem to be the most popular brands, and from my research, they seem supply a good amount of the OEMs.

    When I replaced my rear bags last year, I bought from the OEM, and the bags they sent were Goodyear.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2015
    Check out Youtube they have a number of videos - I watched one guy replace an airbag on a Mazda it took him less than 5 minutes. I suspect "how hard" depends on the vehicle and whether it's just the deployed airbag that needs to be replaced.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Aug 05, 2015
    I've never thought about changing mine. Why are you changing yours - leaking, age considerations, ride? Are you going to use OEM or aftermarket replacements?

    Bill

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