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

Sully2 wrote:


Dont worry over them till they blow out!

HA! Yea, now there's a good idea! :B

With me, they won't blow someplace convenient, but rather out in the middle of nowhere on a Sunday evening on the way home from a trip!

Hurricane Owner wrote:
i wouldn't change them. You can introduce other issues.

Well, they will have to be changed eventually. What other issues might be introduced when replacing them?

SoCal Kevin wrote:
I recently replaced mine proactively since they were 15 years old, very weathered and cracked.

What I learned was that one of the mounting bolts was just as expected - nut and bolt through frame rail. Easy.

The other bolt that held the air spring to the mounting bracket was underneath the frame when mounted and was a slotted screw type bolt. I forget the specific name... In order to remove this little bundle of fun I had to use an impact screwdriver and lots of pounding. Not fun at all. Replacement purchased at ACE Hardware.

That was the most difficult part of the operation. Otherwise, just ensure your airlines and fittings are clean and correct when you put them back. No need to over tighten to get a good seal.

On another forum, an owner had his air springs replaced and one blew out because it was slightly twisted (manufacturing defect). I carefully checked mine to make sure there was no twist at all - no problems. Just wanted you to be aware.

Purchased mine from a truck supply house. They were less expensive than an RV place and were a direct Firestone replacement for my original Firestone springs.

I had a friend who was a heavy equipment mechanic say the air springs never blow out and despite their appearance (mine were toast) they are very thick and very tough. Well, I cut one open after removing it and I will just say that I am glad I replaced them.

By the way, my original air springs would leak down over a matter of days. The new air springs will stay inflated for many weeks. Maybe it is just the after effects of having done the replacement, but I swear my ride is better now too.

Sorry for the longish response, but wanted you to know what I found during my adventure. Good luck - the peace of mind will be worth it.

Kevin,
Thanks for the informative overview. Much appreciated.

mtrumpet wrote:

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.

Dont worry over them till they blow out!

I recently replaced mine proactively since they were 15 years old, very weathered and cracked.

What I learned was that one of the mounting bolts was just as expected - nut and bolt through frame rail. Easy.

The other bolt that held the air spring to the mounting bracket was underneath the frame when mounted and was a slotted screw type bolt. I forget the specific name... In order to remove this little bundle of fun I had to use an impact screwdriver and lots of pounding. Not fun at all. Replacement purchased at ACE Hardware.

That was the most difficult part of the operation. Otherwise, just ensure your airlines and fittings are clean and correct when you put them back. No need to over tighten to get a good seal.

On another forum, an owner had his air springs replaced and one blew out because it was slightly twisted (manufacturing defect). I carefully checked mine to make sure there was no twist at all - no problems. Just wanted you to be aware.

Purchased mine from a truck supply house. They were less expensive than an RV place and were a direct Firestone replacement for my original Firestone springs.

I had a friend who was a heavy equipment mechanic say the air springs never blow out and despite their appearance (mine were toast) they are very thick and very tough. Well, I cut one open after removing it and I will just say that I am glad I replaced them.

By the way, my original air springs would leak down over a matter of days. The new air springs will stay inflated for many weeks. Maybe it is just the after effects of having done the replacement, but I swear my ride is better now too.

Sorry for the longish response, but wanted you to know what I found during my adventure. Good luck - the peace of mind will be worth it.

i wouldn't change them. You can introduce other issues.

wolfe10 wrote:
We are getting answers ALL OVER THE PLANET.

The OP has a DP with Reyco Granning IFS! No relation to P30 or other air bags.

My advice is to verify that you indeed have a problem with the air bags before even considering replacing them. I inspect a lot of 10+ year old DP's, and rarely see an air bag that needs replacing.

Right Bret.

Currently, I have no problem with the front air bags. Just thinking about being proactive since they are 13 years old. Last year, I had one of my rears leaking, and the other was extremely weathered and dry rotted. Therefore, I changed them out. (I had to, or the coach would not have passed New York State Inspection.)

On my recent trip to Spartan (last week) for some factory service, on their 100 point chassis inspection they pointed out that the front air bags were starting to show some weathering, and I should keep an eye on them. They even took me down into the pit to show me (amongst other things).

Upon my return from Spartan, I had to take the coach to my mechanic for the annual New York State Inspection. In doing so, I asked him to give me his opinion of the condition of the air bags. He concurred with Spartan - not an immediate concern, but something that I would want to keep my eye on. If anything, I may just get the bags and keep them in the bay. That way, should something happen, I would at least have the bags on-hand. Could even change them in a campground if I really, really had to.

Cloud Dancer wrote:
OK, I'll try this:
Large heavy duty front suspension for large diesel pusher motorhomes. This one is Reyco Granning. Air bags are the only springs in these systems:

Exactly! Thanks cloud!
Although, mine doesn't have all the pretty colors like the above illustration! :h

OK, I'll try this:
Large heavy duty front suspension for large diesel pusher motorhomes. This one is Reyco Granning. Air bags are the only springs in these systems:

We are getting answers ALL OVER THE PLANET.

The OP has a DP with Reyco Granning IFS! No relation to P30 or other air bags.

My advice is to verify that you indeed have a problem with the air bags before even considering replacing them. I inspect a lot of 10+ year old DP's, and rarely see an air bag that needs replacing.