Loss of air on rear axel and then…. Update...

[polar76]

1997 CC Allure:
While on our last weekend trip, loss of air to rear bags after driving 100+ miles. Happened after hitting brakes to slow for exit ramp.
Got off the hwy pulled into a parking lot. I could hear an air leak spurting in rhythm, (as a pump). and air pressure gauge was down to about 65lb.

So then I get a tech out from Smiths Diesel Service in Checotah OK. about 30 min. later.

I had it parked on a 4x6inch block, he crawled under and asked me to start it. He looked around a few minutes found problems. (No sound of a leak now either)

The bags suddenly started to fill on their own. He said he didn't do anything but suggested I change out the dryer filter…

Drove about 40 miles to Wagner and it happened again after stopping at a red light.
We pulled into a vacant lot and I could hear the leak again.
I decided to have lunch and give it about 30 minutes or so to see if it "fixed itself" again.

It did and we made it to the campground and hasn't happened again all the way home, which is about 140 miles.

Oh, the tech called his boss and the said NO Charge for the service call.
I told him that Coach Net would pay it , but he said "have a nice day'

Any thoughts on my problem? I haven't change the dryer filter yet, but will do so shortly….

[polar76]

After a tough job of just getting to the air dryer, I removed it and replaced it with a new one. We have been on 2 weekend outings since then.

One about 240 miles round trip, the other was this past weekend around 520 miles round trip and no problem s… yet. It may be fixed, 🙂

May pay to have the filter changed next time. LOL

PS: Thanks for all your comments...

[DSDP_Don]

The arms and connections that pivot are on the outside and are loaded with road debris every time you drive. They should also be checked to make a chunk of tire or something else hasn't tweak a connection from valve to mount.

[polar76]

Big Katuna

I'm not sure either, but wasn't sure that mine can be dis-assembled, but maybe so.

They are only a year old though, had them installed last summer.

[Big_Katuna]

I am not sure what good cleaning and lubing the outside does; the magic all happens inside and it is a sealed, wet, oil filled device.

[polar76]

Thanks for the input Don

So if I understand correctly, you do this procedure externally on the valves?
Just basically a good cleaning and lube?

[DSDP_Don]

My money would also be on a sticky ride height valve. You said each time you came to a stop, it would act up. It sounds like the pitching forward of the coach with was moving the rear ride height valves.

As part of my routine maintenance, I spray my ride height valves and linkage with 409 or a similar cleaner, let it soak and then rinse. After they dry, I spray with silicone to lube them.

[polar76]

Thanks Dennis
I have the Coaches passage side rear wheels on a block of 3 4x6s , then dumped air on dash and then dumped the 3 valves in my first bay under the drivers seat . Then scotched both driver side wheels front and back.

Gives me room to slither under it plus a little bit.

So I removed the dryer today, man that was a job. why don't they put them where you can get to them easier… LOL

[Executive45]

Just make sure you block the coach properly when crawling under it !!! especially when checking for an air leak....you cannot fit under a fully dropped coach. It can and will KILL you.....Dennis

[polar76]

Yes one rear Ride height valve and 2 on the front.
I have been under it this morning and was planning on removing the dryer filter, but I can barely see it and looks like I will have to take the dryer off to get to the filter. I don't think it just screws off as the top is almost touching the bottom side of the floor.

Looks like 4 bolts and three or 4 air hoses connected and a double wire.
Seems much harder to get to than from what I have been reading on here.

Wouldn't be too bad if I had longer arms…. ugh.

[wolfe10]

Big Katuna wrote:
OK. But if the purge valve stuck open rear AND front would drop.
Just his rear dropped.

First, I DO agree with you (as I stated in my first post) that a faulty ride height valve is the most likely source.

But the front would not drop if the check valve between tanks is working properly.

[Big_Katuna]

OK. But if the purge valve stuck open rear AND front would drop.
Just his rear dropped.

[wolfe10]

Yes, the air dryer DOES have a purge valve-- that is the noise you hear when the air compressor governor cuts out (normal). They CAN stick open.

[Big_Katuna]

The more I think about it the more I think it is a ride ht valve.
Do you have one in back and two in front? What else would hiss then quit?
I don't think an airbag would. The desiccant doesn't have a vent.
Ride ht valves release air (or inflate the bags) around corners and up and down hills.
Mine hissed and wouldn't inflate the bags even tho the actuator was telling it until it warmed up. I used to hit it with a heat gun. When it warmed up it worked fine.
I took it apart to clean it look at it. It was filled with something like mineral oil and little flat reeds that moved up and down. Weird.

[polar76]

Thanks for the comments,
My dump valves are inside the steering compartment , I dumped all 3 and nothing but air came out.

Scott, yes I need to send them a letter, to thank them, I was only a mile from their shop , But still…. it cost them money and time.

I will post should I figure out what the problem is , or maybe someone can point in the right direction.
As far as ride hight valves, it got new ones last year all the way around. I don't see how they could stick being a mechanical device in either raise, lower or neutral, but I guess it's possible.