I am doing some work on my Brother-in-laws's 2002 U320. He has an air leak in one of the lines going from a manifold to a ride height valve (from what I can tell from the air diagram). There is a Tee in the line and the leak is in one side of the Tee. Looks like it is some type of plasticTee with maybe push in type compression coupling.
I tried to look in the previous posts but was unable to find any info. Is this a specific type of tee and how do I remove and repair or replace.
Thanks,
jack
First be sure and use safety blocks when you are working on the air lines, or anytime you are under the coach ... under there you are nothing more than a cockroach waiting to be squashed.
You should be able to depress the black ring on the connector and then pull the air line right out of the fitting. If you are lucky, sometimes just re seating those (depress, push together) will stop the leak for quite a while. If you have enough line you can also cut back past the indent you will see on the line to give the fitting a fresh sealing surface.
If you need to replace it, go to any truck parts store and get some DOT approved air break line fittings, those will be a higher quality fitting the OEM ones. All you will need to know is the diameter airline you are using (it will be printed on the side of the black airline if unsure) and get the fittings that you need.
Steve
If it is sitting on the air bags (no inflation) does that make it safe or do I still need to put safety bars on the frame to keep it coming down further? the leak is just above the rear drive axle. Not sure if I have any slack in the air line until I look closer tomorrow.
Thanks for the advise/help.
jack
Jack, for safety's sake, please use the safety blocks before working under your coach. Makes it a lot easier for one and peace of mind for another.
Good gosh, :o :o :o
If the top of the tires aren't resting against the floor, yes it can drop down to that point, and possibly few inches further if air pressure is lost... Pressurize the system, raise it and slide those safety blocks in. I can't really access much of undercarriage without in raised position.
David
Just wanted to be sure what is or could be a safety issue.
Will pick up some steel tubing first and then tackle the air leak. Always use jack stands on our vehicles.
Thanks for the safety concerns and advice.
jack
I have been replacing all my push to fit connections with Compression fittings. No leakage from them.
EATON Weatherhead 1464X4 Air Brake Tubing Union Tee, 1/4" Tube OD: Flared... (http://smile.amazon.com/EATON-Weatherhead-1464X4-Brake-Tubing/dp/B008I596RM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1427339341&sr=8-3&keywords=air+brake+compression+fittings)
I got tired of the intermittent leaks from "push to fit" connections especially if you remove it once.
You can also buy them as home Depot or Lowes also . back in the plumbing section.make sure to get the tubing sleeve to go into the vinyl tubing also.
Jack, to release the line from the fitting take a small screw driver or something and put it against the line and push down on the fitting and pull on the line it should release. Like others have said they are prone to leaking for no good reason, just replace it with the proper brass fitting no more leaks.
I do like the idea of the compression fittings as has been suggested. I prefer to do as permanent fix as possible while in the area.
Thanks,
jack
Hardware store or big box store quality for these parts is not the same as a quality truck shop.
Any time you replace air line fittings, you should use DOT approved air line fittings. The nuts on them is much more robust and should not split when tightened.