I've been wanting to replace my air bags for awhile now. I was hoping to reuse all of the existing hardware but I broke a brass elbow between the air bag and the air line.
I found what looked like an exact replacement elbow (1/4" NPT to 3/8" tubing compression) at NAPA auto parts, however I failed to use the old compression nut with the new elbow. So I had to cut the air line to install the new compression nut and a new ferrule.
What I forgot to get is the brass insert, but I was able to get have NAPA auto parts order that.
If you want to tackle your air bag replacement, then don't forget that brass insert. I had to wait a day to get that.
Guy n Christa
2000 U320 4010
When you cut the end off the line to install a fresh nut and ferrule, you can sometimes reuse the old insert. The insert can be made of brass or steel. The steel ones are less likely to be deformed, and more likely to be reusable. A Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel will quickly remove the old ferrule and stub of tubing, leaving the old insert in (hopefully) good condition to reuse.
You know I was thinking the same thing, but I visited the hardware store 1st and they didn't think that they had those inserts.
Oh well, they were not expensive
All the air fittings and lines on our Foretravels conform to the DOT air brake standard; you will see "DOT" printed on the lines and fittings. It's close but not the same as the fittings found at a hardware store. NAPA stores should sell these type of fittings but you might need to say it's for an air brake system.
Here's an old thread on the subject: Travel Mode Air Problem (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29371.msg248961#msg248961)
I noticed the link in the tightening instructions is broken; attached is the same thing.
The water line fittings at the hardware store (without the DOT stamp that you will find on ones made for air brakes) are slightly different. Not to the eye, but the brass nut won't want to fit over the air brake tubing. At least that was my experience while replacing my air springs. It appears to me that the air brake tubing may have thicker walls than the same nominal size of water line. Fastenal also generally carries the DOT stamped fittings as do hydraulic shops, and over the road truck parts stores.
Don
Part numbers please... :D
That is not a dot air fitting. All fittings on the air bags should be dot fittings. Even though you do have the insert it is still not dot approved.
You are correct! I just heard back from the manufacturer (Edelmann) and they are not DOT approved.
The question is, where do you get DOT approved fittings that are not the push in type?
Truck repair centers and hydraulic hose repair stores.
EATON WEATHERHEAD Male Connector,1/4-18,1/4 In Tube Sz - 2ZKL7|1868X4X4 -... (https://www.grainger.com/product/2ZKL7?cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!50916726237!!!g!82496522997!&ef_id=WwymAwAABAMUoiA5:20180809220507:s)
These are push on and appear to be DOT certified?
Some napa stores have the dot air fittings
Moreland Hose – DOT Brass Air Brake Fittings (http://morelandhose.com/industrial_fittings/dot-brass-air-brake-fittings/)
DOT Compression Air Brake Fittings - Hi-Line (https://www.hi-line.com/auto-fleet-maintenance/dot-fittings-tubing/dot-compression-air-brake-fittings//)
Appears Foretravel is using more of the dot push in fittings.