hello, I'm new here, and a new (to me) 1994 Unihome 280 owner. Hope I'm not rehashing a previous topic, wondering what part number or manufacturer produces the suspension air bags...mine still well operational, but looking a bit tired..thanks in advance
If you are interested in OEM Firestone bags #W01-358-9948
I purchased mine from Michigan Truck Spring
https://www.truckspring.com/Search.aspx?keyword=w013589448
I bought 8 original Firestone's from Foretravel and they were the best price by far. Even got an additional 10% off for being a motorcade member.
Conti (Continental Tire and Rubber) air bags are German and excellent. Plus just over half the price. See posts for part number or cross-ref off internet.
AS9448 by CONTITECH
CONTITECH AIR SPRING 64286/1R11-150/8563
About $90/ea delivered.
Pierce
I second the Foretravel price. Call Brad and he will take care of you. They were also the best price for new brakes and rotors for my 1996 rear brakes. Join the club for $95 per year and save 10%
The Firestone air bags are owned by the Japanese company, Bridgestone. Good quality but no better than Continental. Why pay more??? Bridgestone purchased Firestone way back in 1988.
Wiki quote:
"In 1988, Bridgestone purchased the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio. Placing considerable financial and personnel resources into rebuilding Firestone after the purchase, Bridgestone achieved surplus annual profits for the year 1992 with BFE (Bridgestone Firestone Europe) and again in 1993 with BFS (Bridgestone Firestone USA). The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd. USA were amalgamated in 1990 and became "Bridgestone Firestone North American Holdings Ltd". The North American subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation is now named Bridgestone Americas, Inc. The tire division is Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC. Bridgestone Americas opened a $100 million technical center in Akron in 2012."
Pierce
Great info from everyone, thanks all!
When I rub the loose rubber bits off, I'm seeing cords, one layer, at the top and bottoms, are they safe..?
They need to be replaced. As far as how long until one fails-- sorry, my ouji board is on the fritz.
Thanks, on the horn to Texas tomorrow am...no road trips planned, so it's a good thing to get done!
ordered the Contitech ones...see how it goes, will report further, after the weather becomes nicer..
Buy a tubeless tire repair kit. Most leaks are facing the tire so pretty easy to push a plug into the leak and drive home/next town/etc If you do have a leak, best to raise the coach, block the suspension and then let the air out of the bag before you insert the plug Let sit a few minutes and away you go.
Pierce
That will work if you can find a specific source of the leak, like a puncture. I've had 2 bags that leaked through several square inches of exposed cord. Soapy water bubbled from the whole area, not a specific point. After cutting the bags open, they looked like new on the inside. Couldn't find any evidence of the leaks. All 8 bags are now replaced.
Would also have a few extra D.O.T. fittings handy when you replace the bags.
Spray them with 303 protectant and let it soak. Maybe last forever!!!
Is there a common area to look for airbag leaks.
On new bags installed by an experienced shop!
All bags were replaced at one time. System worked fine going into shop. Came out will not hold pressure 12 hours.
Yes it's a serious question. !
Fittings would be a likely suspect. Use dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
When I replaced mine I had leaks where the fitting screws into the airbag,had to get super tight,was just a slight bubble.
There is no indication of the usage of any form of sealant.
Use or not?
Sorry, if the look like they need sealant, replace them. Much better than being stuck on the side of the road with a blown air bag.
I have no problem with a UV protectrant such as Aerospace 303, but if the cords are showing or they are leaking just replace them.
Said another way, if 20 years old now and you are going to keep the coach..................
When you see cords, it's time to order new bags. I've replaced aircraft rubber fuel bladders that look great but when filled with air, they had a million locations where bubbles were forming with a soap solution.
If using a spanner with a broad area of contact, the fitting will come off the top of the air bag without damage. It has fine threads so it has to be lined up exactly and some patience is required when screwing the air supply fitting back on.
Pierce
In speaking on my bags. All were purchased June 2019. Installed at SS Longview July 2019.
After install they have only done 340 miles.
I spent the $$$ on the firestones before I knew about the contis. I did them all because one leaking airbag sucked enough. Now a few years on glad I dont have to worry about em.
can anyone advise the sizes of the NPT fitting for the air bags? I presume they are 1/4 male to 1/4 male right angle but with out tkaing thme off I can not tell for sure.
Anyone??
I bought 4 Firestone bags years ago, replaced 2 and the rest are 28 years old. I carry a tubeless tire repair kit in the coach. Only one bag has ever leaked and I could see it coming when we bought the coach. My Buffalo Bus's bags never sprang a leak.
Pierce
They are 1/4 pipe to 1/4 compression fittings
https://shop.hoseandfittings.com/catalog/Fitting/Brass/DOT/DOT_Nylon_Tube%3Cbr%3ECompression/DOT_COMP%3Cbr%3EMP_90%B0%3Cbr%3EHF269NTA/HF269NTA-06-04.html?_session_id=5b1ca93d2fa942b8055e8aa446267814
I thought the line was 3/8 will have to double check in the morning with 1/4 NPT going into bag. Also think there may be like three different or more styles for compression fitting needs to be DOT approved
Scott