Lots of talk on here about air bag replacement. I have done them all different ways, but this seems the easiest, especially at 73 yrs old! Some fittings and bolts are almost impossible. I realize there are tools floating around here that make it easy also.
It is a bit intimidating to pull the fenders, but actually takes less then ten minutes. Approximately 15-20 to reinstall, do to the clean up and reseal of Silicone.Great time to clean up, and shoot a little paint on everything. If your coach is custom painted, may take a little longer. Just make sure the paint is cut, so it doesn't peel.
I would also recommend biting the bullet, and do the shocks at the same time. I also find it easier to just cut the air fitting off, once it is unbolted a few threads (a few on here showed me that).
I would recommend checking for leaks before putting the fenders back on. Note, our bags weren't that bad, I just did them, because I could. Don't forget to block the coach chassis up.
This is the final upgrade (so he says), everything has been done,fresh engine, tires,shocks,brakes,transynd conversion,TV's carpet,bags, bulkhead, fuel lines,monitor,all the usual suspects, except the steering box. It's tight, and I watch it like a hawk.
Chris
I agree fenders were easy to remove and I have full body paint so I was real careful.i did mine over two days and two week before I on blasted Evey nut and fitting and didn't have any problems. Nice pictures thanks for posting 👍😊
Finally people are realizing the benefits of taking the fenders off is not a big deal. Once off they allow so many other things to get fixed or just cleaned and painted. I have said for more than 8 years this is my preffered way of tackling some of the awkward issues we face.
Well done and nice pics
Johnh
It appears from your pictures that your coach has trim that is screwed on over the top of the fenders like some I have seen at MOT. On my 2004, there are no screws and I could not figure out how to remove the trim without damaging it. I ended up replacing the air bags and shocks without removing fenders or using any special tools, but it was a royal pain. Does anyone know how to remove the trim if it isn't screwed on?
Dave & Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Your trim is screwed on. To gain access to the screws the center strip has to be pulled off. When installed it snaps in, both top and bottom.
It takes some effort to remove it and when you do it's going to want to curl and bend, requiring a new strip and paint.
Removing the fenders isn't a quick option for all coaches. I also left mine on for the reasons above. I think 2002 is the first year
of the screws being hidden.
My 2001 U320 has the snapped in cover. Access would be great if you could remove. Pure inspiration for bag tools. FYI they are currently back in Boulder City if anyone wants to use them.
Scott
Those are some great tools. Couple of years ago, I did the front two rears, and used some similar tools like that I made.
You guys that did them with the fenders on are amazing. The air fittings were a real bear on a couple of them.Was wondering why FT didn't turn those bags around for easier access to the air fittings.
My shoulders hurt when they twist to certain angles, so I know for sure I couldn't do it with the fenders on. I even pulled the fender a couple of months ago, to replace just the one shock on the left rear. Was too hard to get to because of the sewer line. Just couldn't bend my shoulder to do it.Oh, to be young again!
Thanks for all the info, I realize there are lots of posts on this topic, just wanted it logged in the history to help others.
Chris
Bags are placed that way to protect the air line during a tire failure. Seems you could add guards and put on exposed side. The air fitting socket really makes a difference. Yes front bags are a pain.
Scott
All I can say is I hear your pain. Don't ever get old, it will kill you. Mom turns 99 next week. Still lives at home. Does get daily assistance. Becoming a senior is not for sissies.
I threw the steel lock nuts away and went with plain nuts and lock washers for reassembly, and
easy removal next time around.
When I bought my coach the rear rear bags had been done and the front
rears I did when I was putting the snow tires on. Its easy with the wheels off.
The right front I did with the wheel on and I did like Scott did and made a socket
to take the fitting off. The left front I took the wheel off and then it was a piece
of cake. I should have pulled the right front wheel off. Pulling wheels for me is
probably easier than taking fenders of and I get to check out the front end at the
same time. The 2 wrenches Scott made look like they would make the job easier.
LOL....I am 73... Great news about your mom, and God bless her. My aunt is 96, lives in Ferndale Washington on her own. Only care she gets, is my cousin who is on Vancouver Island, orders her groceries from Fred Meyers, has them delivered. Wine too..
Cheers
Chris
Please note the tap in the tool kit.
Scott
Déjà Vu Scott?
Since new bags don't come with washers/nuts, I went to the hardware store and bought the stainless variety. Installed on the spare bags also. None of the OEM nuts were the locking variety.
Pierce
Does anyone have any idea how to rent or borrow the tools on the forum to help with the air bag replacement? I AM READY get started on the project. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
My phone is 561-701-0240
Karl Taylor
PM DSD on the forum
Karl I have the tools available currently. The replacement cost on them is $400. That is the deposit I am asking for. There is no fee to use them. I've been shipping USPS medium size box works. I genuinely hate asking for a deposit but they magically reappear with it. I must admit when Hans used them they got lost for a month on a two day shipping. Neither of us were happy with the mis shipment delay. I also would be willing to sell for the same price and you would save return shipping. I'm sure replacement cost has gone up like everything else.
Scott
But I did get them and they are the bomb...made the whole process so much better....The air fitting removal tool is so valuable as it does not stress the threads.
Hans
If everything is done, it must be time to sell it! ha ha ha