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Topic: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320 (Read 1838 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #20 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
On coach's that allow this removing the fibre glass fender is so simple and makes this job less frustrating plus the added benefit of being able to clean up surrounding area and check other things, along with painting frame.
I really cannot see why so many do not want to do this. I have full body paint and every time I remove panels they go back exactly the same place and no one but me knows they have been off.
DWMYH I guess, but I still shake my head.
JohnH
Quite right John. The last owner put a heavy coat of sealer on the panels so removing them is a bigger pain. After we do a paint job, (number 1001 on the "to do" list), I may just do that. But I will never do a "muffler shop" Sawzall attack on the air bag fasteners. Other than that, I just don't find it that difficult to R&R but with the palm sized 12V impact/screwdriver, doing a quick removal of a row of shiny stainless screws is getting another look.

How anyone could shake their heads when their currency is called a "loonie" is beyond me. :))  :))  :))  :))

Pierce

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #21 –
Where can I purchase that short ratchet tool ?
Just going to start assembling the tools slowly so the DW doesn't notice!

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #22 –
Found one on amazon

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #23 –
I used a 1/2" drive flex ratchet to break the hard to reach nuts loose then switched to 3/8" air ratchet to finish. This is just what worked on a '99 u320

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #24 –
I need to edit my post #15.
He used a wrench on the nut for a few turns to get a gap between the airbag plate and the mounting plate for the saw blade to go in, then cut off the bolts.

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #25 –
Quote from: craneman –
I used a 1/2" drive flex ratchet to break the hard to reach nuts loose then switched to 3/8" air ratchet to finish. This is just what worked on a '99 u320

How long can the handle be on the flex ratchet?

Also, what are the prospects of removing the nuts on the bottom of the bag and using a sawzall to cut away the rubber bag up top, right next to it's metal mounting plate, removing the bag and attacking the bolts from underneath?

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
, removing the bag and attacking the bolts from underneath?

Tman,

The bolts are actually studs that are made into the mounting plate.  The route you are talking about would give you extra room for you to reach around and remove the hid nuts but you still have to be able to access the new bags studs to be able to tighten the nuts.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
How long can the handle be on the flex ratchet?
Also, what are the prospects of removing the nuts on the bottom of the bag and using a sawzall to cut away the rubber bag up top, right next to it's metal mounting plate, removing the bag and attacking the bolts from underneath?
Short!
If you give the top nuts a shot of your favorite "liquid wrench," a day or so ahead or even an hour before, the top nuts come off pretty easily. I did it without removing anything (need small hands)  but with the Fiberglas out of the way, it's a still easier job. I put new stainless nuts and washers on. Air fitting was brass so just wire wheeled it. There are only a couple of nuts that are tough to get to as I remember. Was sort of a fun job.

Pierce

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #28 –
Removal seems the hardest.  I had thought of a small hole saw to drill out the studs from the bottom with bag removed.

With coach raised on stands is it just a matter of capping the air line to the bag I'm replacing to keep the slide bladders
inflated?
 

Re: Airbag leak in right front 1998 U320

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Removal seems the hardest.  I had thought of a small hole saw to drill out the studs from the bottom with bag removed.

With coach raised on stands is it just a matter of capping the air line to the bag I'm replacing to keep the slide bladders
inflated?
You could do that or if your line numbers are the same as mine (might be since we both have 2003's) you can cap line 57 coming out of the aux compressor.  Then the aux comp can still provide air to the bladders.  This procedure will remove air supply from all airbags via the aux comp.  The airbags could still get air from the front and rear tank if you don't dump the air there too.