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Topic: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement (Read 1125 times) previous topic - next topic

Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Has anyone in the group replaced one or all of the bellows?  I know one or two have replaced the whole assembly.  I think replacing just the bellows is doable.  I have quizzed Firestone about this via email a few days ago, but no answer.  Since I have shocks on order,  I am considering replacing the air bags at the same time.  Replacing just the bellows should cost less since I would be doing the work.  No doubt the bellows also has to be ordered with the correct bead plate as the bead plate is crimped on at the factory.  Thanks.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #1 –
Quote
Has anyone in the group replaced one or all of the bellows?
John Twork replaced his and gave some good instructions
http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/air_bags.htm
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #2 –
Don Hay had his done, maybe Rudy too... Come to think of it - Rudy has been awful quiet lately... I know there's a recent writeup on it with part numbers, pricing etc. Some people removed the fiberglass in at least the front.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #3 –
Jerry,
I changed mine last year and tried to buy only the "service assembly" (everything except the piston) - which is what I think you are referring to.  Page 4 of the catalog says it will list the service assembly number below the full assembly number.  On page 17 where our Foretravel air springs are listed there is no service assembly number listed.  So I assume it's just not available.  I was never able to find anyone who could tell much more than what was in the catalog.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #4 –
On a trip last month (we no longer full-time) I spent more time under the coach than I wanted.  I have replaced 2 bags during the 10 years we have had this 96 270.  And I too wish to replace the other six bellows, since I have a spare piston; doing them one at a time, at home on a workbench, in my leisure.  But like you, I have not found a source for the bellows alone.  Please let us know if you locate a bellows outlet.  Good luck. 

Oh, after reading the notes here about the air bags, I made up a bit of plumbing (as suggested) to seal the line going to a leaking air bag if another gave me trouble on the trip home.  As reported, one bag will indeed support one wheel--nice thing to know.  --andy
Carolyn and Lewis (Andy1) Anderson
1996 U270 36'

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #5 –
It would sure be nice to see some photos of this process. It is pretty easy to post them now, but I understand that was not always true. Maybe someone doing this in the future can include photos.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #6 –
The Air Bags used on the suspension system certainly will go more than 35 years if not damaged.  They are not in the sun, and for example, Greyhound Bus uses the MCI bus chassis, I ran one for over 20 years and only replaced one as it was leaking very slightly, it was then 33 years old, all the others did not leak, the bus was a 1972 model MCI7 . For me I would take a physical look at the bags every 2 years, looking for abrasion then spray a soapy water mix looking for leaks. 
If your feeling rich and want to spread it around, heck yes put all new air bags on and dont forget the regulators, height valves, air dryer and air governor too.

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave M –
The Air Bags used on the suspension system certainly will go more than 35 years if not damaged.  They are not in the sun, and for example, Greyhound Bus uses the MCI bus chassis, I ran one for over 20 years and only replaced one as it was leaking very slightly, it was then 33 years old, all the others did not leak, the bus was a 1972 model MCI7 . For me I would take a physical look at the bags every 2 years, looking for abrasion then spray a soapy water mix looking for leaks. 
If your feeling rich and want to spread it around, heck yes put all new air bags on and dont forget the regulators, height valves, air dryer and air governor too.

If I was really feeling rich, I would just buy the complete assembly instead of trying to find replacement bellows (the rubber part).  Yes, I am wondering if I am wasting money, but at the same time I don't like problems when I am traveling.  Jon Twork might disagree with the 35 year life span as he had a failure on his 96 at about 200K miles last year if I remember correctly.  I only have 65K miles but the age is the same.  I don't see cord, but the right rear has a slow leak and will deflate in about 12 hrs without auto level on when parked.  The front will stay inflated for weeks.  I have soaped the bags, but it is really hard to see the back sides, and it could be a valve or somewhere else. That is also the spot with the leaking shock.  I did overhaul the air dryer, and found that it really needed it.  Thanks for the suggestions.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #8 –
For sure Jerry, Everything has a different life span, when things are exposed to abrasion, or other damage, it sure can change the life span.  I was just attempting to state the air bags do not all need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years as a routine UNLESS they are subjected to outside damage or have a leak.
Speaking of leaks, I have found 99% of the leaks are with fittings, lines, dryer, compressor,air governor and some times the bags will seep/leak that can be found with the soapy water. never had a hole in a bag.
Why looking at the condition of all items is important, it is amazing what you can detect upon a little snooping around.
In the end, you have to do what you feel good about.
What I say is my opinion and worth what you paid for it.
Sorry for the confusion.
Enjoy

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #9 –
Received this from Firestone regards replacing just the bellows and bead plate.  "The W01-358-9448 is only available as a complete assembly including the piston.  Firestone does not have a service assembly(the airspring without the piston) set up to sell using this bead plate, bellows, and bumper combination."  The tech rep suggested that one option with a hard to find slow leak is to remove the bag or bags, inflate them and dunk in a container of water.  I may do that when replacing the shocks if I have to remove the bag to get at the shock, but for now I have decided to use the old air bags until they fail. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Air Bag/Spring Bellows Replacement

Reply #10 –
No reason to remove bags or fender to install shocks. Not much room to move a socket handle, but is doable.  But a pneumatic wrench does an easier job of removing the nuts that are between the frame and bulkheads.