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Topic: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow (Read 1380 times) previous topic - next topic

Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

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
2000 U320 4010 WTFE #5609
2017 Ford Explorer toad
Current RVSA Certified RV Technician
Previous 2001 Forest River Windsong 340

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #1 –
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.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Twig –
These are the same fittings used in your 1/4" water line. They are available at any hardware store and Walmarts.

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
2000 U320 4010 WTFE #5609
2017 Ford Explorer toad
Current RVSA Certified RV Technician
Previous 2001 Forest River Windsong 340

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #3 –
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
I noticed the link in the tightening instructions is broken; attached is the same thing.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #4 –
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
Quote from: JohnFitz –
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
I noticed the link in the tightening instructions is broken; attached is the same thing.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #5 –
Quote from: GuynChrista –
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.

Part numbers please !

Thx
H

Guy n Christa
2000 U320 4010
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #6 –
Part numbers please... :D
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #7 –
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.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #8 –
Quote from: red tractor –
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?

2000 U320 4010 WTFE #5609
2017 Ford Explorer toad
Current RVSA Certified RV Technician
Previous 2001 Forest River Windsong 340

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #9 –
Truck repair centers and hydraulic hose repair stores.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #11 –
Some napa stores have the dot air fittings
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #12 –
Quote from: GuynChrista –
The question is, where do you get DOT approved fittings that are not the push in type?

Moreland Hose – DOT Brass Air Brake Fittings

DOT Compression Air Brake Fittings - Hi-Line

Re: Replaced my front air bags and shocks, broke a brass elbow

Reply #13 –
Appears Foretravel is using more of the dot push in fittings.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.