Air spring leaks

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Air spring leaks

October 21, 2019, 03:25:17 pm

The coach has started to list to the right side within a few hours so I sprayed the air springs with soapy water and found the very front right one to be leaking. Others might be leaking as well but I was having a difficult time spraying the hidden side of some of them and wasn't able to positively identify any othe leaks. I want to go ahead and order all new springs to be on the sage side since they're all original and was wanting to make sure that these were the correct ones.

AS9448 by CONTITECH - CONTITECH AIR SPRING 64286/1R11-150/8563

Our springs are Firestone 1t15l-2 and these should be a drop-in replacement. I found that link on a thread here a while back and luckily saved it because I haven't been able to find it again. I don't care about having OEM Firestone bags and believe these, if correct, will last and save us a lot of money.

If someone would mind letting us know if those Contitech springs linked will work I'd really appreciate it.

I'm probably going to just replace the known leaky one while we're here in SC and hopefully do the others when we get to Floral City, FL in November. Luckily the front one appears to be the easiest to access, I'm not sure how I'm going to get to the others but will figure it out once I get to that point.

P.S. Could one leaky spring cause the the coach to lean like that? I figured that the other one one the same corner would hold it up fairly well.

Thanks!

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #1 – October 21, 2019, 04:01:25 pm

Quote

If someone would mind letting us know if those Contitech springs linked will work I'd really appreciate it.

Those are the ones on my 97. Regarding access, some of us have removed the fenders. There are quite a few threads on this topic which will help you with the right tools and technique.

I wouldn't think that only one bag leaking down would cause your coach to drop. Oftentimes, it's a leaky HWH solenoid. Again, lots of great threads and photos on this topic.
jor

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #2 – October 21, 2019, 04:15:00 pm

Quote from: jor – October 21, 2019, 04:01:25 pm

Those are the ones on my 97. Regarding access, some of us have removed the fenders. There are quite a few threads on this topic which will help you with the right tools and technique.

I wouldn't think that only one bag leaking down would cause your coach to drop. Oftentimes, it's a leaky HWH solenoid. Again, lots of great threads and photos on this topic.
jor

Thanks jor,
I didn't think a single bag would cause it to lean like that and especially lean that quickly so i sprayed both six packs of solenoids and didn't find any leakage there. I've read a lot of threads on changing out the springs and I'm sure we can do it. Just not sure how easy it's going to be as a solo job lol

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #3 – October 21, 2019, 06:08:11 pm

Quote from: The Soft Boulders – October 21, 2019, 04:15:00 pm

I didn't think a single bag would cause it to lean like that and especially lean that quickly so i sprayed both six packs of solenoids and didn't find any leakage there

It is entirely possible for there to be a leak internal to the six pack that causes a corner to become lower or higher. We thought we had a leak down, turns out it was a leak UP on the opposite side.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #4 – October 22, 2019, 08:07:50 pm

Quote from: Michelle – October 21, 2019, 06:08:11 pm

It is entirely possible for there to be a leak internal to the six pack that causes a corner to become lower or higher. We thought we had a leak down, turns out it was a leak UP on the opposite side.

Is there anyway to check for an internal leak in the manifold? The front 6 pack and manifold was replaced in February. I went ahead and ordered four springs last night and plan on replacing all of the front ones while we're here. I removed the front fenders today and cleaned all of the threads of the springs and will be dousing them in pb blaster tilll it's time to work on them. I sprayed all sides of the bags with soapy water after removing the fenders but didn't see any other leaks other than the one.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #5 – October 23, 2019, 08:24:02 pm

Soft Boulders
My experience has been that if the coach is leaning it is due to a leak or malfunction at the rear of the coach, although while parked a leak at the front could cause that problem also. As you have identified a leak in an air bag/spring, it definitely needs to be replaced. Leaking solenoids on the 6 packs front or rear and leaks in the air line connections can cause similar problems.

I recently had some leaks that I could not find. A local truck shop had it for 2 weeks but they only worked on it when they were not busy. They found 2 brass tees that had a crack, one at the rear 6 pack, and one at the front step. Also a leaking pressure regulator on the air tank for the front (not one of the regulators that has a gauge and is adjustable). My front ride height valve also had a slow leak and was replaced. It was just wasting air while in the travel mode although still keeping the ride height correct. I think they got all the leaks as I parked it with 120 psi in the tanks, 24 hrs later still had 90 psi and now both tanks leak down evenly. Before the repairs, the front tank would leak down fairly rapidly, all the way to zero in about 6 hours.

Hope you get your problems solved, you seem to be on the right track

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #6 – October 24, 2019, 09:39:09 pm

I raised the coach up to max height and left it with the auto leveling off and it is definitely the front passenger side that's dropping. It did seem to slow it's descent slightly once it dropped to a certain point. I'm going to change the springs out this weekend hopefully and see if there's any change after that.

Does anyone know where I can new DOT 3/8 brass 90s for the air line? Can I get them at a truck shop or somewhere like fastenal?

The springs are going to be in tomorrow and I need to get the 90s and nuts still.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #7 – October 26, 2019, 02:37:41 am

Try Carquest or Napa.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #8 – October 26, 2019, 09:30:27 am

Fastenall has the push on DOT fittings, but I bought my compression style at a truck parts place. I have used both and have both styles on the coach. No leaks on either type so far.
Don

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #9 – October 26, 2019, 09:36:51 am

Grainger has the Parker DOT fittings in stock or for shipment. I paid $4.02 each for the 90s with local pickup.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #10 – October 26, 2019, 07:46:31 pm

I found the fittings at a truck supply place in town. The Fastenal in town didn't carry any DOT air fittings but I did get the nylock nuts and flat washers there. The fittings are the push in kind and not the compression style. The guys at the truck place said that they no longer carry the compression style and that most places are also moving away from them. The fittings were kinda expensive @ $38 for six, but I am really happy with them and how easy they are to use.

Hannah and I were able to remove all four of the front springs, replace them with the Contitech springs and have them working in about 2 1/2 hours.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #11 – October 26, 2019, 10:07:17 pm

Quote from: The Soft Boulders – October 26, 2019, 07:46:31 pm

Hannah and I were able to remove all four of the front springs, replace them with the Contitech springs and have them working in about 2 1/2 hours.

Sounds to me like Hannah is a Keeper!

Hope the new air bags solve your problem.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #12 – April 17, 2021, 03:59:32 pm

I have measured my air springs on my 1988 40' GV and they match the dimensions given at the link above. I am just wondering if those of you who have used this brand are satisfied with their longevity/durability. I need to replace 3 bags on my coach. I love the price, but knowing that we sometimes end up feeling that "you get what you pay for" scenario, I thought it would be best to check how you are feeling about them after 2 years.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #13 – April 17, 2021, 04:14:24 pm

Continental Tire and Rubber is one of the world's top companies. I've used their products for 60 years and have never found a fault. Their 22.5 tire has been on top in MPG shootouts and our Conti tires on our sedan have been great. Price here in not indicator of quality in my opinion.

Pierce

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #14 – April 17, 2021, 04:33:04 pm

I actually have the Contis on my coach and they're as good as the Firestones in appearance,
and are holding up fine for over three years now.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #15 – April 17, 2021, 06:50:46 pm

👍👍
Only three? They do have date codes stamped on them like tires
Scott

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #16 – April 18, 2021, 01:53:05 am

Quote from: dsd – April 17, 2021, 06:50:46 pm

👍👍
Only three? They do have date codes stamped on them like tires
Scott

Rears were already replaced with firestones. One of the fronts was replaced due to a leak. I went ahead and bought 4 and will replace all fronts. I'll keep the one newer front bag as a spare.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #17 – April 18, 2021, 01:49:33 pm

Just a hint. Just did 2 of my front ones in my shop with the fenders off. The air fittings on the front bags were a bear, even made a special tool to get them out. Even with PB blaster and heat, it was at a bad angle, too close to the frame. The old sealer becomes like they are welded on!

I unbolted the big nut a ways up,then took the sawzall, and cut them off (hacksaw might work), then the fitting was easy to get out of the bag fitting off the coach. Craneman gave me the idea.

Napa has the brass fittings with all the separate parts. I would replace all 4. I just did some leak repairs on the tanks below, and several of the fittings wouldn't reseal after apart, no matter how tight I got them.

Chris

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #18 – April 18, 2021, 02:35:25 pm

Had the same trouble when I did mine,when I do the front think I will use new,had to get the old ones extra tight to stop leaking.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #19 – April 18, 2021, 03:08:36 pm

Quote from: gracerace – April 18, 2021, 01:49:33 pm

Just a hint. Just did 2 of my front ones in my shop with the fenders off. The air fittings on the front bags were a bear, even made a special tool to get them out. Even with PB blaster and heat, it was at a bad angle, too close to the frame. The old sealer becomes like they are welded on!

I unbolted the big nut a ways up,then took the sawzall, and cut them off (hacksaw might work), then the fitting was easy to get out of the bag fitting off the coach. Craneman gave me the idea.

Napa has the brass fittings with all the separate parts. I would replace all 4. I just did some leak repairs on the tanks below, and several of the fittings wouldn't reseal after apart, no matter how tight I got them.

Chris

Speak

Special tools make them removable without much fuss. They are available too you with a security deposit. No charge and deposit fully refunded upon return. Costs about 38$ to ship both ways.
Scott

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #20 – April 18, 2021, 05:43:46 pm

Quote from: dsd – April 18, 2021, 03:08:36 pm

Speak

Special tools make them removable without much fuss. They are available too you with a security deposit. No charge and deposit fully refunded upon return. Costs about 38$ to ship both ways.
Scott

Good to know in the future. Ours came off without too much fuss.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #21 – April 18, 2021, 08:49:47 pm

Quote from: John44 – April 18, 2021, 02:35:25 pm

Had the same trouble when I did mine,when I do the front think I will use new,had to get the old ones extra tight to stop leaking.

I could not align one of our fittings..so installed a swivel "push on" fitting replaced the air line to the sixpac which also received a pushon connector (Thanks Chuck). No leaks with 1K miles done...

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #22 – April 22, 2021, 08:11:00 pm

So I just had all 8 bags replaced here in Canada at a KAL tire shop. The bags I believe had never been replaced but looked like they had some cracking on them so I went ahead and had contitech bags and new right angle fittings installed. The old bags did not leak before I took them in and would stay up when stored for about a week without starting the coach and releveling. The front and rear air consistently showed about 110 while running and fully aired. After having the bags replaced the air gauges show about 100lbs and after shutting motor off on travel mode in about an hour the front tires are resting up on the top and after about 3 hours the rears are the same. I am taking it back to have them relooked at but for my peace of mind.... by installing new bags there could not have been issues with the HWH suddenly arise or should I be confident it is just the fittings were not tightened down??

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #23 – April 22, 2021, 08:14:00 pm

I would think that you have leaking fittings.

Re: Air spring leaks

Reply #24 – April 22, 2021, 08:23:53 pm

Quote from: dicksop – April 22, 2021, 08:11:00 pm

So I just had all 8 bags replaced here in Canada at a KAL tire shop. The bags I believe had never been replaced but looked like they had some cracking on them so I went ahead and had contitech bags and new right angle fittings installed. The old bags did not leak before I took them in and would stay up when stored for about a week without starting the coach and releveling. The front and rear air consistently showed about 110 while running and fully aired. After having the bags replaced the air gauges show about 100lbs and after shutting motor off on travel mode in about an hour the front tires are resting up on the top and after about 3 hours the rears are the same. I am taking it back to have them relooked at but for my peace of mind.... by installing new bags there could not have been issues with the HWH suddenly arise or should I be confident it is just the fittings were not tightened down??

Sure sounds like the fittings are not tight....I found on my bag replacement that realigning the fittings was very difficult. Had a great fear of shearing 3 or 4 of them to get them tight...the right front/front would not align and I installed a swivel 90 pushon with new line and a pushon fitting on the sixpac..all good . "Ben" with stay up for months.. Oooops sorry about the repeat post

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