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Topic: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech (Read 2248 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

I started my search for new airbags for my 1999 u320. There are several manufacturers to choose from that cross ref the Firestone  W01-358-9448  and prices ranging from$135 - $250 per bag.  There are several brands listed in All Things Foretravel as well. Have any of you used anything besides Firestone and what are your experiences.  Has anyone tried the Blacktech airbag.
Let me know

Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #1 –
So, the Firestone airbag is made by Bridgestone, the largest tire manufacturer in the world. The Conti airbag is made by Continental Tire and Rubber, another huge company headquartered in Germany. No reason to think any brand is better than another. The Continental bag is usually the least expensive and I will buy one of these when I need another.

I've had a couple of bags develope a leak but they were by far in the worst condition. They were all OEM bags and were made in 1992. I do carry a tubeless tire plug repair kit so I can plug a leak until I have the time and place to change the bag. I also carry a couple of spare bags in the compartment.

Pierce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #2 –
Do not buy the Goodyears. They have been discontinued and for good reason.

I have now replaced 10 of them. And no, I don't have a tag axle.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #3 –
I was specifically looking at the Blacktech RML 79448 C. $134 on Amazon. 250,000 mile warranty (useless to me but truckers might like it.  Mine look to be original on my 1999. 69,000 miles and rubber is crumbling on the bottoms of 5 out of 8. Also I was wondering if anyone has taken the front docking lights out for access to the top front side of front airbags?
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #4 –
Last Sept, after initially purchasing the coach, I had to replace the airbags and tires before the coach could safely make the journey to me from Lexington KY to the coast.  After calling Foretravel for part numbers, I was informed they did not at that time have any of the Firestone airbags and expected that I would have difficulty finding them (Sept 2021) so I tracked down an equivalent and ordered 8.  At the garage, the installer commented that he had not only worked on the coach before, which was quite something as I only found him by accident via a Google search and providence—another story— and that he had record of having already replaced 2 of the airbags only 2 years ago.  So I put on 6 and kept two as backups.  I ordered them from the link below.  I got 8 for 795.00 and change and installed for a total of just under 1400.00 total.  When I checked my email records for the invoice site after seeing your question, I then checked the website again.  It looks like it's a new model number for the airbag and the price has gone up to 129.00 and change, though it does still list the bags as interchangeable with the Firestone airbags.  I've been very happy with them, FWIW.

64286 by CONTITECH - Air Spring, Replaces AS9448


Bill
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #5 –
Custom air bags tools
Yes removing the lights help a lot. Lots of info, if you use the search function like I just did to find a picture of the tools
Scott

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #6 –
Thanks for all the replies. I did see the Contitech bags for $129 and I am considering those as well.  My search did not come up with the air bags tools picture. I am not sure why because I have used the search function several times.  I did find a picture of some tools and info on "All Things Foretravel".  I can see how the special air bag tools would make the job much easier.  When spraying the airbag connections with PB Blaster in prepping for the job I observed  removing the docking lights looked like the logical thing to do.  Elliot spoke of a tools loaner program.  Are these available to ALL?  Big advantage to getting the job done.
Thanks again for your comments.
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #7 –
They were originally installed with friction lock nuts and because they are not subject to rotation that was a bit overkill IMO. Cleaning up the nut threads with a tap especially on the large nut reduces the installation hassle a bunch. The tool to remove the air fittings saves a ton of time. All fittings must be leak checked and zero leakage is the goal when finished. Using locking extensions allows you to hang the tool off the upper nuts and works well. Reinstalling mounting nuts with a drop of liquid thread lock tight or a lock washer. As big a pain as the forward lines are they were put there to protect them from a blowout tire damage. Get Elliot's tools to make the job much easier.
Scott

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #8 –
Some of my tools below. I made a couple of special tools for removing the hidden nut without removing the fenders but can't find it. Scott has really made some nice ratchets and brass air fitting in the reply #5. Airbags don't come with any fittings so I purchased stainless nuts and washers for the top and bottom.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #9 –
The airbag tools are available for anyone to borrow with a $100 deposit that I refund when they're returned. Not needed on the back if you're pulling fenders otherwise they're a blessing to have for the job. I suggest getting all new compression fittings for the airlines to the bags before starting the job. Those DO leak occasionally  and an ounce of prevention here is worth a pound of cure.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #10 –
Daniel, you may want to check this link:

Air Bag Replacement

I installed all 8 Conti Bags last month. Got them from Find It Parts.  Search this Forum for a discount code that Scott posted, and get Elliott's tools if you can.  I got it done without the special tools, but I took off all 4 fender panels.  Either way, I am sure that the tools will help you.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #11 –
Search this Forum for a discount code that Scott posted,
[/quote]
Ever time you buy something from find it parts next week they send you a discount code. I've been posting mine but they expire. If everyone would post there new code it would be helpful
Find it parts discount code

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #12 –
I took another look at the replacement job today and decided I do not want to pull fenders if possible to do without. Yes Elliot I would like to borrow the tools to do the job.  I will post my email address at the end of this post so you can send me the details and how I can make deposit etc.
I will search for the code and get bags on order.
Thanks to all
Daniel
Indianflyer67@yahoo.com
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #13 –
I posted on the other thread too, but this should work for 10% off.

PARTNER10

Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #14 –
Current Finditpart  discount code is "selectaware10" good til 10/16/22.  Total cost after discount for 8 Contitech air springs $933.55.    Scott I am curious as to why you added the block with the Schrader  valve?  Also would like to know of any other suggestions, mods or upgrades to do while in the process.
Thanks  to all
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B

Re: Replacement airbag options Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, Blacktech

Reply #15 –
Mark I just noticed your post for discount code. It may work as well !
Daniel & Sandy
1999 U320 40'
Build # 5573
WTFS 4010
Piper PA 24-260B