Air bags leak - Anything I can do?

[nimrod.sixty9]

I have stock air bags for the rear suspension. Cant say I like them, cause when they are empty its much like trying to drive a hippopotami on methamphetamine. I doubt I could afford replacements and would rather go a different route if I had to; non-tow package optioned.

It takes about a day to empty, filled at about half of maximum height; true for both sides.

Is there any known component that comes loose that I can tighten or maybe a hose issue? If its the bags, how can I tell and can they be patched?

TIA

 

[yates ™]

Where do they leak at?

 

[SunlitComet]

awaiting your pics?

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

Where do they leak at?

Don't know and don't know how to tell.

Maybe soap in spray bottle?

 

[yates ™]

Use a dish soap solution making sure there is enough soap in there to make bubbles. Spray everything down liberally and look for bubbles.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

awaiting your pics?

---------- Post added at 06:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 PM ----------

Use a dish soap solution making sure there is enough soap in there to make bubbles. Spray everything down liberally and look for bubbles.

If I find this leak, is there anything I can do?

 

[SunlitComet]

you have one of these installed. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BZ1HVG/?tag=k--20

same as me. soapy water on the valve themselves as well as connections where air line meets connectors on valves and bags. if they leak a bit snug them done if possible. if the bags leak you can only replace them.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

you have one of these installed. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BZ1HVG/?tag=k--20

same as me. soapy water on the valve themselves as well as connections where air line meets connectors on valves and bags. if they leak a bit snug them done if possible. if the bags leak you can only replace them.

What should be there instead? If its aftermarket, then why does the rear ride flat when deflated? I can only imagine something else should be here.

 

[yates ™]

Fittings and air lines are common places to find leaks. Air bags are a little harder to find as they seem to start at the area where the rubber attaches to the base.

 

[SunlitComet]

becuase of week springs perhaps. generally the bags are used to support extra weight that would sag the spring or ones that are just weak. deflate them and get a vehicle picture of the entire side of vehicle. might have been used also to level vehicle when carrying a trailer.

 

[cowboyzr2]

Looks like Firestone Ride-Rite bags.

You should find one of these two fittings screwed into the TOP of the air bags through a hole in the bracket.

The air lines just push into them and lock... It's a pretty good system, actually but over time you'll have small leaks that are real easy to fix. If you find the leak with soapy water, just push in the ring to pull the line out. I'd try making a clean cut and taking off 1/2" or so of the line, then reinserting it. That usually solves the problem.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

Looks like Firestone Ride-Rite bags.

You should find one of these two fittings screwed into the TOP of the air bags through a hole in the bracket.

The air lines just push into them and lock... It's a pretty good system, actually but over time you'll have small leaks that are real easy to fix. If you find the leak with soapy water, just push in the ring to pull the line out. I'd try making a clean cut and taking off 1/2" or so of the line, then reinserting it. That usually solves the problem.

I so hope its that easy! Thanks!

 

[cowboyzr2]

No prob! I've installed/diagnosed hundreds of these things. They're actually really simple... Especially since you don't have onboard air controls for them.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

I guess why I assumed they were stock is not only because I thought they looked stock, but how bad it rides and drives when they are deflated.

Seeing how these are not stock; what stock coponent would cause the truck to ride this way? Shocks, leaf springs, or?

Can I go with cheap shocks or should I go with the Monroe coil overs?

I will probably replace the shocks either way today, as i will have the wheels off to replace shoes and to inspect the air bags. That said, I can only get the cheapie shocks as they are the only ones in stock.

 

[SunlitComet]

you can get adjustable valving rancho 9000 series shocks. have you actually located the air bag leaks yet?

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

you can get adjustable valving rancho 9000 series shocks. have you actually located the air bag leaks yet?

Nope, havent done the check yet. Just changed the shoes and they look fairly dry rotted. Doing the brakes kept me from checking yet; just a little late now. Will check tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[SunlitComet]

doing the rear brake would have been the best time since the wheels were off.