dreamchasers
11-28-2011, 04:02 PM
I replaced my front air bags recently and took a few pictures of the process. Be sure and notice the surprise I found.
9070
When changing our air bags, you will notice it is difficult to flex these new rubber springs and have them fit back into the position you removed them from. I pulled a vacuum on the air bag to collapse it, I then slid it into position and slowly let air into the air bag. I used a freon vacuum pump to pull a vacuum.
9069
Air bag in position and air applied. This not a hard job. Each air bag cost $141.00.
9073
I also replaced the solenoids associated with the front air bags. This is an image of the five port solenoid mounted in the level low system. Take pictures to assure the fittings are reinstalled in the correct orientation. I use Teflon tape as a thread sealant. It has always worked for me. Be sure to apply correctly. The replacement solenoid is on the bottom of the picture. It is a different Norgren part number, but is an exact replacement. I got my parts from Prevost.
9071
This is the surprise! At times, my front end would take extended time to release air and then at other times, it would drop immediately when the air is dumped. It would act differently on any given two attempts. I was determined to find the cause, so I inspected each air connection. This is the 1/2" tube x 3/8" male fitting installed in the front air restrictor. A small piece of styrofoam was plugging the fitting and at times it was moving inside the restrictor. It was a challenge finding this issue. I wonder if the restrictor assembly was dropped during installation and became plugged. Or was some mechanic not very happy with the coach owner? What do you think?
9072
Another image of the fitting next to the styrofoam plug.
9074
I also replace the front brake chambers and brake hoses. My brake hoses functioned fine, but on closer inspection, the rubber was beginning to crack.
9075
A close up shot of one of the removed air bags. This was an original air bag, dated 1993 production date. A picture is worth a 1000 words. Notice the cracked rubber circling the top. I had waited long enough.
9070
When changing our air bags, you will notice it is difficult to flex these new rubber springs and have them fit back into the position you removed them from. I pulled a vacuum on the air bag to collapse it, I then slid it into position and slowly let air into the air bag. I used a freon vacuum pump to pull a vacuum.
9069
Air bag in position and air applied. This not a hard job. Each air bag cost $141.00.
9073
I also replaced the solenoids associated with the front air bags. This is an image of the five port solenoid mounted in the level low system. Take pictures to assure the fittings are reinstalled in the correct orientation. I use Teflon tape as a thread sealant. It has always worked for me. Be sure to apply correctly. The replacement solenoid is on the bottom of the picture. It is a different Norgren part number, but is an exact replacement. I got my parts from Prevost.
9071
This is the surprise! At times, my front end would take extended time to release air and then at other times, it would drop immediately when the air is dumped. It would act differently on any given two attempts. I was determined to find the cause, so I inspected each air connection. This is the 1/2" tube x 3/8" male fitting installed in the front air restrictor. A small piece of styrofoam was plugging the fitting and at times it was moving inside the restrictor. It was a challenge finding this issue. I wonder if the restrictor assembly was dropped during installation and became plugged. Or was some mechanic not very happy with the coach owner? What do you think?
9072
Another image of the fitting next to the styrofoam plug.
9074
I also replace the front brake chambers and brake hoses. My brake hoses functioned fine, but on closer inspection, the rubber was beginning to crack.
9075
A close up shot of one of the removed air bags. This was an original air bag, dated 1993 production date. A picture is worth a 1000 words. Notice the cracked rubber circling the top. I had waited long enough.