Air Springs/Bags

[Eric Johnson]

Hello Bob,
I was told by BB factory that you can run the air bags safely until you start to
see the fabric
layer below the rubber exterior layer due to cracking. I've not gone that far
with them but
just passing that on for info. I did replace the bags up at the front because
they are
exposed to more heat from the engine and exhaust manifold and will deteriorate
faster
than the rear bags. This also is info from BB. I'm still running the original
bags in the rear
and they still look fine.

I did this job myself and can tell you that it's not a "side of the road"
repair. The bags are
mounted with self locking nuts on very long studs that are accessed between the
main
frame members. It is slow going and very dirty. In addition, you have to
disassemble part
of the exhaust system to get the drivers side bag out.

Got the 4 bags from BB but don't remember what they cost me.

Regards, Eric in San Antonio
84FCSBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "one_dusty_hoot" wrote:
>
> While doing some other checks last night I
> looked closely at my air springs. There is
> no checking and the rubber appears to be in
> good condition. This is a 20 year old rubber
> bag!!!
>
> Seems like the air springs came out in late 80's
> or so. These air springs would be approximately
> 7 years older than mine but I do not hear of any
> high incidence of failure reported, one or two
> sure, but not many.
>
> Is there a useful life on these? Or, time when
> they should be replaced, age or miles?
> TIA
> bob janes, 87FC35, SC
>