Community Forums

tjshively · 02-19-2013, 04:10 PM

Both front air bags (52,000 miles) have a small leak on top where a rivit in the frame wore a hole in the air bag. I'm wondering if an air bag can be patched. I don't think so but I'm asking - if your really know. It's a very small hole and it seems to me that a heavy rubber patch about the size of a penny could be super glued (with the really good super glue).
I might try it becaause I can't see where it can harm anything. All it can do is keep leaking.
If I get new airbags can I glue a rubber re-inforcement patch onto the bag so the rivit does wear another hole.
Just another Alpine engineering wonder.

palehorse89 · 02-19-2013, 04:13 PM

No patching! you don't want to deal with one of these blowing out at 65 mph, Replace and make preventive mods. to prevent future wear on them.
While you are at it check your ride height on the front, does not seem right that they should rub......and this should of happened. Also a call to chassis mfg. might be in order also.....

Algoma · 02-19-2013, 06:31 PM

Time to replace them, they are not that expensive. You probably have the Neway AS-120 front suspension and the airbag is 90557023.
http://www.truckspring.com/products/...-358-9039.aspx

EngineerMike · 02-20-2013, 12:27 AM

A vulcanized patch as a get by for a short time wouldn't be a problem, but bag replacement after fixing the rub problem is the better part of valor IMHO. And I should know, being an air bag from way back.

tjshively · 02-20-2013, 01:20 PM

Mike,
Have you seen the rivit on the frame that wears a hole in the air bag?
Do you have any idea how much it will cost to get the two front air bags replaced?
What is your thought about epoxying a piece of rubber over the rivit head to maybe prevent it wearing through again.

palehorse89 · 02-20-2013, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike

A vulcanized patch as a get by for a short time wouldn't be a problem, but bag replacement after fixing the rub problem is the better part of valor IMHO. And I should know, being an air bag from way back.

I am thinking that this kind of patch you are talking about is done from the inside so not only the style vulcanizing is done but the internal air pressure will be against the patch.
Here are a couple of places to look:
Reversible Sleeve Bus Air Springs - TruckSpring.com

Tapered Sleeve Style Replacement Air Springs by Firestone | SD Truck Springs

EngineerMike · 02-20-2013, 10:50 PM

TJ- the bags are a cinch to replace, just need a good jack & jack stands plus simple tools (like me). And I think they are around a hundred bucks each, but that's just me thinking. Could be $150 for the part, $300/pair ish.

Labor of course is going down to $9/hr, or so I heard in a speech.

Old Scout · 02-21-2013, 08:30 AM

Based on a failing memory--I recall that the bags operate inside cone-shaped flanges at the top and bottom of the air bag assmbly--part of what you will be replacing. Where was the offending rivet located???????

zinom · 02-21-2013, 05:27 PM

If you get a chance to take a photo or zero in in the location with a tighter descrtption the rest of us will probably be inspired to crawl unde and take a look on our own Alpines. Thanks, Matt