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CC Driver · 05-17-2016, 07:21 PM

Found out upper brackets are mis-aligned by 1/2 - 3/4 inch.

CC Driver · 05-17-2016, 07:24 PM

These WON'T bend

3X3 X3/16" aluminum.

Bluefoot53 · 06-27-2016, 10:23 PM

I installed some new gas springs and a couple of my hinges did the same thing. I took them off and bent them back into shape and reinstalled them and they bent again. I might try the making new brackets. Glad to know it just isn't mine that did that.

CC Driver · 06-29-2016, 11:48 AM

After I straightened one I used it as a pattern. Aluminum material tools nicely with regular wood tools. Just use finish grade saw blades, preferably carbide teeth. On the electric and plumbing bay I had to rip one face down to clear the trim. Those are the only two. Also, take a ~2' straight edge and align the door and edge bracket. Another reason for those bending. Mine were off as stated above. No further issues since the change over. I made a couple of extra for the ones that haven't bent YET.

CoCoDave · 06-29-2016, 06:21 PM

Don't know if it matters but our mount is 180 out from yours and the ball stud is flipped around.

Mich F · 06-29-2016, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoCoDave

Don't know if it matters but our mount is 180 out from yours and the ball stud is flipped around.

For what it's worth I read somewhere, that the way your piston is mounted, with the cylinder end up, and the shaft end down is the right way to install them.Perhaps it's because there is less of a chance of something getting in the shaft end of the cylinder ?

CC Driver · 06-30-2016, 04:31 AM

IDK about that. Just mimicked what was from factory. I think as long as they line up and open and close I'm good.

Mich F · 06-30-2016, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Driver

IDK about that. Just mimicked what was from factory. I think as long as they line up and open and close I'm good.

Here's a link saying they should be mounted cylinder end up, with reasons for doing so.

Gas Spring Mounting Instructions | Industrial Gas Springs

I had a 2001 Itasca 31C and all 16? 18? of them were mounted cylinder end up. I replaced 4 or 5 of them before I sold the unit.

TQ60 · 06-30-2016, 03:58 PM

We have similar issue with different type of door.

Side door has 2 air springs minimum 100 pounds each and the anchor point is flaky mounting to say the least.

Ours is a vertical lifting like bus door with uneven arms and complicated system but single anchor for spring.

Simple fix is to get bar steel stock (TSC and box stores have it) 1/8 X 1/2 and at one end drill hole that ball mount bolt for air spring will fit through and cut length to have other end fasten to door hinge mounts or frame.

This couples the spring force against the door and less against the wall panel so wall panel screws just hold in place.