Coil Springs OK?

[CalBld]

My '96 Rexhall Aerbus has a sagging front end. Checked air pressure in airbags & found out they will not hold air pressure. Am going to replace them but am wondering about the condition of the springs also. Others have posted that they replaced only the airbags because their springs were still ok. How do you determine if the springs are still good?
Thanks

[RedneckExpress]

Depends on how high the springs support the load by themselves, you'd need to look up the normal range of standard free-standing compression for the springs to see if they're compressed more than normal.

In my experience with coil springs, which is mostly in the small car end, after about 10 years, the coil springs are sagging pretty decently.

The only downside is with taking them apart if your front end is anything like some I've worked on, you'll also need to replace the ball joints if you replace the coil springs.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalBld Others have posted that they replaced only the airbags because their springs were still ok. How do you determine if the springs are still good?

This is usually done by measurement from the ground to the vehicle and evaluating the difference between the left and right sides.

There also exists a solution where you can eliminate the air bags and just go with the springs. Call Jon at Brazel's RV Performance.

A new solution is under development where you can eliminate the springs and airbags but that's a bit premature to announce as a product at this time. I did get some insight about this at the FMCA Rally.

[CalBld]

Thanks for the info. I've decided to replace just the bags at this time. Does anyone have any ideas on removing the old bags? I read somewhere to use a hole saw to cut out the valve stem & then pull the bag out. Well I did that & now I have an air bag with an 1 1/4" hole in it that refuses to come out. It isn't very flexible. How are you supposed to get it out?
Thanks

[RedneckExpress]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalBld Thanks for the info. I've decided to replace just the bags at this time. Does anyone have any ideas on removing the old bags? I read somewhere to use a hole saw to cut out the valve stem & then pull the bag out. Well I did that & now I have an air bag with an 1 1/4" hole in it that refuses to come out. It isn't very flexible. How are you supposed to get it out? Thanks

Have you completely lifted the front of your motorhome so that the suspension is free hanging and completely decompressed?

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalBld Thanks for the info. I've decided to replace just the bags at this time. Does anyone have any ideas on removing the old bags? I read somewhere to use a hole saw to cut out the valve stem & then pull the bag out. Well I did that & now I have an air bag with an 1 1/4" hole in it that refuses to come out. It isn't very flexible. How are you supposed to get it out? Thanks

The easiest way I have found is to use a razor knife and cut it in pieces. Be sure to clean everything up before installing new bags and have the suspension fully extended before inflating them.