Front axle bolt replacement

[applied_resources]

I have a 2000 Newmar Kountry Star Diesel Motorhome on a Spartan Summit Chassis. I was in the process of installing a Safe-T-Steer anchor bracket on the front axle by removing the rear bolts located below the Air Bag. I got both nuts off, however one of the bolt threads was destroyed and I need to replace this bolt. I thought that this was a U-Bolt which could just be removed and replaced, however it seems that the bolt is captive below the Air Bag assembly. Am I missing something? Is this a U-Bolt? How do I replace this bolt?
Thanks, Dave

[applied_resources]

I have a 2000 Newmar Kountry Star Diesel Motorhome on a Spartan Summit Chassis. I was in the process of installing a Safe-T-Steer anchor bracket on the front axle by removing the rear bolts located below the Air Bag. I got both nuts off, however one of the bolt threads was destroyed and I need to replace this bolt. I thought that this was a U-Bolt which could just be removed and replaced, however it seems that the bolt is captive below the Air Bag assembly. Am I missing something? Is this a U-Bolt? How do I replace this bolt?
Thanks, Dave

[quikduk]

a picture would help nut...

FWIW, I think the (all) air bags sit in a secondary plate that bolts to the axle(s) with a second corresponding plate over the top.

You would have to purge the air system completely, remove the air line to THAT bag and then remove the assembly from the axle BUT I think those bolts are part of the bag assembly.

BTW, what brand of bags are in there? I am assuming that they are Firestone/Neway or Granning (the solid axles on Spartan chassis are made by Granning) as that was typical on the Spartan chassis from the late 90's to mid 00's.

I will "root around" some links I have and see if I can find some exploded diagrams to help you.

[quikduk]

Check this site out.

http://stengelbros.3dcartstores.com/Air-Bags_c_7.html

You have what is known as a "rolling lobe" type of "bag".

From what I remember, you NEED to get a number off of the "bags" you currently have as there are literaly thousands of options re: shape, type, height, OD, ID, placement of mounting studs and air lines etc.

If you call Spartan with your chassis serial #, perhaps they have a record of exactyly what type/model/size of "bags" are on your chassis.

I would start there, as well as tell them about your problem. They are very friendly and knowledgable. Try either tech support or parts.

OAN "air bags" are actually called "air springs" while "I" am the actual "air bag" that sits behind the steering wheel...

[quikduk]

Here are some other sites with replacement bags.

http://store.benlee.com/home.php?cat=250

http://www.anythingtruck.com/commerc...one-airbags.mv

FWIW, it is like tires, shocks and brakes. If you have to replace one "side", you "should" replace the other so that the axle remains "balanced"...or "even"...or whatever term they use now.

It can be financially painfull but it is the right way to repair it if it must be replaced.

[tom wilson]

it will be easier to cut new threads in the existing bolt.

[quikduk]

Some of the "rolling lobe" air springs have a secondary plate or seat on the bottom that is bolted separately to the axle assembly.

Perhaps this is what you have. We could use some good digital pics to help better. You could support the assembly with jack stands etc. and air down so you could remove the affected spring assembly. It may be an easy fix of replacing the bolts with better quality fine thread grade 8 bolts/nuts/washers etc...

Re: what tommywilson said, if the thread is simply "rolled over", it may be possible to thread on a "die" over the stud and re-thread the damaged area...but this only works if the nut can thread past this area as if it can't, the strength of that bolted connection will be compromised...and on suspension components, this is not a good thing.

Again, pics please...from a variety of vantage points.