Community Forums

efstewart · 06-27-2009, 02:04 PM

I just noticed a small leak starting from the top of my right rear airbag/airspring. The fluid is light red, similar to transmission fluid. I traced it to the top of the airspring where a Hydraulic line connects, and it appears to be tightened OK. I don't know for sure if it started there as it is hard to get a good view up in there. I just had the coach serviced with a major oil change one week ago, and they checked the airsprings for proper height. They said that it needed no adjustment. By the way, my ride is much smoother now that they took some air out of the front and rear tires. And my water pump works great since they changed the strainer (loaded with algae). Before it was just dripping water.

Thanks goes to all of you who responded and helped out this new RV owner. Any ideas/experiences about the red fluid?

It is a 06 Dutchstar, Model #3817, Spartan, 400ISL

EngineerMike · 06-27-2009, 02:55 PM

Airbags don't have tranny fluid, so I'm guessing an oil line has rubbed or a fitting is leaking. Tranny fluid is sometimes used in the hydraulic system (power steering & radiator fan drive) as well as the transmission. Not a big deal for the air bag I don't think (tranny fluid won't degrade the bag per se), but I'd keep it mopped up so you can at least keep an eye on progress until you get if fixed. You'll want to attend to it soon in case it is something that is coming separated and might make a real mess when it does.

LVJ58 · 06-27-2009, 03:02 PM

If your coach has slide-outs powered by hydraulic rams, a leaking ram seal or line connection could be the source.

efstewart · 06-27-2009, 03:30 PM

Good ideas! I will take a look at the slide out since it is close to the passenger side bedroom slide. I did notice that the top of the airbag is up against a frame rail where the fluid could be travelling down from. I will take a look again, and if I can't figure it out, I will take it to the Redlands Ca. Rv service. They have been very helpful. Thanks for your input.

Route 66 · 06-27-2009, 03:43 PM

Newmar's slide outs are 12V powered, not hydraulic.

Quote:

I traced it to the top of the airspring where a Hydraulic line connects

Could be a hydraulic leveling jack fluid leak.

Chickadee · 06-28-2009, 06:14 AM

efstewart:

06 Dutchstar huh? Can ya catch some of the dripping fluid into one of those clear plastic cups? Try to obtain about at least a 1/4 inch of fluid or so. Now, next question. Does your rig have an Aqua/Hydro Hot diesel burner furnace using polypropylene boiler coolant (kinda thin, pinkish/red liquid)?

The reason I ask, (and this may be way off track), is that on our 06 MtnAire. we experienced a similar leak found ultimately to be from defective (split) coolant hose and this fluid migrated under the rig along hoses and frame components to strange locations. In 06, there was some defective coolant hose used (cross section revealed absence of reinforcement cords supposed to be imbedded in rubber hose) and coolant leaked, sprayed and sometimes burst out of this hose when it began to and/or failed totally.

Compare any dripping fluid ya can recover to the boiler coolant ya might have.

If ya don't use this coolant, then......"never mind"

Steve

efstewart · 06-28-2009, 08:01 PM

I don't know what kind of furnace I have. I will check the manual and find out. Then I will try your advice, thanks!

wa8yxm · 06-29-2009, 12:40 PM

Could it be brake fluid?

Route 66 · 06-29-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Could it be brake fluid?

No, the rig has air brakes.

wa8yxm · 06-30-2009, 09:52 AM

Well. had to ask..... After all a vehicle that won't go.. is usually safe

A vehicle that won't stop however.........

Fred Longhi · 07-01-2009, 04:55 PM

Hi All,

I have the same problem and after talking with Spartan and Newmar we have come to the conclusion that my reddish looking fluid leak is coolant. On my coach there is a factory add-on water heating device. Whenever the engine is running some of the hot engine coolant is piped to another location forward of the rear wheels and this coolant heats our tap water so when we get to the next location it is hot. This extra coolant line runs directly over the top of our right rear air bag, but up against the rail. It is leaking from around the two clamps. Am scheduled to get it fixed this Monday at a Cummings place (closest repair place to me). I cannot reach the clamps myself. Lottsa luck.

Fred

efstewart · 07-02-2009, 11:15 AM

Re: the last post, you are right about the clamps. I just took my coach in to our Service shop (So California, Redlands RV service is great) and they said that it was the clamps attached to the Hydraulic lines ( if I remember correctly). The clamps are not expensive, but the labor to get in there is time consuming. I like to do my own repairs, and can figure most things out, but this one involves too much twisting and contorting and lots of grease and dirt in a very tight area. So it should be fixed soon. Thanks for all of your responses, I am learning a lot about my first Motorhome. My wallet is lighter but it is still worth it. Yellowstone and Colorado, here we come!