Community Forums

Fredward · 01-23-2020, 05:23 PM

I’m going to change out the air bags on our 2000 Magna. I’ve been in touch with Kevin Waite regarding sourcing the new ones. Anyone have any experience to share regarding DIY replacement? I’m familiar with heavy suspension systems and air brakes. Just interested in hearing how it went for you.
Fred

birdhunter · 01-23-2020, 10:58 PM

I blew out a front airbag a few years ago. Had Goodyears, ended up with Firestones. Tech did it, it wasn't very complicated. The stress of the airbag going ruined the front ride height valve. That was a b**** to figure that out. You'll have to pull the tires to get to the rear ones as well. It's pretty straightforward.

Rich 2002 Magna

mpmartino · 01-24-2020, 04:40 AM

I had mine done last spring at a shop as I didn't want to deal with the heavy suspension. The shop didn't have to take the wheels off to do it but I was also having my shocks replaced at the same time so that might have been why. They had to replace some of the hardware during the install.
There was an issue with the airbag height on what was currently installed on my coach (original) and the new bags. I never had clarity on what the issue was but the shop I used got the bags direct from CC (I know - poor decision) so I didn't push the issue as CC confirmed they were the correct bags for my coach. I hadn't used the coach enough at that time to be familiar with how much leveling it had so I don't know if the new bags had any effect on it.

I would also consider changing out some of the hard to reach air fittings and/or air lines while you have access. The new bags helped significantly but I still have some slow leaks and I suspect it is on some of the areas I can't get to or see if there is a leak. I have done the 6-pack o-rings on the front. I can't figure out how to get to the rear ones without pulling the wheels off and then working blind.

Pics of the work (nothing special in them as I was just taking random pictures): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0u59lmn4j...wJugTrSna?dl=0

Rears - Firestone - W01-358-9459
Fronts - Firestone - W01-358-8782

birdhunter · 01-24-2020, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpmartino

I had mine done last spring at a shop as I didn't want to deal with the heavy suspension. The shop didn't have to take the wheels off to do it but I was also having my shocks replaced at the same time so that might have been why. They had to replace some of the hardware during the install.
There was an issue with the airbag height on what was currently installed on my coach (original) and the new bags. I never had clarity on what the issue was but the shop I used got the bags direct from CC (I know - poor decision) so I didn't push the issue as CC confirmed they were the correct bags for my coach. I hadn't used the coach enough at that time to be familiar with how much leveling it had so I don't know if the new bags had any effect on it.

I would also consider changing out some of the hard to reach air fittings and/or air lines while you have access. The new bags helped significantly but I still have some slow leaks and I suspect it is on some of the areas I can't get to or see if there is a leak. I have done the 6-pack o-rings on the front. I can't figure out how to get to the rear ones without pulling the wheels off and then working blind.

Pics of the work (nothing special in them as I was just taking random pictures): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0u59lmn4j...wJugTrSna?dl=0

Rears - Firestone - W01-358-9459
Fronts - Firestone - W01-358-8782

I can tell you without a doubt that on my Magna (which might have a different suspension than yours?) you can easily replace both the drive axle and steer axle shocks without pulling any tires. I know this because I did it myself. From watching the tech, it looked to me like it would have been very difficult to replace the front airbags without pulling the wheels, certainly more time consuming. The shop that looked at my drive axle airbags (which I have not changed yet) said that it looked as if it would be very difficult or impossible without pulling the wheels, but I don't know if they were correct. Thanks to you I'll take another look at that issue when the time comes. I have Ridewell suspension front and rear.

Rich 2002 Magna

Carl & Shelly · 01-25-2020, 08:07 AM

Just ordered front and drive axle bags with SD Spring, does anyone have the part #'s for the tag axle?
Found Firestone # W01-358-8991 but not sure if that is correct as no one has them.
Thanks Carl

03 Magna

mpmartino · 01-27-2020, 01:45 PM

Rich - I have the Dana/Kirksall IFS in the front and Ridewell 227 in the rear. Could be the difference. Also, non-tag.

BonS · 01-27-2020, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl & Shelly

Just ordered front and drive axle bags with SD Spring, does anyone have the part #'s for the tag axle?
Found Firestone # W01-358-8991 but not sure if that is correct as no one has them.
Thanks Carl

03 Magna

It looks like you can get the Firestones here.

Fredward · 01-27-2020, 09:32 PM

I also have the ridewell Kirksall rear and fronts. I might just get those two part numbers and hope they are the right thing when I get it apart.

birdhunter · 01-28-2020, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fredward

I also have the ridewell Kirksall rear and fronts. I might just get those two part numbers and hope they are the right thing when I get it apart.

I believe Ridewell and Dana Kirkstall are two different companies, two different types of suspensions. I do have a tag by the way. If you have a Ridewell suspension just call them, they can tell you exactly what airbags you need. They are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Rich 2002 Magna

Fredward · 01-28-2020, 05:34 PM

Bird Hunter - yes for sure they are different manufacturers. My understanding is that different CC’s have different air bags. Maybe Magnas from 2000 are all the same but Intriques are different that same year?

I’d like to source them here locally so that i can easily return them if they are the incorrect one. The ones for the Ridewell 227 should be pretty easy to get a part number for from Ridewell. The Dana Kirkstall might be a different story because they mount to the IFS on the bottom and to a plate welded on the Dynomax chassis on the top. So there might be some room for interpretation there.

I have been told to remove one of each and get the part numbers and order them at that time. I was just hoping to already have them on hand when I tear into the project.

Fredward · 02-03-2020, 07:02 PM

This is very helpful information. Another 2000 Magna owner here on the board (thanks Frank!) sent me the Ridewell drawing for the IFS front axle which actually contained the air spring part number. And some suppliers actually reference the Ridewell part number on their web sites. The Ridewell crosses to a Firestone W01-358-8782. I'll source those here locally. Still researching the rear air bags. It sounds like the Coaches originally came with Goodyear air springs on the rear (Ridewell) axle. So I'm cross referencing the Firestone number to Goodyear to see what I find. It seems that 1T15L-2 is the style of air spring and then W01-358-9459 is the Firestone part number.
Fred

dsiedschlag · 02-04-2020, 01:26 PM

Fred - I had the airbags replaced on my coach last spring. The numbers you are showing appear correct. Neither of the old airbags on the front had a readable part number on the top of the bag when removed but the rears were Goodyear PN 1R13-109. Mine were not replaced with Firestone bags but aftermarket airbags with equivalent part numbers.

Dan
2000 Magna #5788