Community Forums

vito.a · 09-16-2019, 04:05 PM

Great writeup. I appreaciate you guys plowing the way on these projects. We all can learn from you.
Where did you find the crazy offset wrenches (and what size are they)?
Is the Milwaukee ratchet battery, or air?

Captjake1 · 09-16-2019, 05:17 PM

The Milwaukee ratchets is electric. The 'fuel' version has more breaking power. Fuel would have been better, but I wasn't sure about fitting it in there. (And I was being cheap). You can't break the nuts loose with the Milwaukee.
Wrenches are 3/4". The S shaped was part of a harbor freight set.
It was only after I bought the harbor freight set that I found the 'half moon' wrench on Amazon. It is German and works way better in the tight spaces. Search 'half moon wrench" I think it was Geodore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

Great writeup. I appreaciate you guys plowing the way on these projects. We all can learn from you.
Where did you find the crazy offset wrenches (and what size are they)?
Is the Milwaukee ratchet battery, or air?

mccrob · 09-16-2019, 09:38 PM

After having air ride trucks and trailers for over 40 years I’m here to tell you those air bags had plenty of life left. They will get a small pin hole in them a long time before they blow.

hypoxia · 09-16-2019, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccrob

After having air ride trucks and trailers for over 40 years I’m here to tell you those air bags had plenty of life left. They will get a small pin hole in them a long time before they blow.

How many of those had air leveling? Nothing better than going out of level while camping! No jacks to level with, just air bags.

Captjake1 · 09-18-2019, 08:50 AM

It wasn't what I was trying to achieve, but the compressor no longer cycles daily. One or more must have been leaking slowly.

BillJinOR · 09-18-2019, 08:56 AM

The one airbag I’ve seen taken apart is a double rubber bag the outer cover and a inner bag. The outer cover can have cracks without effecting the inner bag. I’ve only seen one and that may not be the case in all however.

Andersku · 09-24-2019, 01:17 PM

Very impressive

vito.a · 09-24-2019, 02:37 PM

John, was it this Gedore 19mm half moon wrench?
https://www.amazon.com/GEDORE-30411X...ay&sr=8-1&th=1

Captjake1 · 09-24-2019, 06:08 PM

Well that's wierd. They don't show the standard version now, only metric.
3/4" and 19mm are the same though.
The one I got was 3/4" x 5/8"
Ahh...they say it's is unavailable now. 19mm will fit
.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

John, was it this Gedore 19mm half moon wrench?
https://www.amazon.com/GEDORE-30411X...ay&sr=8-1&th=1

hypoxia · 09-24-2019, 06:12 PM

A Blue Wrench can make any wrench look like a pretzel

mainsalmon · 04-17-2020, 09:02 AM

John, thanks much for this write-up and pix. I've got an '07 Contessa and am about to embark on the same chore as the airbag under the co-pilot seat has a nail-sized hole and half the rest look shot. BCS tells my the '07, '08, and '09's all used the same bags.

I'm very curious how you got to the top bolts on the airbag under the co-pilot. I can remove body panels on the other 3 corners. But that body panel is the entire front cap! Thinking of cutting a hole in the floor beside her chair and coming at those bolts from above. I literally cannot see or touch one of those top bolts.

Any advice?

-Will

Captjake1 · 04-17-2020, 09:15 AM

I didn't attempt to take off body panels as most of the screws are very rusted and thought it might cause me more headaches with broken screws and trying to realign.
Yes, that copilot aide is all one piece!

How I got in there? I very carefully squeezed my arm (with wrench) up there and then followed with the rest of my upper body until I was kneeling or sittings.
Closed my eyes and thought about a happy place, because it is super tight and uncomfortable.

That might have been one (like some in the rear) that you can only squeeze in one side of the bag. Then having to reach over the structural mount and brace.

In the end, it was a PITA but didn't remove any panels.

The hardest part by far, is breaking the nuts loose. A couple, I had to hit the wrench with a deadblow hammer. Still a pain.

Best of luck!

Remember your happy place!

mainsalmon · 04-17-2020, 02:59 PM

John, thanks for the quick response. I just ordered the bags this morning so I guess I'm committed. Good to know on how tight the nuts were. I'll soak everything in WD40 or ? Upon further pondering, I'm now inclined to cut a rectangular hole in the side of the step well to access the top of that bag. Peel carpet back, actually see the bolts, easy to patch, etc. Should give max leverage with my cheater bar. And, I will try to pull off the body panel when I get to the drivers side and see how that approach goes. I'm 6' 3" / 270# so fitting into tight spots is not in the cards. Thankfully, our rig is parked beside our home and 10' from my shop so I'll just take my time. I'll post results here and try to build on this great thread you started. There's not a lot out there on forums or YouTube.

Captjake1 · 04-17-2020, 06:34 PM

Yes, soak with a penetrating oil of some sort.
I would try from below before cutting holes. Once you break it loose, it is just tedious as they are Long bolts.
The worst ones were the rear, but if you take the fenders off, it should be easier.