Air bags in the front springs

[MasCara]

I noticed when I put my 2000 daybreak by Damon in jack stands the air bags in the front suspension springs have huges open cracks in them how do I go about replacing them and what exactly are they called. Anyone know

[wolfe10]

Sounds like you have the Chevy/Workhorse P chassis.


The front air springs ARE a critical part of the front suspension and with some work, can be replaced without removing the coil springs/releasing the lower A arm.



But, do check lower A arm ball joints as well-- they are often worn.

[Isaac-1]

Watch this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqASXAhrdSE

Note using a vacuum pump makes it easier than the hot water method, I used a hand pumped small vacuum pump when I did mine a few years ago.

[yeloduster]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Watch this video

Note using a vacuum pump makes it easier than the hot water method, I used a hand pumped small vacuum pump when I did mine a few years ago.

Or connect to a vacuum port on your engine! You might have to fabricate a hose that will connect to the Schrader valve (hint: a air pressure hose) on the air bag to a slip on to a vacuum port.

As it collapses twist it as tight as you can. I secured mine with large zip ties. I cut the zip ties off just as they reached the hole in the A-Frame.

[1972VWbus]

Best to use some large size worm clamps instead of the zip ties. Three of them will do. Also a cordless drill to close them careful watching to make sure the clamps do not dig into air bag.



Once cinched down in size you ease them up into the control arm hole. And remove (1) clamp at a time while walking them up. Once bag is nearly in slide the black disc on top of the bag and carefully push last portion of bag in.


The second disc goes in last. Fold it somewhat and work it into place so that the vale stem goes the center hole of disc. Then air up bag.

[MrMark52]

If you have the Chevy P style of chassis with coil springs and air bags - you need to also check the bell cranks for wear.

The original GM design was less than marginal - on our ‘91, the driver side was worn out at 17k miles. As was the pitman arm, and I went ahead and replaced all the tie rod ends at the same time - then got aligned.

Replace only with SuperSteers. Expensive, but they will last the life of the coach..

[Isaac-1]

The other big thing to stay on top of with a P series coach is the front wheel bearings which need to be repacked every 15,000 miles, note the front spindles are no longer available, if you ruin them by not repacking your front bearings will need find a set at a junkyard, last I heard they were going for over $3,000 each in serviceable used condition.

[George Schweikle]

And, welcome to IRV2!

[Music CB]

i followed videos for help, but last third wasn't working;
so took a metal popcan-cut off top and bottom of can to get a piece of aluimum sheet that i wrapped around last of new air bag and with three metal pipe clamps squeezed air bag, then using a large junk rubber bushing and jack was able to force the air bag the last bit into spring. vacuum pump twisted air bag into shape that was hard to handle and force into spring.

[David 70]

When I got my P32 I done it the easy way, I took it to the local truck alignment shop and told them to fix it. Wrote them a check and went on my way.