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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: grantgoold on December 17, 2008, 09:05:12 PM

Title: Airbag #s for the MCI 9
Post by: grantgoold on December 17, 2008, 09:05:12 PM
I am looking at all the options for the total replacement of my airbags. Anyone out there already done the hard work and found the best price for these units?

How about a vendor and part #s? 

What did you pay?


Thanks

Grant
Title: Re: Airbag #s for the MCI 9
Post by: JackConrad on December 18, 2008, 03:54:29 AM
   We changed to rolling lobe style air bags on our MC-8 (rear already had block off plates due to leaking air beams).  We found the best price at Mohawk Industries.  That was about 7-8 years ago and I do not remember the prices (they have probably increased since then). 
   Check your bus first to see if you have rolling lobe or the older style double convolute bags (looks like 2 donuts stack on top of each other).  If you have the double convolute style and theair beams do not leak, I would stay with that style.  Jack
Title: Re: Airbag #s for the MCI 9
Post by: JohnEd on December 18, 2008, 02:36:08 PM
Grant,

From what I have been told:  The stock air bag COUPLED with the airbeam yields the best ride.  The bag dumps pressure into the beam on deep bumps and keeps the air pressure more constant.  With blocking plates the air bags become a tad harsh.

Rolling lobes are designed and sized to function without air beams.  Soooo installing rolling lobes without blocking plates will let the suspension bottom on big dips and bumps.

Happy to stand corrected on this as I haven't really been there....yet!

HTH,

John
Title: Re: Airbag #s for the MCI 9
Post by: JackConrad on December 18, 2008, 03:33:22 PM
Quote from: JohnEd on December 18, 2008, 02:36:08 PM
Grant,
Soooo installing rolling lobes without blocking plates will let the suspension bottom on big dips and bumps.
John

Can't be done, the top plate of a rolling lobe air bag is solid and the air line connets to the side of this top plate. No way for any of the air to enter the air beam.  Jack