BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Brian Diehl on October 11, 2006, 10:52:19 AM

Title: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: Brian Diehl on October 11, 2006, 10:52:19 AM
I recently got two used air bags from Caylor Supply and discovered I only needed 1 air bag replaced.  I'm trying to decide if I should hang on to the spare bag. 

So, the question is, how long should the airbag stay good if it is stored in my garage? 
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: Buffalo SpaceShip on October 11, 2006, 11:02:15 AM
Here in the dry climate of Colorado, I'd imagine an unsealed rubber part would begin to deteriorate fairly quickly. But in MN, seems like it's humid all of the time.  :D

It's nice to have the spare, but I'd wrap it up in plastic and maybe coat it periodically with a rubber protectant. Should last indefinately that way, I'd think.

Brian B.
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: kyle4501 on October 11, 2006, 11:12:25 AM
Keep it out of the sunlight & away from ozone (electric motors & etc). If mine, I'd wrap it up to seal it from air.

Since it is used, it won't keep as long as a new one, so you might consider selling it so a fellow busnut could save a few bucks & get back on the road.
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: gumpy on October 11, 2006, 11:16:24 AM
I have some new/old stock bags that I "acquired" from a charter company's leftovers through a friend. I think they're dated late 90's and are in great condition. No sign of deterioration.

I'm not sure what they fit. One, I think is a tag bag for MC9 and similar. I think the others are possibly off 102 model.
When I get some time, I'm going to track down the part numbers.

What'd you have to pay for yours?  Which bag are they?

I figure these are probably worth half what a new one would cost, which puts them above the limits on the flea market posting here, so I'll probably put them on ebay since I don't need them.

BTW, I have one of those vacuum food thingys if you want to seal it in plastic  ::)
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: Brian Diehl on October 11, 2006, 01:35:38 PM
The bag is a tag axle bag and I paid $60 for it.  It is in fairly good condition with only a few signs of its prior usage.
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: muddog16 on October 11, 2006, 04:38:19 PM
I was looking at my air bags while i was changing my wheel bearing and seals! They are probably 20 years old maybe orginal, anyway while i was working on the right front wheel i was looking at the brake chamber its a type 24, i thought what the heck i'm gonna take a look and see how bad the diaphram is.  It came right apart, it was a little rusty and the diaphram looked old with a few cracks that were not deep, i took some solvent and cleaned it up thinking that this would dissolve the diaphram but it didn't I actually think this thing would go another 4 or 5 years if needed be, but i'll probably change it also afterall, its apart and it is a critical part!  I bet those air bags would last a long time in a vacuum sealed bag!

Pat
Title: Re: How long should a Air Bag keep on a shelf?
Post by: Brian Diehl on October 11, 2006, 06:06:50 PM
Alright, it is starting to sound like I could go ahead and keep it as a spare.