Rubber "bumper" to hold up bus?

[plyonsMC9]

So, my simple repair at the shop to replace the worn/broken radius rod bushing I mentioned a few days ago has hit a small snag which may now delay our vacation out to the might Mississippi river.  One of the rubber bumpers which holds up the bus is missing from the front of our MC9.  These are apparently used when the airbags leak out.  My local mechanic has ordered one and it should arrive tomorrow.

Could someone please enlighten me as to how critical these are, or why they exist?   I realize it is to rest on when the bus airs down, but anything beyond that?  Heck, I didn't even know I had 'em on the bus!  I went to check my trusty parts manual, but that is on the bus, in the shop.  Unavailable to me at the moment.   

I'm really wondering if I have the safe option of just doing this repair at another time - but don't want to make a choice which inflicts damage.

Thanks busnuts!

Kind Regards, Phil

[HighTechRedneck]

Without the bumper, if it airs down, it can damage the airbag.

[plyonsMC9]

Goog grief!  exactly what I don't need.  More problems with air leaks.     I need that like I need a hole in an airbag.   

Thanks Mike,  Phil

[eddiepotts]

measure the bumper on the other side and cut a 4x4. use a lag bolt to install it. Just for a temporary fix.

[BG6]

The other thing they do is prevent the axle from slamming into the frame if you hit a serious pothole.

There is a lot of mass in your axles, and once it gets going, it's not uncommon for the axle to hit the bumpers.  If it were hitting metal to metal, you would be doing damage.

A chunk of wood as a bumper is not a good option, but if it's all you have, sometimes it's the BEST option.

[Nusa]

You could probably make a bumper by cutting up an old tire (or road gator). Just glue up layers until it's tall enough.

[gumpy]

If it were hitting metal to metal, you would be doing damage.

If he were hitting metal to metal, he'd already know it!  You wouldn't be able to miss that.

I seriously doubt that the rubber bumpers are ever hit on the frame under normal operation. Those little knobs of rubber would not take much slamming against the frame.
They are there for when the coach loses air in the airbags.

If your coach air bags do not leak down over night and sit on the bumpers, go on vacation and fix it when you get back. If you're concerned stick a 4x4 in there when you park and don't forget
to remove it before you leave the next day.

Don't sweat this one.

[buswarrior]

Been effectively missing one of mine for years.

Way perished and crushed.

Play with it upon your return.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[gus]

I agree with gumpy and bw. My old ones are trash and I can see no damage anywhere.

Just make an effort to keep the bags filled to make sure nothing happens.