One side settles faster than the other.

Sebulba · December 11, 2021, 02:06:39 PM

Hello all,

Just something I have noticed. The drivers side of the bus settles down to the bumpers after several hours and the right side still isn't touching the bumpers after sitting over night.

I wonder if I can correct this or even if I should care.

Ideas?

Thanks

Seb

richard5933 · December 11, 2021, 02:31:42 PM

Obviously you have a leak on the low side.

Likely in the rear of the side which has dropped.

Could be the air bags, could be the ride height valve. Could be just a loose fitting, or could be a failing air line.

Leaks don't get better on their own. They do get worse, usually at the most inopportune moment.

I'd suggest getting it fixed.

RJ · December 14, 2021, 07:10:57 PM

You've got an air leak in the driver's side rear suspension.

As Richard said, it could be the air bellows, or the leveling valve.

Fix yourself a spray bottle of soapy water and start squirting everything back there down.

My first guess would be the leveling valve is the culprit, but you won't know until you do the squirt bottle test.

Just don't crawl under there w/o blocking the body up solidly, first.

FWIW & HTH. . .

RJ

Tedsoldbus · December 14, 2021, 07:43:26 PM

We know this is your shake out cruise Seb and you have had issues. It happens. First trip in my bus the engine shut off at 65 MPH with my little buttercup at the wheel for the first time. It was just a bad relay. The engine was fine, but it was memorable. Don't get discouraged. But READ CAREFULLY what these two guys just told you. If you fire up the bus and let it run for 10 minutes or until it is level, then shut it off, run to the back left side, and listen. You should hear it leaking air. As said above, do NOT get under it. Air going out means bus coming down. If it is a slow leak you won't hear it. Soapy water in a spray bottle is great advice, but squirt without getting under the bus. Squirt soap on anything you can see that does not look like wires. If you see bubbles take a picture and post it.
Hang in there Sebula.

Sebulba · December 15, 2021, 05:55:05 AM

Kinda what I was thinking. Now that you have confirmed, I will start serious inspection. Unfortunately where we are in TX right now the wind is furious. Not the ideal situation for listening for a leak.

By the way, the air leveling valve, generally speaking, where would I find that and what is its general appearance?

Thanks

Seb

Bill Gerrie · December 15, 2021, 06:15:43 AM

This is what to look for. One in the front and two in the rear. They have a small arm to the body from the arm on the valve.

Sebulba · December 15, 2021, 06:19:22 AM

Quote from: Bill Gerrie on December 15, 2021, 06:15:43 AM
This is what to look for. One in the front and two in the rear. They have a small arm to the body from the arm on the valve.

Great, thanks

Seb

Van · December 15, 2021, 06:35:23 AM

Seb. go to a Dollar store and grab u a few bottles of the kids bubble liquid, any leaks will be easier to find and the bubbles will be big enough to see. shop air or a portable air compressor will help keep things aired up with out the engine running.

Sebulba · December 15, 2021, 03:50:40 PM

Quote from: Van on December 15, 2021, 06:35:23 AM
Seb. go to a Dollar store and grab u a few bottles of the kids bubble liquid, any leaks will be easier to find and the bubbles will be big enough to see. shop air or a portable air compressor will help keep things aired up with out the engine running.

Nice suggestion, and definitely more fun.

Seb

Tedsoldbus · December 16, 2021, 06:33:34 PM

Hey Seb,
Was looking at your recent question about heating fuel. I have a 35 gallon propane tank for my furnace and it lasts a year so have no advice for you on that. Sounds like there are guys with diesel heaters that love them and will help you with that. Sounds a little spooky running fuel lines around the bus, but propane leaks can make a really loud boom, so I can't fault your logic.
But I was waiting to hear if you found your air leak!!!! So I will ask you that on this thread.

Sebulba · December 17, 2021, 12:27:22 AM

Quote from: Tedsoldbus on December 16, 2021, 06:33:34 PM
Hey Seb,
Was looking at your recent question about heating fuel. I have a 35 gallon propane tank for my furnace and it lasts a year so have no advice for you on that. Sounds like there are guys with diesel heaters that love them and will help you with that. Sounds a little spooky running fuel lines around the bus, but propane leaks can make a really loud boom, so I can't fault your logic.
But I was waiting to hear if you found your air leak!!!! So I will ask you that on this thread.

Thanks for your input. Haven't had a chance to look for the air leak yet. Just arrived in Albuquerque yesterday. I have located the valve though, just by peaking around.

Seb

Tedsoldbus · December 17, 2021, 01:09:22 PM

These guys will help you learn it. We always had newer RVs over the years. I'd just check the oil and off we would go. I found out early on that it is not a good idea with a 40 year old bus! These gents have taught me so much. Travel safe.
Ted