Front Air Bags

[thekid745]

So I went to take the bus for a ride last night and realized the front driver side air bag is leaking pretty good.

Does anyone know how hard it would be to replace the front air bags on my 1969 fishbowl. Also where can I find these at?

[Mex-Busnut]

Mister thekid745: (We are still waiting to know your name!   )

I don't know about your specific bus, but it is no major science to change them out. Have you checked the airline feeding the airbag to make sure it is O. K.? Also, from what  I have read here on the forums, the airbags should be replaced in pairs. If one is gone, the other may not last very long.

Check this thread:

http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=27459.msg302043#msg302043

I wish you success!

[LUKE at US COACH]

Hi Kid74 & Folks:

We have the bellow assys. in stock for your coach.  It is not a problem to just change the one that is leaking with like air bag.  You can reach us toll free at:  1-888-262-2434.

Happy & SAFE!!! Bussin' to All,

LUKE at US COACH

[thekid745]

I will call tomorrow for pricing.

Thanks,

Dan May

[Scott Crosby]

After you park and get off the bus it may just be leveling off and hissing while it drains.  If it stops making the noise but stays inflated it's not the bag.   If one leaks the whole front on both sides will drop to the frame.   My fishbowl valve is noisy while it does that but my bags stay up off the frame and hole air for months. 

[thekid745]

Hi Scott,

Yeah my drains to the frame. I saw a bad spot in that bag also. The passenger side has been drain to frame when parked. So I think they both need replaced.

Thanks,
Dan

[bevans6]

When I did air springs I just bit the bullet and did all four.  In the rear, I did three only because one was visibly quite new compared to the other three, which were probably original from new on the bus.

Brian

[gumpy]

Not sure about Fishbowl, but some buses have the two front sides connected to a single leveling valve, so if one leaks, both sides will drop.

[thekid745]

Thanks Craig

I will have to double check that this evening .

Dan

[Scott Crosby]

Many times it's the valve that leaks and not the bags.   That valve probably sat open for years with the bags deflated and gunked up the seal.  At least that's how mine was.  But if you can spray the bags with soapy water and see them leaking or if they look bad and dry rotted replace them.  Otherwise maybe try the valve first.  There is just one in the front. Any lateral movement is coming from the rear bags on a fishbowl. If it leans left it's left rear and vice versa.  (Unless it's been modified with some sort of campsite leveling system that using the air bags)  be careful you don't let it come down on you though.  Always use good blocking.

[thekid745]

Thanks Scott,

Good information. I will let you know how it goes.

Dan

[luvrbus]

All air suspension buses use the 3 point system for leveling and height control fwiw