Popped Airbag - Fix? Replace? Other?

[UnlockLife]

Hi all,

I have an 85 Dolphin with ~59,800 miles on it I got last fall. I've been decent amount of driving with it, put about 10k miles on it since I got it, a darn good amount on dirt/forest roads too. I recently punctured an airbag. Damn. My question is: can i patch it or fix it some how so I don't have to spend money I don't have on replacing them? Or if they're done, should I replace them with springs?

I think they got punctured because of a bad installation. They're held in place on the bottom with U-bolts which wrap around the bottom of the axel and secure a steel plate on top of the axel on which the bottom of the airbag sits. Sadly, those U-bolts stick up about 4 inches, and when the bags are low on air or I hit a big bump they push into the bags. It was only a matter of time before they popped.

I'm hoping I can patch them and just grind those bolts down with an angle grinder or replace them with shorter ones so that it isn't an issue in the future.

What would you guys recommend?

Cheers,

Daniel

[Derek up North]

I can't say I've ever heard of anyone patching a punctured air spring. I'd guess that a Google search might turn up any successes or failures.

While you're Googling, you can check 'Zuk Mod'.

Here's a link to some research I did for replacement air springs:-

http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5569

Another no maintenance option:-

http://timbren.com/

Kind of a rubber 'Zuk'.

[snail powered]

Patching them is worth a try. You won't be out a lot of money or labor time if it does not work.

Of course the issue is where is the hole, how big it is and what material and adhesive are needed.

Good luck!

[Skydancer2992]

As a temporary measure, I installed coil springs over my useless airbags. Eventually, I plan to go back to airbags. The springs were $25 from Amazon and have worked OK.

[Roy in Jax]

I had the same problem with the u-bolts being to long. I cut an 1" off my bolts and tack welded the bolts to the axle because bags keep shifting. I purchased new 3" u-bolt from Home depot that had more threads for a tighter install.

[UnlockLife]

I can't say I've ever heard of anyone patching a punctured air spring. I'd guess that a Google search might turn up any successes or failures.

While you're Googling, you can check 'Zuk Mod'.

Here's a link to some research I did for replacement air springs:-

http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5569

Another no maintenance option:-

http://timbren.com/

Kind of a rubber 'Zuk'.

Thanks Derek! First glance googling trying to patch them: bad idea it wont hold. But I'm doing more reading over the next few days including looking into Zuk Mods. Those Timbren rubber bags look pretty cool! After reading a tiny bit (on agenda also) about axels, I'm not sure if my rear axel is original or not as I have an '85 but its definitely fully floating, so getting a spring/airbag kit might be more work than just typical plug-and-play parts I'm used to - but what can you do. I'm stoked on my RV and it's my house right now so no turning back.

As a temporary measure, I installed coil springs over my useless airbags. Eventually, I plan to go back to airbags. The springs were $25 from Amazon and have worked OK.

I might do this if I don't try to patch it because money is TIGHT for another month or two. Can you give me any advice on selecting coil springs? Did you just install them with the airbags in the middle? I've done a lot of my own maintenance but it usually involves tons of research and a service manual to make sure it's done correct the first time.

This community is awesome! I'm super impressed with the quick and helpful replies I've gotten and will definitely utilize the info already posted and the friendly people here in hopes to contribute myself to the community one day.

Cheers all!

[UnlockLife]

I had the same problem with the u-bolts being to long. I cut an 1" off my bolts and tack welded the bolts to the axle because bags keep shifting. I purchased new 3" u-bolt from Home depot that had more threads for a tighter install.

Good to know! I should have checked and done that when I first got it. Live and learn

[Skydancer2992]

I already had the camper jacked up while doing my Prothane bushings on the springs. The airbags were cut in half using tinsnips. The leaf springs were already drooping down to give me clearance to install the coil springs. Inserted the old airbag halfs on either side of the coil spring and the job was complete. About five minutes work per side.

I used these:

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-12-1500-Design-Helper-Capacity/dp/B00029K1XK

[bicoastal eric]

On 4/30/2015 at 5:56 AM, Skydancer2992 said:

I already had the camper jacked up while doing my Prothane bushings on the springs. The airbags were cut in half using tinsnips. The leaf springs were already drooping down to give me clearance to install the coil springs. Inserted the old airbag halfs on either side of the coil spring and the job was complete. About five minutes work per side.

I used these:

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-12-1500-Design-Helper-Capacity/dp/B00029K1XK

Good alternative to replacing airbags or just a temporary solution? 

[Skydancer2992]

So far, a good alternative. Eventually, I will install airbags so that I can level the camper at tilting campsites.