Air helper bags problems leak?

[zr600]

I just installed firestone riderite air bags. Over nite the minimum 5 psi will leak out. I have sprayed the bags lines and fittings and fill vavle and can't find a leak. THey were aired up to 70psi when i sprayed them to check for leaks. Could there be just a slow leak that wouldn't bubble but would be enough to drain it out over nite? What has everybody esle experienced with these.

 

[wasatchrider]

it might not be the bags it could be on the fitting on the top of the bags might need an extra turn. mine did

 

[zr600]

ok ill give that a try.

 

[Twostroke]

I wouldn't sweat 5 psi.

 

[zr600]

You have to keep a minimum of 5 psi in them to not damage them.

 

[zal]

Didn't find the leak yet? Did you check to see if the valve stem is leaking?

 

[zr600]

I checked the valve stem but can't see any bubbles forming. I checked everything between the bags all the way to the valve fill stem. Could it be it is leaking so slow that it won't show with a soap solution when sprayed?

 

[winter4ever]

Ill bet that is what it is. you should let it sit over nite with 70 in it, just to see how much you are really leaking. It might be so small you cant find it, cuz it take so little air to increase the pressure to increase to 5 psi. the other thing is if you put 5 in them when they are hot from exhaust and going down the road and stuff they can cool off and go down that much over nite to go to zero. (im sure you knew that just thought i would throw it out as a possibility)

 

[GRINreeper]

mine lose pressure as well, just not overnight, I try to keep 20psi in them so they are not constantly folding onto themselves. I have also noticed that my valve stems will purge at or around 100psi, so when I return from a trip and have been on a bumpy road, they tend to be about 30-50psi lower. The biggest regret I have is not installing on-board Air compressor and gauges. just going over a speed bump with a load can compress the bags enough that 5psi or so will spirt out. These were my findings ?!?!

 

[IDspud]

Mine have maintained pressure for longer than six months at times. I have an onboard compressor, but only use it to adjust for load changes.

When you hit large (or small) bumps the pressure bounces, but should hold steady when parked. I have used the same firestone bags since 1997 on five different trucks. Leaks are usually in the fittings. I have pinched a line under the bump stops which created a small crack that was nearly impossible to find.

If you are testing with a guage, your five pound difference slips out just when you apply the guage. There is such a small capacity of air it takes very little to cause large pressure reading changes.

 

[zr600]

So you guys are thinking that it is getting pushed out buy hitting bumps? Were is it going to if it is getting pushed out by bumps? Regardless it shouldn't leak not?

 

[zr600]

I found the leak today it is the fill valve. Does anyone know if you can just buy the fill valve? Also would you recomend on fill valve or two. How do you guys have them set up?

 

[IDspud]

No, you should NOT lose air on bumps. The system is sealed when working properly.

I have always had better luck with two fill valves. When on sidehills the air will push out of the lower bag into the higher bag which can get bad quick.

Two valves will level you side to side more accurately.

 

[zr600]

What is the difference between a fill valve like they come with and a schrader valve.

 

[IDspud]

nothing, just have to find something compatible with your lines.

 

[zal]

I had mine set up with two valves, in case on side is heavier than the other. But I found it a PITA to fill, empty....just to turn around and find a place to fill them up again. I splurged and got the on board air compressor. Much better IMO.

 

[zr600]

What kind of tool do you need to take out the core of the valve? I was thinking maybe i could take it out clean it a little and put it back in. Maybe it backed off a little too.

 

[IDspud]

Simple core removal tool. Most Gas stations, bike shops, tire stores. Some bikes, yard equipment even have them on as valve caps.

 

[m1000cat]

aie bag leak

i always run airbags they should never leak...if you don't have a compressor you should have 2 places to fill air not 1 if you got to ask go get some serous help. i put mine by my gas cap its hidden and can not get damage. i've done this on my superduty ford sold ford bought a dodge works on both. you can buy amost any part to fix at your nearest napa... good luck