What are the chances of air leaks in a air suspension? Is this normal? How can I prevent this?

The decision of switching from springs to bags is driving me insane, lol. I just dont want to regret anything.

Thanks!!

 

if the install is good, there will be no leaks

 

I haven't had a single leak since I started using. Its a little expensive, but i hate looking for leaks, so its worth the money

http://suicidedoors.com/Loctite545ThreadSealant.php

 

Agree 100%. The chance of leaks in an install is in direct proportion to the quality of the INSTALLATION. The best parts in the world can leak like a sieve if installed incorrectly and the worst parts in the world can be leak free if care is taken during installation.

 

spend the money to get it done right and you won't have any worries about leaks.

 

here here on that one...... but realisticly its gonna happen just be prepared carry extra tools and you will be ok air ride never 100% ask anyone.........

 

Yeah I have redone my fitting three times and I gave up. I got leaks. But I can't solve the problem. Oh well.

 

Is it pretty simple to repair/replace a leak? Where do they usually come from? and how will I find them?


I got some of my air suspension parts in the mail already, but now I'm having second thoughts of installing them. lol....

Daily driver + Zero mechanical skill = most probably NOT air suspension hahahhahaha. (convince me someone)

 

Do you use your box as a daily driver?

 

We're in similar boats....my parts have been arriving this week. Should be all here by the end of next week or so and then the install begins! I fortunately have SOME mechanical skills as I plan to do the install myself and have never done air ride before but have done my own lowering springs as well as quite a few other things. I figure if I do the install myself I will know it's weak points as well as how to fix it if/when something goes wrong (like an air leak). I guess it comes down to not being afraid to try it yourself. Just going to take my time and double or triple check everything and use the guides and help here on Scion Life. I have used them for just about every mod I've done and they are a great asset.

 

ya I wish I could try to do the install myself, but I'm sort of chicken cause if I screw up it's my daily driver + It's my only way of traspotation to work.

If there was a step by step picture instruction guide on how to install air suspension I would most probably do it myself. lol

Let me know how your install goes.

 

I'll be more than happy to let you know how good (or bad) the install goes ;) I'm only missing a few pieces now. The tank, the rear bag brackets and ordering the fittings.

 

I got a pretty good deal on my rear FBI brackets. I bought it of ebay brand new for $64, not bad.

I just need to find a place that sells the easystreet struts for cheap.

 

Slow leaks aren't a big deal. My front will leak down after about 12-18 hours. I know where the leak is, but its never been a big problem since I almost always park slammed out. Only bad leak I've got was right after I installed the kit, one of the front airline airlines was touching the tire when i turned, it was a very fast leak, but an easy enough repair, and I learned a good lesson.

Best thing I can tell you is use a good thread sealer like the 454, and crank those fittings tight. My vavles are mounted near the wheels instead of the tank. So I used a vise on a workbench so that I could get them good and tight. Also be sure your airlines are clear of wheels and things like exhaust.

The Airline run to the rear passenger side is a real danger area since its so close to the exhaust. So is the passender front, since the belts and pulleys are in close to the strut.

 

More good info & advice, thanks spider!
27300man: here's the easystreet struts that I bought (from this store, too). Their price was about the best I've found and their customer service is excellent (plus it's free shipping on order over $500):

http://store.gaugemagazine.com/index...OD&ProdID=3258

These struts are priced at $507, so you'd meet the free shipping requirement.

 

Leak Prevention Rules:

Rule 1:

Use DOT approved brass compression fittings.

(While PTC "push-to-connect" fittings can work quite well, they are much more prone to leaking than compression fittings. It is also more likely to accidentally purchase non-DOT PTC fittings than non-DOT compression fittings.)

Rule 2:

Use DOT approved airline. The most common is SYNFLEX.

(While other airline may "WORK" it is not rated for the duty your airline will see. Many different aspects can lead to airline failure in less expensive airline that you wouldn't find with DOT approved airline.)

Rule 3:

Make sure you make straight, square cuts to the airline.

(Airline with jagged or angle cuts make it difficult to get a good seal at fittings.)

Rule 4:

Avoid moving parts when mounting your airline and other equipment.

(If any moving part can come in contact with your airline there is a good chance that over time the airline will rupture.)

Rule 5:

Avoid any part that gets hot (Engine, Exhaust, Etc.) when mounting your airline and other equipment.

(Heat is a very easy way to kill airline and other air suspension parts. Airline can fail in a matter of minutes if mounted too close to a high heat source such as exhaust.)

Rule 6:

Secure your airline.

(Though airline is flexible, only allow movement in your airline when absolutely necessary. If the airline can move, chances are it can rub on something and eventually rupture.)

Rule 7:

Use a quality sealant on your threaded connections.

(While some will just throw some "pipe dope" on the threads and call it good you are much better off with a quality sealant designed for pneumatic fittings. I highly recommend Loctite 545.)

Rule 8:

Perform periodic inspections and maintenance.

(Get in the habit of going over your entire air suspension on a set basis. Every time you change your oil is a very good option. If you can catch a problem before it happens, you will be money ahead.)

Rule 9:

Be prepare for a failure.

(You need to know what to do if by some remote chance you do have a failure. You also need to know what parts you will need to repair it. In most cases a length of airline, a few fitting and a select group of tools is all you will ever need.)

 

For 8 bucks this is a very good thing to have.

 

no leaks here and its my daily.

 

and if you don't know where the leak is....
a spray bottle with water and soap will help ay out a lot!!

 

mine is a daily driver... i dont have that many leaks...lol....j/k... i dont have any at the momment but its bound to happen.... i still leak down after about 12-18 hours to up front but i have cylinders.. and thats a whole different story....