Suspension Air bag failure Spirit 26A

Unicorn · 04-17-2023, 04:28 PM

Class C Spirit 26a. Has rear airbags. Right side won't hold air. Will I do damage driving to get it repaired? I'll try changing the valve stems first. Thoughts?

**Eagle5** · 04-18-2023, 09:37 AM

Hi Unicorn,
The 2017 26A is built upon an E-450 chassis and unless you are super-loaded down for a trip, you have plenty of reserve load capacity without the air bags. In fact, the 26A never came with air bags in the first place. Just reduce the pressure on the good left side to 25 PSI so as to reduce the list to the right. Some air bag installations are held in place with air pressure, so I wouldn't let all the air out of the left side.
Please let us know the cause of the leak. At six years old, it may be that the air bags are getting too degraded, so both may need to be replaced. Let us know what you find out, OK?
Thanks, Eagle5

Unicorn · 04-18-2023, 05:27 PM

Thanx Eagle5. I replaced the valve stem core on the bad side and pumped it up to 80psi. Can't hear a leak, don't see any bubbles when I splash water on it. Set both R n L at 60. Will check it on the morning.

**Eagle5** · 04-18-2023, 06:10 PM

Let us hope that is all it needed! I believe air bags should have at least a ten-year lifespan.
I like the free repair every time!!!
Thanks, Eagle5

Unicorn · 04-19-2023, 03:14 PM

Left air bag held at 60 overnight. Right one dropped to 30. Six hours later it was at 25psi. Pumped it up to 80 and crawled around with a spray bottle of soapy water, a mirror and a flashlight. Checked the bag, hoses, and fittings as best I could. Access is equal to my lack of flexibility. Learned nothing. Will test drive tomorrow with 20 psi both sides and see how it handles. I'll put TPMS sensors on both so I can monitor them live.

**Eagle5** · 04-19-2023, 07:21 PM

So, did the right-side valve core actually leak, or did you just replace the core as a precaution?
It is not possible to leak-test the bag where it most likely would be leaking, so if no line-leak can be detected, it probably is time for new air bags.
Of course, if your ride-height is fine with 20 psi, perhaps you could just remove the air bags and return the vehicle to the stock condition.
Thanks, Eagle5

Unicorn · 04-20-2023, 07:42 AM

I replaced the valve core as a precaution, couldn't detect a leak there. Actually, this 26A did come from the factory with the air bags installed, I found the original "window sticker." They are Firestone Rite Rite. My plan is to load for camping, have a trip planned next week, and limp down to the CAT scale 10 miles away. That will give me a feel of how it drives and give me axle weights.

Unicorn · 04-20-2023, 04:38 PM

Found it! Took another shot at tracking down the air leak this morning. A clamp-on flashlight, a mirror, a spray bottle of soapy water, and some contortions. The fitting where the air line enters the top of the air bag had foamy bubbles around it. Got the brass fitting off, cut the airline and took it down to the local auto parts store. They had a replacement. I bought two, cuz...you know. $12. Re-assembled, test for leaks, put a TPMS sensor on it, came inside for a beer. We'll see if it holds thru the night.The replacement part is not exactly the same but the threads matched and it fit the air line correctly. Only needed a different sized wrench. I'll try to add pictures.

Unicorn · 04-20-2023, 04:39 PM

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1kPMsXZHRbNfEgCRA

**Eagle5** · 04-20-2023, 09:24 PM

Hi Unicorn,
This is fantastic that you found it.
Now for your next hobby, will you take-up spelunking?
Thanks, Eagle5

spelunking

Unicorn · 04-21-2023, 07:32 AM

Thanx Eagle5. Pressure holding this morning, so it's test drive time. Spelunking, ha! Only if the cave is really big, I'm claustrophobic!

MW26T · 04-23-2023, 04:18 PM

Thanks to all for the information, I have a 2021 26T with airbags and same issue with one of them

**Eagle5** · 04-23-2023, 06:30 PM

Hi Unicorn & MW26T,
I see that both the 2017 26A and the 2021 26T could have been ordered with a factory-option for rear auxiliary springs, but instead both of your units had air bags installed. It seems like aftermarket air bags would be the more expensive option, and it makes me wonder why it ended-up that way? Perhaps the lesson here is to always order the most heavy-duty suspension available for any motorhome, if you happen to be the one ordering the motorhome from the factory.
Thanks, Eagle5

MW26T · 04-23-2023, 06:50 PM

Wish I would have known

Unicorn · 04-23-2023, 08:01 PM

Did a couple test drives with air bags at 50psi and at 25 psi. 25 is a much nicer ride, with and without the toad. Loading up for a 4-day this week and will go to the CAT scales after I top off gasoline and propane. Fresh water tank and frig will be full too.