Front airbag problem

[biobug1]

I put a new set of airbags on the front of my 98 LSC.Every morning the front is down,WHY?

 

[chris2523]

did you have the solenoids out of the bags?
if so, did you replace the o rings?

 

[tixer]

Chris is correct.

Each solenoid has two rubber "o" rings, separated by a little hard plastic ring. No matter how good those rubber o-rings look, they can't be trusted to provide a positive seal, and must be replaced.

Here's where I've sourced mine in the past.
https://www.fastenal.com/products/details/1166809

 

[billcu]

I've had good luck with a light coating of dielectric grease on the original O rings.

 

[biobug1]

you guys must be right, i reused the old o rings,my bad.

 

[MarkVIIIMarc]

Did that fix it?

Not that it isn't good practice just to replace them.....

Guys, I haven't been on air for a few years.....Do these typically leak fast enough he can find it with soapy water?

 

[tixer]

I would think yes, although when I finally got around to checking mine, I crawled under the car and heard it.. The leak was "right there."

There's a seal at the top that is known for leaking sometimes, too.

 

[Lvnmarks]

A little lube helps on those O rings too.

Did you remove any of the lines? Sometimes the ends get boogered up and won't set inside the collets correctly.

 

[biobug1]

The struts came off a 93 parts car I have that ran and drove with the air ride working fine.i did not pull the solenoids too. i reused the 98 ones so it has to be the o rings.i got the link from Tixer and I will buy a pack and fix it.

 

[tixer]

Sounds like that should take care of it for you. At least it's either a) a cheap fix if it does, or b) you aren't out much if it doesn't..

 

[BlackIceLSC]

I've been able to save old o-rings with dielectric grease. when they fail, they fail FAST....it would be obvious and audible.
Sometimes when you release the air from them and remove them, the o-rings blow out of their little recess position. I roll them back in, and lube them up.
also, sometimes the newer air struts use the new-style solenoid with the filter at the top.

I'd let it air up, and get a spray bottle with soapy water and hose them down and look for the leak.
yes, new o-rings are best, but while you're waiting for them, might as well confirm that possibility or look for another.