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Jon’s front air bag modification
Hey Jon,
One time you mentioned that you modified the air line connection for the front air bags with Prevost blessing. Can you send photos or give detailed instructions as to how you made that mod? I am starting to replace my fronts and they too have very little clearance to work with.
Thanks,
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6 Replies
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Tom, I do not have photos unless Roger Foster took some. But here is what we did.
The steer axle air bag fitting on most coaches of an early vintage was a 90 degree ell, then a DOT compression fitting for the air line. The difficulty was the fitting was between the top mounting plate for the air bag and the foam fender liner of the coach. It was impossible to get a good swing on a wrench.
The solution was to cut the air line as close to the fitting as possible. Then the elbow with fitting attached can be rotated until it is removed.
Upon assembly install the elbow after the air bag is in place. Instead of threading the tubing fitting in place, use a 1/2″ copper or brass nipple 4 1/2 inches long. On the end of that thread on a DOT compression fitting (1/2 pipe to 1/2 tube). measure how much tube to cut from the original tubing to fit into the DOT fitting, cut the tube and insert it into the compression fitting.
The nipple brings the DOT fitting to the outside edge of the air bag top mounting plate where you can easily get a wrench on it to tighten it without being restricted in movement.
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If you want to see pictures go to Mango Mikes Prevost articals and tips page he has it in pictures. Bill
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Here is a picture of the fitting, but Mango did not modify the line.
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Thanks guys. That is exactly what I needed. Going to pull the front wheels after work tonight and start removing the old.
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On the other hand, a crowsfoot wrench (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=631760&group_ID=674851&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog) with a 12″ extension takes ’em right off with no mods. Just my two cents worth.
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Ron,
The crows foot is a great idea but I was unable to use it because the fitting was so close to the floor it would not go on. I cut both pieces of tubing next to the fitting and was able to remove it. I have replaced the passenger side air bag and fittings using a 6 inch brass pipe. Had to use the 6 inch due to the way the H3 framing is made to get the tubing to a point it could be attached. I am going to place a rubber support under the brass just in case vibration is an issue. Thanks for all the help!!
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