Air suspension leak (1 Viewer)

[paddymcc]

I have a very slow leak on the Dunlop air suspension fitted to our van. It is from one of the connectors in the air line from the gauge to the bellows. There is lots of spare tubing so I should be able to just remove it, clean and refit. Are the connectors easy to push on -is a bit of grease required? @Trout bum -I think you have recently fitted the system?
I know that you are not meant to run the system below 0.5 bar but I presume that I needn't worry about it being at atmospheric pressure whilst I do the work?
Just to clarify the leaking connection is the white one in the black tubing:

 

[Mikeco]

Personally I would jack up the side affected to take the load of the airbag. The short length of tube looks odd unless those white bits are something like a non return valve. Nothing like that on my kit when I fitted it.

 

[daveandsan]

I have a very slow leak on the Dunlop air suspension fitted to our van. It is from one of the connectors in the air line from the gauge to the bellows. There is lots of spare tubing so I should be able to just remove it, clean and refit. Are the connectors easy to push on -is a bit of grease required? @Trout bum -I think you have recently fitted the system?
I know that you are not meant to run the system below 0.5 bar but I presume that I needn't worry about it being at atmospheric pressure whilst I do the work?
Just to clarify the leaking connection is the white one in the black tubing:View attachment 243950

Unless those fittings are one way or some other special type I would throw them in the bin and fit these type, just make sure you get the correct size.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metric-e...eumatic-air-line-fittings-quick-/171243387789

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[paddymcc]

Thanks @Mikeco .I guess they could be non return valves. The system was fitted by the original owner or Hymer/dealer I think when new 12 yrs ago. I don't have the original instructions unfortunately.
I will use a jack as you suggest -it would be a shame to wreck the airbags in the process!

 

[daveandsan]

Thanks @Mikeco .I guess they could be non return valves. The system was fitted by the original owner or Hymer/dealer I think when new 12 yrs ago. I don't have the original instructions unfortunately.
I will use a jack as you suggest -it would be a shame to wreck the airbags in the process!

I don’t think you will damage the airbag as long as you don’t drive the motorhome.

 

[paddymcc]

Thanks @daveandsan -useful link. I've realised that if it is a non return valve it isn't working as the leak is from the gauge side of the white connector not the airbag side.

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[daveandsan]

Thanks @daveandsan -useful link. I've realised that if it is a non return valve it isn't working as the leak is from the gauge side of the white connector not the airbag side.

That type of tubing can get brittle with age.

 

[berni109]

cant see any reason for there to be a non-return valve in an airbag system with a gauge. The pressure has to be the same both sides of the connection.
get some of the connectors from the link given above.

 

[tonyidle]

And don't jack up the van. There's absolutely no point and the air bags won't be damaged and won't be compressed either.

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[Two on Tour]

My system has on on-board air compressor and the non-return valve is in the air compressor supply line to the bags/gauges, none in the bags to gauges lines.

 

[paddymcc]

Had another look at the connector that is leaking and realised that the pipes are 5mm on the bellows side and 6mm external diameter on the gauge side -which explains why there is a connector there. Unfortunately RS Components (the link on ebay in @daveandsan post) only do equal diameter connectors.

 

[andy63]

Just try using a couple of the small cable ties or a piece of copper wire on the connector ... in much the same fashion you would use a hose clip... it might just be enough to seal it..
Andy

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[daveandsan]

Had another look at the connector that is leaking and realised that the pipes are 5mm on the bellows side and 6mm external diameter on the gauge side -which explains why there is a connector there. Unfortunately RS Components (the link on ebay in @daveandsan post) only do equal diameter connectors.

You can get step down connectors, its just a matter of finding who stocks them.

 

[daveandsan]

Had another look at the connector that is leaking and realised that the pipes are 5mm on the bellows side and 6mm external diameter on the gauge side -which explains why there is a connector there. Unfortunately RS Components (the link on ebay in @daveandsan post) only do equal diameter connectors.

I can find 6-4 but not 6-5, why not just change the nylon piping.
My Dunlop air suspension only uses 4mm piping from the gauge straight through to the bellows.

 

[paddymcc]

I found the 6 to 4mm reducers too. The fittings all seem to be even numbers so I wonder if I am not using the calipers correctly! I will try some cable ties /copper as suggested. I'm having a hab service at Dave Newell's next week so will get him to look at it if he has time.

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[daveandsan]

I found the 6 to 4mm reducers too. The fittings all seem to be even numbers so I wonder if I am not using the calipers correctly! I will try some cable ties /copper as suggested. I'm having a hab service at Dave Newell's next week so will get him to look at it if he has time.

Dave will sort you out, he fitted mine.

 

[paddymcc]

As an update:
Been to Dave Newell who unfortunately didn't have an appropriate connector but he suggested I contact Steve at Marcle Leisure. Steve did have a 6 to 5mm reducer -a fancy stainless steel one which took 5 minutes to fit and hey presto no leak!