Need help with vb air suspension

[TheBig1]

We Are away this Weekend and having problems with the vb air suspension. Does anyone know the nearest place to Bournemouth with a working knowledge of repairing vb air suspension please

 

[funflair]

The guy that I know that knows is Mick at SAP but nowhere near Bournemouth so not much help, But what is actually wrong.

Martin

 

[Speve]

Courtside conversions Tiverton. Graham is very knowledgeable but it's not very close to Bournmouth.
tel:01884256048

 

[DavidG58]

we have odd issues with ours sometimes, press the service button clears most faults

but we were also told to pull the main fuse soon after fitting ours, bit like a classic reset control / alt / del

worked for us, don't forget to put fuse back in after 10 seconds

 

[Dorset Diver]

@TheBig1 What is the problem?

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[Imbiber]

There's a list of approved VB partners and service centres on the VB website here: VB Dealers

I know Mick at SAP in Doncaster prides himself on customer service and has often gone the extra mile to assist where possible.

It's worth noting that his mobile number is listed as a contact on the VB official page and if I were you that would be the first phone call I'd make........and put in your contact list too!

 

[TheBig1]

Sorry I thought I had put a reply on last night. The problem seems to be an air leak on the front suspension with the handset beeping as an error. I stop, put air in and within a few miles have to do the same again

 

[old-mo]

John...... We never had a single problem...

I would have thought if air was leaking that the pump would keep running to compensate the loss of air...

Are you sure it`s air escaping.... could one of the buttons be stuck down...

Just grasping at straws now, cos I don`t know what I am talking about...

Just that it always worked perfectly for us..

 

[Dorset Diver]

Our has also always worked faultlessly (except for operator error in the early days ). @old-mo has also expressed my immediate reaction namely that if there is an air leak the pump would run continuously to try and compensate. You could do a leak check. Park up set the suspension to the off road position and measure the wheel centre to wheel arch height. Leave ti overnight and check again; there should be no change. As for the beeping I also suggest you press the service button both with the ignition on and off.

 

[TheBig1]

Just fired up and tried playing. It won't respond to the handset buttons for off road or auto levelling. It may be something more sinister but will take a better look at home

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[TheBig1]

Our has also always worked faultlessly (except for operator error in the early days ). @old-mo has also expressed my immediate reaction namely that if there is an air leak the pump would run continuously to try and compensate. You could do a leak check. Park up set the suspension to the off road position and measure the wheel centre to wheel arch height. Leave ti overnight and check again; there should be no change. As for the beeping I also suggest you press the service button both with the ignition on and off.

We did that in effect when we parked up. Levelled the van and 24 hours later we are distinctly nose down with the front suspension right down.
I would of expected the pump to try and correct the problem, but it only responds to manual commands

 

[Dorset Diver]

It certainly seems that you do have a problem. Hope you get it sorted. Tiverton could be a good bet. Lets us know what happens please.

 

[TheBig1]

just a quick update
the garage found the fault today, when the vb air suspension was fitted 5 years ago the bolts were done up little more than hand tight. they worked loose eventually allowing the airbag to twist stretching the seals. I had been aware of a hiss as i turned the steering and put this down to the power steering. turns out it has always leaked

new seals ordered and will be fitted next week when they arrive

and a physical check and service on the other 5 airbags

 

[Dorset Diver]

Pleased that it is sorted . Not good that it happened . Which garage fitted the system , and which is sorting it out ? Will keep an ear out for any hissing from our Dixie .

 

[TheBig1]

I picked the van up from the garage today, all fixed. 10 hours of labour plus £500 odd in parts, so a bill for a few quid under £1200

The mechanic was cursing the job, as he needed to be a contortionist to get at the top of the strut mounts under the dash in the confines of the A class cab. Both sides needed to have the seals replaced because the bolts were loose allowing distortion. VB themselves are aware of this happening so a kit is available if you know where to order but at over £400+vat for a few seals is ridiculous
The good news is that the van now drives as it should again
On reading up on this, vb recommend a yearly inspection by a specialist. and without the relevant stamps on the book refuse to honour warranty. I have never known any other suspension manufacturer stipulating this annual inspection. And very much doubt many if any motorhome owners will even be aware of this requirement

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