VB air suspension perishing bags (1 Viewer)

[DavidG58]

My motorhome is in for service at Mercedes, quite a few issues underneath invited down to have a look while over a pit

They have also pointed out that our rear air suspension air bags look to be perished, they can’t fix them as not Mercedes

So I rang SAP, they asked when I last had them serviced I don’t recall Mick mentioning servicing although he did throw in a first year service on the E&P VB system he fitted, think I forgot that

Seems good value, combined service on both £180 incVAT although they have said it’s mostly visual inspection and lubrication, so booked for that next month and they will check and advise on the airbags

They don’t carry spare bags and have changed very few

Anybody else had an issue ?

Hoping it’s over cautious technicians at Mertrux , but best be safe

Edit - fitted 2015

 

[WESTY66]

Although I have an Alko chassis and Alko full rear air suspension, my bags are 2016 so keeping an eye on them, they look good atm but I always carry two spare bags with me, don’t want one to go and be stuck around waiting for a replacement

 

[DavidG58]

Although I have an Alko chassis and Alko full rear air suspension, my bags are 2016 so keeping an eye on them, they look good atm but I always carry two spare bags with me, don’t want one to go and be stuck around waiting for a replacement

That’s interesting , does this mean it’s something fairly easy to change ?

Not that I ever would try myself

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[WESTY66]

That’s interesting , does this mean it’s something fairly easy to change ?

Not that I ever would try myself

It looks easy enough, jacks down, wheel off then replace bag, it doesn’t look overly complicated, you can see and get to everything, just got to have the tools on you

 

[funflair]

That’s interesting , does this mean it’s something fairly easy to change ?

Not that I ever would try myself

I think so David, Mick said to me one time that iot might be worth carrying a spare one just in case, that was when we had the Flair and I never got one. If you didn't want to do it yourself just having the spare would be a bonus if you got a mechanic to come out to you if you were stuck.

 

[DavidG58]

I think so David, Mick said to me one time that iot might be worth carrying a spare one just in case, that was when we had the Flair and I never got one. If you didn't want to do it yourself just having the spare would be a bonus if you got a mechanic to come out to you if you were stuck.

I will let the forum know what SAP suggest, Mick is now semi retired apparently

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[Silver-Fox]

Depending what bags you have will depend on replacement cost for parts.

Yes they do perish as they are made of rubber.

I had the bags off mine, Sprinter chassis of similar age to yours, not that difficult to remove.

I changed the bolts when I refitted them as they were well corroded.

I couldn’t see anything to service when I removed mine and cleaned them up.

I’ll be interested to see how you get on.

edit my bags are different system to yours but would think fitting is pretty much the same.

 

[WESTY66]

I think so David, Mick said to me one time that iot might be worth carrying a spare one just in case, that was when we had the Flair and I never got one. If you didn't want to do it yourself just having the spare would be a bonus if you got a mechanic to come out to you if you were stuck.

That’s my way of thinking, although if one popped in 99.9999% sure I can change it by the roadside, but if I didn’t carry one I’m 100% sure I couldn’t!!
So if the bag goes pop, you’re kinda stuck where you are till you can get one delivered, that could be a few days

 

[jezport]

I have full 2016 30000mls 4c Air Suspension and the front air struts have started to leak at the bottom underneath, not the bags themselves. 2 Full struts required at over £3500

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[DavidG58]

I have full 2016 30000mls 4c Air Suspension and the front air struts have started to leak at the bottom underneath, not the bags themselves. 2 Full struts required at over £3500

Yikes

I have not got round to having mine inspected yet, but really hoping to get away with a lot less than that

 

[jezport]

Yikes

I have not got round to having mine inspected yet, but really hoping to get away with a lot less than that

Put it up to off road height and spray around the bottoms of the front struts with soapy water. look for bubbles
See here

 

[Terry]

Hi Jez, I would be looking for a place that did new seals - David what was that place you got your bed struts from ? They may do them or recommend a place that can

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[jezport]

Hi Jez, I would be looking for a place that did new seals - David what was that place you got your bed struts from ? They may do them or recommend a place that can

Mick says that it is not possible

 

[funflair]

Yikes

I have not got round to having mine inspected yet, but really hoping to get away with a lot less than that

Don't you just have rear air David? quite straightforward to service those bags I think, Jez is talking about front air struts.

 

[Terry]

Mick says that it is not possible

At £3500 I would be asking elsewhere New seals would be a fraction of that. They were made so should be able to unmake and reseal

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[DavidG58]

Hi Jez, I would be looking for a place that did new seals - David what was that place you got your bed struts from ? They may do them or recommend a place that can

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[Terry]

Hi David hope you’re both OK ?
Sorry to hear about you’re “ailment “
Try making your type face large

 

[Silver-Fox]

At £3500 I would be asking elsewhere New seals would be a fraction of that. They were made so should be able to unmake and reseal

Exactly, you may need special tools but what goes together comes apart

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[Terry]

Wondering if a plant/ hydrolic place would be able to fix them? Would seals have to be different for air/ oil ?

 

[Lenny HB]

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They are nothing like that they are a full air strut that completely replaces the McPherson strut and shock absorber.

 

[Flairy]

I’m having mine replaced in Germany in June all showing signs of crazing,I’ve carried spares for 12months they are now over 20 years old.Goldsmitt.

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[DavidG58]

They are nothing like that

But as Terry said they may do or might know someone who can