Bags rub when deflated

[LooseCannon]

Is it common for convuleted bags to rub the spring pocket when fully deflated? Should I expect premature bag wear because of the "soft rub"?

The application is a daily driven 2005 Suburban that will be deflated/inflated 2x a day.

Front View




Rear View

[SCOTI]

Everytime it inflates/deflates, it's rubbing. Anytime it rubs, theres wear. Anytime there's wear, there's a possibility for failure (sooner or later).
I would clearance the offending material ASAP.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Everytime it inflates/deflates, it's rubbing. Anytime it rubs, theres wear. Anytime there's wear, there's a possibility for failure (sooner or later).
I would clearance the offending material ASAP.

Agreed.

My concern with removing the offending material is structural integrity. A LOT of material would need removed from the side of the spring pocket for clearance. I guess the question is how much material can safely be removed (I don't expect anyone to have the answer )?

Looks like I have 3 options:

• run the bags as is, check for wear religiously
• clearance the factory spring pocket and hope for the best <gulp>
• fabricate an upper mounting plate to replace the factory spring pocket

Signed - Frustrated

[SCOTI]

Option #3 sounds like it's the safest, best planned approach. Try contacting Tony from ART & see what they might suggest.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I would clearance the offending material ASAP.

And then replace the bags. The spots that have already rubbed are not going to repair themselves... they'll be a weak spot of unknown integrity for the rest of their lives. Don't find out how weak they were while tooling down the highway.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Option #3 sounds like it's the safest, best planned approach. Try contacting Tony from ART & see what they might suggest.

He said it's fine because the bag is hitting a smooth surface while deflated.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by XXL

And then replace the bags. The spots that have already rubbed are not going to repair themselves... they'll be a weak spot of unknown integrity for the rest of their lives. Don't find out how weak they were while tooling down the highway.

I'm still in the process of converting to air ride so the vehicle has yet to leave the shop. Good suggestion though...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by LooseCannon

He said it's fine because the bag is hitting a smooth surface while deflated.

I'll bet if it was a warranty deal, the response would be different . I still think your safety warrants installing a better suited upper mount (especially since it's still in a shop environment). What diameter bag are they? Could you go smaller?

[cajundragger]

heat the pocket ears up and beat them over with a hammer. you only need a little room so dont get too crazy.


where it rubs the lower mount its fine.


and remember, every oil change at the LEAST get under there and check the bags.

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I'll bet if it was a warranty deal, the response would be different . I still think your safety warrants installing a better suited upper mount (especially since it's still in a shop environment). What diameter bag are they? Could you go smaller?

Initially, I contacted ART hoping the sent bags were incorrect. Tony verified that they are the correct ones for the application.

I'm running the CoolRide setup. Not sure about the diameter or if a smaller size can be run and still support the weight of the vehicle.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by LooseCannon

Initially, I contacted ART hoping the sent bags were incorrect. Tony verified that they are the correct ones for the application.

I'm running the CoolRide setup. Not sure about the diameter or if a smaller size can be run and still support the weight of the vehicle.

That Tony guy..... For giggles, I opened up the PDF file for that kit & sure enough . .....

12. Double-check airspring clearance through full suspension travel. Rubbing will cause airspring failure and is not a warrantable situation.

It's in bold print in their own literature .

I like cajun's suggestion of heating & bending the 'pocket' lip for the necessary clearance. Seems that would be less invasive vs. cutting it completely out & welding in a new upper. It's worth a shot anyway.....

[Bazooka]

I would def not leave it as is thats for sure!

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by cajundragger

heat the pocket ears up and beat them over with a hammer. you only need a little room so dont get too crazy.

I don't own a torch and don't think a butane torch (the ones sold at Lowes and Home Depot) are hot enough??? Maybe I can make pie cuts on the pocket, move the metal around with a hammer and weld it up to achieve the same results.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

[74STPSIDE]

what if you went with a smaller dia bag with the same weight cap.?

[gringoloco]

Mine did the same thing when I first installed it. There is some wiggle room in where the bags are located using the upper mounts. I moved them as far away from the clearance issue area as possible and solved 99% of it. I would still like to use a 2500 vs the 2600 bag to gain that last little bit, but I'm not sure the way the ART cuups are designed will allow this...

[LooseCannon]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Mine did the same thing when I first installed it. There is some wiggle room in where the bags are located using the upper mounts. I moved them as far away from the clearance issue area as possible and solved 99% of it. I would still like to use a 2500 vs the 2600 bag to gain that last little bit, but I'm not sure the way the ART cuups are designed will allow this...

Thanks. Good to know I'm not alone. I sent Tony a note asking about the possibility of running a smaller bag. Hopefully there's another option (like using the 2500) available.