Do all bagged vehicles leak?

[chevyrestoguy]

I wasn't sure how to ask the question, but I was wondering if all airbag equipped systems leak to an extent. Is it possible to make a system that is completely leak-free? I've always done static drops, but I really want to do an air system this time. I just don't want it to be a leaking nightmare.

[Painter D]

No all bagged vehicles do not leak. I don't think a "leaky nightmare" is very common if you use quality fittings and other quality items in your system.

[70k52wd]

Originally Posted by 69chevyshort

No all bagged vehicles do not leak. I don't think a "leaky nightmare" is very common if you use quality fittings and other quality items in your system.

I have same first timers concerns. I think that I have read enough to be really confused as to even bag at all...But I think that with a great install the problems are few, if ever...From what I have learned so far, simple systems, with quality hardware is a good thing. I think.Lol

[Cooleys Custom Werx]

my bagged s-10 stayed up a whole week before a weak spot in the airline gave out. i do suggest using stainless air line and good compression fittings. oh and make sure u tighten the f*%k out of them, but dont break them. haha.

[scotts62]

Yeah long as its done right it will be ok, a friend of mines S10 truck stayed aired up for almost a month and only lost about 10psi.

[TylerHuff]

id say it would be really hard to be completely leak free but im happy with mine my passenger front corner looses about 10 psi every 8 hours which is very slow and hard to track down but its rarely aired up more than a few hours at a time so its not an issue

[Tony@AirRideTech]

To correctly answer that question.... no... eventually any air system will leak. You have to look at that for what it is though... it may take it a day or it may take 10 years. To give you and idea though, my old daily driver at one time was parked for about 3 months.... it did not loose any air, except maybe a couple of pounds that I could not detect. My current daily is an 85 Dually which I never put air in either unless I deflated or changed load.

The key is to use quality components like D.O.T. approved fittings and airline. If you decide you want to hardline it, I would suggest to use seamless stainless and double flare fittings. To date all of my vehicles on air have used D.O.T. airbrake airline and I have not felt the need to harline anything. My 61 however will probably be plumbed in all stainless.

[theyammieguy]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

I wasn't sure how to ask the question, but I was wondering if all airbag equipped systems leak to an extent. Is it possible to make a system that is completely leak-free? I've always done static drops, but I really want to do an air system this time. I just don't want it to be a leaking nightmare.

Find a polar or brenner trailer manufacturer and buy some airline and fittings from them.

I've been working on 18 wheelers for 10 years and they have miles of airline on them. A truck can leak its ass off or not leak at all. Depends, on the fittings, and if airlines rub on anything.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

To give you and idea though, my old daily driver at one time was parked for about 3 months.... it did not loose any air, except maybe a couple of pounds that I could not detect.

Ditto. When I was traveling a lot a few years ago, there was one stint where the truck sat for 6 months without being touched. Didn't lose a thing. I've been on (mostly) the same air system on for a little over 9 years... I've installed new front bags, but that was a matter of convenience when I preassembled a new front xmember, Art control arms, etc., and the swapped it in at once. Sold the bags to another board member, who likely is still using them. Valves are early ART (actually replaced one unit long ago because the original was so old they hadn't even decided to make their easily recognized red valves red.

A couple of tips... DO use brush-on thread sealer (not teflon tape) on all your fittings. Do use a NEW razor blade to cut your DOT line, and make sure the cuts are absolutely straight. Press the lines into the fittings firmly and give them a gentle tug after they've bottomed out. Air up, and enjoy.