1995 International 9200 Air Bags

Basically if you can hear the leak, then it should be fixed. Could be anything leaking. Soap and water is great to use. Air bags are about 2 out of 10 for difficulty.

 

What I do is I place a metal block about 2" thick or so between the top of the axle and the frame bumper stop. Place the block in the same location where the frame will come down and sit on the axle as if there was no air in the suspension. Once the block is in place dump the suspension. The frame will come down and sit on the block. With the suspension dumped there is no pressure in the bags, plus with the block in place you have a couple more inches of clearance to get the bag out. Simply remove the air line and top bolt and or the big nut around the air inlet fitting of the bag. There is also a nut at the bottom to come out. Then just pull up at the bottom of the bag to clear the cross beam and you can wiggle it out. Some new bags come with a new top bracket and some don't so you might have to transfer it over or not, but it is only a bolt or two. Some times everything is very seized and you need the torch to cut the bolts. Overall, it is pretty easy. If you have all the proper tools it can be as fast as 10 mins.
***Don't forget to take out the metal block afterwards!!!

 

when I change airbags I've had good luck pulling the airlines off the bad bag, then sticking an earplug into them and taping them off so they don't leak. Doing this allows the other three bags to remain inflated keeping the suspension at a height that makes it easier to replace the bag. If I need more clearance to install the new bag I either use a high lift jack at that corner or I disconnect the height control valve and manually raise the suspension to give me the extra room.

 

I use pieces of 2"X4"'s for replacing airbags. Cut 4 2"X4"X6" pieces. Unhook the linkage to the air valve and raise the airbags up by manipulating the air valve by hand. Slip the 2X4's between the frame and the suspension travel stops. Lower the air suspension by hand, exhausting all the air in the bags. Dump all the air (for safety). Now, replace the airbags. Re-connect the airlines, lift the lever on the air valve to re- inflate the bags- remove your 2X4's, reset the airbag height and you're done. Easy.

Airbags are similar to tires, they won't last for ever and develop leaks and cracks. Always keep grease and oil off of them, it will ruin the integrity of the rubber bag.

Hope that helps..

 

I have a simple answer for you. Airbags for suspension systems ONLY leak when they need replacing. The longevity of airbags all depends on a properly functioning air compressor and a clean air supply with NO oil whatsoever in the air supply. Typically airbags will last a decade or more with no problems and will stay aired up almost indefinitely even sitting for long periods of engine having not run. Airbags are so easy to replace and usually in the $200 range. If you do this yourself, find the offending airbag and find it's exact replacement. Then exhaust the air from the suspension and remove the air hose to the bag. Now this next part may confuse some so read closely. Sometimes removing the bolts that hold the bags in place will come right out with no problems however if they do not, never fear because this next part is easy. These bolts are designed to just snap off if you actually over tighten them. That's right, if the bolt on an airbag does not come out like it should, then tighten them until they snap. Remove bag, jack up frame so you have room to work then just simply reinstall new airbags but DO NOT apply more torque than what specifications call for because you guessed it, you will snap the bolts and the bag will be useless. In fact, while you can use air impact for removing airbag, I insist you use wrench or socket set when reinstalling so that you do not accidentally snap bolts while installing new airbag. When done, reconnect airhose, flip the suspension air switch in cab and you are back in business. If you find oil residue in old bag, you must have your engine air compressor rebuilt and if you have an air-dryer (the one that spits) change the filter cartridge. You do not want any water moisture or oil in your air supply at any time for any reason. Daily drain your air tanks and remove all moisture in the air tanks. Also check your suspension leveling valve to make sure it is functioning correctly and not leaking air once height is attained. Finally make sure tractor is set to level by placing four foot level on back frame rails to make sure leveling valve has your tractor sitting level or else it will throw off your pinion angle from driveline to front drive axle input. An excessive pinion angle will cause vibration and also damage u-joints. Your tractors air supply is an important resource so take care of it and it will do it's job of ensuring your suspension system works correctly, and you have abundant clean air for your air brake system. As I stated before, excessive moisture or any oil whatsoever in air system means your air compressor needs serviced or rebuilt and while your at it, check and/or replace the cartridge filter on your air dryer system.