rear air suspension problem

[backsoon]

hi there
recently bought a hymer 664,its got rear air suspension that you pump up in the cab.i dont know much about this, does this come as standard or is it an upgrade.recently lost all air and it was damn uncomfortable.will a normal garage be able to sort it or is a campervan workshop better ,would hymer have the parts, im a bit in the dark. any views, info welcome. thanks

 

[kimthedog1959]

hi i used to have a elghna marlin it had air ride surspention and which you had to pump up in the cab i never had any problems but it sounds like you could have a leak in a tube or in one of the air bags its worth checking out

 

[Boxerman]

I fitted air rides to the rear of the boxer. they do seem to lose air over a period of time (two or three weeks) and need topping up.
I don't know anything about your setup but there's nothing complicated about mine. Two "bags" two pipes, two isolating valves, a gauge, a valve and a connector block.
If it deflated quickly, the problem is probably a pipe ruptured of disconnected, the air "bags" are very tough and though it is possible that one has failed, it's doubtful.
Any garage should be able to sort it out provided they can get your van on the lift.
HTH
Frank

 

[rommel]

Air ride

I have a Hymer 644 with air suspension that pumps up in cab, this was fitted in Germany by the owner not Hymer, it never seems to lose air like the British one I fitted to my old van but the wiring connectors corroded and it would not work , before I found the problem I pulled the compressor apart found it was O/K then discovered the real cause . When I started the pump it would not hold air . The small bore plastic pipes are quick release ( a bit like modern plastic houshold plumbing fittings)and the leak was coming from there where I had disturbed it, I had to cut the end of the pipe off with a very sharp knife exactly square before it would seal and that cured it.

 

[jogguk]

hi there
recently bought a hymer 664,its got rear air suspension that you pump up in the cab.i dont know much about this, does this come as standard or is it an upgrade.recently lost all air and it was damn uncomfortable.will a normal garage be able to sort it or is a campervan workshop better ,would hymer have the parts, im a bit in the dark. any views, info welcome. thanks

Not familiar with Hymer's model designations. It would be easier if you gave more information like what chassis, Merc or Fiat

If the isolator valves were correctly set then you should not have lost air from both sides simultaneously Have you tried to re inflate with an garage airline - what happens? Not sure on the Air- Ride system if it has a duel gauge like on my Firestone system (reads air pressure independently on each sides, two needles within one gauge)

I did have one of the 8mm air pipes fail on mine where the shock absorber top mounting retaining washer chafed through. may be an easy fix if the pipes are push-in fittings.

john

 

[jogguk]

I have a Hymer 644 with air suspension that pumps up in cab, this was fitted in Germany by the owner not Hymer, it never seems to lose air like the British one I fitted to my old van but the wiring connectors corroded and it would not work , before I found the problem I pulled the compressor apart found it was O/K then discovered the real cause . When I started the pump it would not hold air . The small bore plastic pipes are quick release ( a bit like modern plastic houshold plumbing fittings)and the leak was coming from there where I had disturbed it, I had to cut the end of the pipe off with a very sharp knife exactly square before it would seal and that cured it.

I have the on board pump on mine too I did not mention it as most of the aftermarket kits especially the UK fitted ones don't bother with it I consider the omission of the pump compromises the usefulness of the system. I have to increase the pressure on mine as the grey and bllack waste tanks fill up (both behind the rear axle) and run with only about 15 psi when tanks empty. Having to keep finding garages or stopping to get the foot pump out is ridiculous

 

[Boxerman]

I just use a cheap 12v compressor - it inflates the tyre too

 

[guerdeval]

I'm pretty sure it will be an aftermarket item,I cann't recall ever seeing it offered by Hymer

 

[jogguk]

......its got rear air suspension that you pump up in the cab

I just re-read the original post. It sounds like the Firestone Drive-Rite system.

The gauge bezel (usually mounted by the knee roll area of the dashboard) has a single electro pneumatic rocker switch or two rocker switches (one controlling each side) spring loaded biased in the centre position. Press down and the 12v compressor starts and inflates, press up and air bleeds off deflating.

It is possible a bit of grit is causing the switch to not seal in the central position and bleeding off the air. Also check that when you press down the compressor starts, it is does not then the air may bleed off. The gauges and switches are very good quality and generally reliable.