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View Full Version : Air spring(bag) removal. How do I do it?



fastf50rd
05-06-2012, 12:59 PM
My fairly new (8 mo. old) arnott compressor crapped out on me due to leaky springs. I have the rear of my car up on jackstands with the rear end not supported so it can hang. I've searched and read about there being a clip of some sort at the top of the bag, and the bag should pull outta the bottom socket. How do you access the top where the clip is? I don't really see how to reach up there? Is there anyone who's done this that could detail the procedure for me? Also Ive read that arnott carries the repl bags in one place, then in another that its not the correct replacement. Which is true? Id like to avoid buying them at Ford if possible. Thanks for any help.

-Matthew

EMAS
05-06-2012, 04:43 PM
Sorry I can't help you with how to get to the clip on top but yes Arnott has bags with the correct spring rate you just need to look under Lincoln Town Car for the "HD Limo" bags. The HPP/Marauder/Limo/Livery(later models only) all had the same spring rating.

vegasmarauder
05-06-2012, 06:07 PM
With the wheels hanging down, look above the tire on the outside of the wheel opening. You will see a large hairpin looking clip right above where the top of the bag is. I used a long hook tool and pulled it out. To release the bag, there's a locking clip on the valve on the sie of the bag (get to it from uder the car). Pp this clip off and then rotate the valve counter clockwise about a 1/4 turn. The valave will pop back with some force but won't come all the way out. This will exhaust the air from the bag. Then rotate the valve another 1/4 turn and it sill come out. If you want to remove the valve with the bag, there is a red or arange collar around the air line going into the valve. Press this collar in towards the valve to release the lock and pull out on the plastic air line. it may be a challenge since they have been together for years. Don't just pull the line out or you may damage the nine or valve fitting. After that you can squeeze the side of the bag and then gently pry the lower end out of the rear axle saddle. Pull the bag out of the car. The only thing about putting them back in is to make sure the lower end of the runnder on the bag gently rolls back up into the center and is not twisted or folded. Actually more simple than it describes. Don't know about the interchangibility of the Arnot bags though.

fastf50rd
05-08-2012, 06:27 PM
thanks for the info. Ima give it a try this weekend. Ive got 100k on the clock. Do you think I should replace the solenoids too?

vegasmarauder
05-08-2012, 07:25 PM
I change the O rings, but the unless the car loses air through the valves it may not be necessary. We have a 300A with 196K on original bags, solenoids, and pump.

The system is pretty easy to leak check. I mix up some dishwashing soap and water in a spray bottle. I use enough soap to make a lot of bubbles.

Then spray down the valve and line areas. If there are any leaks, it will make bubbles. Then I spray the entire bag assembly. It will bubble up. On old bags they can actually blow bubbles through the rubber on the sides. Most common culprit is the part of the rubber that turns back under and up into the center of the lower part of the bag. This area has the most rubbing while the car is moving. You can also remove the air cleaner box and leak check the lines and compressor area as well, but I have seldom found any leaks up in that area.

GetMeMyStogie
05-13-2012, 05:47 PM
Fwiw, you can actually see the clip in question while crouching near the rear wheels.

In these pics, you can see the rusty old clip, and how it doesn't actually do very much. I think all it does is hold the bag in place while there is no axle in place (ie, during vehicle assembly)



29100
29101
29102

fastf50rd
05-18-2012, 05:20 PM
Excellent pics, thank you very much. What do you mean by the valves? the solenoids? Im gunna try the bubbles when I get a new pump in. Id rather not do the bags if i don't have to. thanks guys.

fastf50rd
05-25-2012, 10:43 AM
Good news. I filled the bags manually to check for leaks. I sprayed everythng down good with soapy water. Was kinda stumpd cuz I saw no bubbles. It stayed at the right height for over 5 days, so I went to ford and just got a new pump. Everythng appears to be working well. I just don't understand why it kept dropping with the arrnott pump, tho I still heard the pump cycle in normal intervals before it died. I thought for sure I had a leak, and that was what killed the pump. $520.00 from ford kinda hurt, but i wasn't about to get another from arnott if id died so easily. I did originally send it back withn the warranty period, and it crapped out again bout 6mos later.