Classic LSE Air Suspension bellows

Time has come for me to get the LSE off the drive, and into storage, next to it's brother.

Air bags let go on it a long time ago, so I thought it best to replace them. I have a brand new, in their boxes, set of air bags (which are probably the last set out there), but didn't want to use these just yet as I have 2 LSE's and both need the air bags replacing.

So, I bought a new set of bellows.....



Has anyone tried fitting these bellows to a RRC? It seems to me that if I can't roll them down over the bottom casing, then I will have to scrunch them up, and attach the 4 retaining clips, and then hope that they will roll down the bottom casing. My attempts so far have been hampered by only having the old clips that came off, which are now broken, or not strong enough to hold the two end casings in position. It does make a loud bang when they let go, and there is enough force there to break the seal at the casings, due mostly to the bellows being scrunched up. I am now waiting on new retaining clips to be delivered before attempting the inflation technique again, but at least I will be able to have all 4 clips fitted (Not 2 or 3 old, broken clips).

The new ones out of their boxes will be a doddle to fit, and not expecting any trouble with those.
If anyone has any good ideas of how to get the new bellows to roll down over the bottom casing, that would be much appreciated.

Bring them inside, or put them in the sun so they can warm up and the rubber will get a bit more pliable.

Tried heating them up - used a heat gun - to no avail. Would luv to know how Dunlop managed to do it !

Where did you get them from ? They should normally arrive rolled, with straps around them. Certainly the P38 airbags I have bought do, although Island4x4 does show the Classic bags extended like yours.

Maybe try putting some vacuum into them ?

Got them off fleabay - seller is AP LandRover Jaguar. All the ones I've seen being sold for classic's look like these, unless you are fortunate to have a complete Air Spring from LR (Unavailable now of course). These have been around, and sold for ages, so - hopefully someone who has tried to fit them will stumble on this thread ! .

Have tried both putting pressure into the bag, and creating a vacuum in the bag, both whilst adding heat to soften them up a bit. I think Dunlop must have had a jig that held both ends, then applied a certain amount of air pressure to the bellow, and then applied a force that would overcome the pressure to draw the two ends together, and let the bellow roll down over the lower casing, then exhaust the air from the bag.

Trying to emulate this process (which I've dreamed up - no idea how Dunlop actually did it), by fitting them to the RRC is proving more difficult, as even with the body extended as far from the axle as possible (Full rebound travel), you still have to scrunch the bag up to get it in there.
Eagerly awaiting new retaining clips to have another go at it with all four clips fitted, unless someone in the meantime can provide a good solution.

Maybe try putting as strap around the lower half to reduce the diameter, and then apply vacuum ? Might help getting the upper section to roll over the bottom ?

Hows about disconcerting the shock absorber so you have more travel on the axle then you can jack it back up and use the weight of the car to seat the bag, you may need to disconnect the height sensor as well.

Hold the piston in a vice with the air spring upright, apply air through a bike pump with 6mm pipe fitting leave pipe in so air does not expel too soon. when there is a little air in them roll them down over piston. Take out pipe once it start rolling and the air will expel allowing the diaphragm to roll over the piston, do not use an air line too dangerous. Wear safety glasses as well

Thanks Guys, I now have options to get this back together. I'm sure I can find an old bike pump somewhere, and give that a try. I was using an air line which is difficult to regulate and to difficult holding a small amount of pressure.

Classictb said:

Thanks Guys, I now have options to get this back together. I'm sure I can find an old bike pump somewhere, and give that a try. I was using an air line which is difficult to regulate and to difficult holding a small amount of pressure.

Click to expand...

or a car foot pump is ideal