How to Find a Leak with a Firestone Air Compressor System

Question:

I keep air bags/springs pumped to 5-10 lbs. when not hauling my 5th wheel. Lately it seems that the pump has to cut on to meet the set pressure almost every time I start the truck-seems much more often than usual. What is the most likely cause? Does this indicate a leak or problem?

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

The issue with your air compressor kicking on each time you start the vehicle is an indication that you have a leak. The easiest way to find an air leak on your system would be to inflate the system to about 60 psi then take a bottle with a mixture of soap and water to spray down all the lines, fittings, and airbags. The air bubbles should expand once a leak is detected. If the air leak occurred at the top of the fitting then chances are the line is not seated properly or cut correctly.

To fix the air fittings you will want to remove the old airline. To do this you will need to press down on the hose, hold the outer ring of the fitting down and pull upward on the hose to remove the airline. You can then use a Air Lift Air Hose Cutter part # AL10530 to cut off the end of the hose and re-inserted it back into the fitting. The above tool ensures the cut is even and seals properly.

If the fitting is leaking around the threads then you will want to remove the fitting. Once the fitting is removed you will want to use either thread tape or a silicone sealer and apply that to the threads before re-tightening. If using thread tape, make sure you wrap the tape around the threads with the direction of the threads that way the tape does not back out when you reinstall. The fittings do not need to be overly tight.

If the air leak occur somewhere on the air hose then that portion of the hose will need to be replaced. The same will apply for the airbags themselves if that's where the leaks presents itself but most of the time it is on the airline fittings.

expert reply by: Conner L