Firestone Air Bag Deformed When Being Aired Up
Question:
Hi, I ordered the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs – Rear Axle # F2701 for my 2013 Ram 2500 4x4 about 6(ish) years ago from you guys and they have been working as expected with no issues as all. But, I was just airing them up as I have a trip in a few months (I use the 6 P's of success (Proper Previous Planning Prevents Poor Performance) when planning things like this) and something that I don't think is normal happened. I have a picture included of both air bags and the first one you can see is deformed. I keep these aired to 5 psi whenever I am not towing or loading the bed and do my best to keep them clean (I am in Missouri and we do get salt on the roads in winter). Basically I was right at 30 psi and I heard a “pop” and immediately stopped filling. I looked and there are wires that appear to have rusted out and snapped, causing the bag to fill up in a weird way. So I have 2 questions. First, what caused this? Second, is this covered under warranty? Thanks for any help you can offer.
asked by: James C
Expert Reply:
Well James, I can say with 100% certainty that what you are seeing and experiencing is NOT normal. However, this is not the first time we have heard of this occurring.
To answer your first question, it was corrosion that caused it. To be more specific, rust caused the wires that hold the middle of the air bag to burst when you filled said bag, hence the pop you heard. This is an inevitability with the salty roads in Missouri and you did everything right to try and prevent it.
As to your question about if this kind of this is covered under warranty, it absolutely is. The # F2135828401 air bag that comes with the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty # F2701 you have has a Lifetime warranty for the bags and a 2 year limited warranty on hardware. Firestone does prefer to handle all warranty issues like this in house, so you will need to call them at 1-800-888-0650 and they will definitely get you all taken care of.
For preventative care, you are already doing what we recommend. Keeping them clean and with at least 5 psi of air pressure is an absolute must. Not doing so will only cause those metal strands to start degrading sooner and having a potential failure while traveling more likely (you never know when that pesky Mr. Murphy (of Murphy's Law) will show his ugly mug).
As a side note, I have heard through the grapevine that Firestone is looking to go with a single wire instead of multiple strands to alleviate this issue, but I do not know when that will happen. Just keep your ear to the ground for updates on that.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Firestone Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Spring - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Vehicle Suspension
- Springs
- Air Spring
- Red Label
- Firestone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Air Lift Load Controller Compressor System for Air Helper Springs- Heavy Duty - Dual Path
- Shop: Replacement ECU Service Pack for Firestone Air Command Wireless Air Compressor System
- Shop: Replacement Firestone Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Spring - Qty 1
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Replacement Smart Phone Compatiblity Wiring Harness for Firestone Air Command Air Compressor System
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Single Path
- Video: Review of Firestone Replacement Air Command Smart Phone Compatiblity Wiring Harness - F79VV
- Video: Review of Firestone Replacement Air Command ECU Service Pack - F69VV
- Q&A: Can Firestone Ride Rite Kit Have Air Bags of Extreme Red Label Installed
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Shop: Mud Flaps
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: WeatherTech Front Auto Floor Mats - Black
- Video: B and W Fifth Wheel BWRVB3500 Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: air bags
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: air suspension compressor kit
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Q&A: Choosing Between Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 or 7500 For 2018 Ram 2500 Towing 5th Wheel
- Search Results: air lift
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
on Vehicle Suspension
