2013 Peterbilt 348 keeps blowing air bags

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Davis42200, Dec 11, 2024.

  1. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    This truck has an air leaf suspension with 4 air bags. I haul scrap metal so the loads do get pretty heavy. I have an international 5900i with a similar air suspension that never pops the bags even when it's overweight by a lot.

    The Peterbilt bags are really tall and set on this little plastic stand. When they pop, it usually sheers the bolt off.

    So my question is is there something that could be causing this other than the weight? Will bad shocks or bad torsion bars cause it to blow the bags? This is a roll-off truck and I do dump the bags when I pickup the loads. They blow while driving at ride height.

    If it's just the weight, is there anything that can be done to beef it up? How much work to change to a solid suspension?
     
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  3. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    If it’s shearing the bolt, then it’s probably a suspension issue,worn bushing maybe.
    Were you the one having trouble getting the bags to inflate?
     
  4. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    Yes. That load ended up just being wayyy to heavy.
     
  5. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    It's hard with scrap metal because we are not loading the box. It's on site at the customer's location with no scale.
     
  6. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Is it by chance the lighter duty air leaf without the top track bars? That causes side to side movement on the air spring perches without them.
     
  7. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    I'm not a suspension expert. Can you tell me what to look for? Or send a picture
     
  8. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    IMG_2144.jpeg
    the bar that is circled in yellow. This one was cut by the scrap yard to remove from frame. The less common lighter duty air leaf does not use this bar.
     
  9. Davis42200

    Davis42200 Bobtail Member

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    It does have those. Two of them. I was told to check the bushings in those arms.
     
    SmallPackage Thanks this.
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