Monaco 2002 Diplomat, Service Manual

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1. STUD: Manufactured as a permanent part of bead plate assembly
for maximum strength and durability. Used to attach spring to
the vehicle's suspension.
2. BEAD PLATE: Crimped onto bellows at the factory for a durable
design and maximum quality control. Allows 100% leak proof
testing prior to shipment.
3. BELLOWS: "Air bag" includes four plies of material: an inner
layer, two plies of cord-reinforced fabric and an outer cover.
Natural rubber construction provides functional properties up to
- 65º F.
4. BUMPERS: A solid rubber or engineered plastic device designed
to prevent significant damage to the vehicle or its suspension in
event of a sudden loss of air pressure in spring.
5. PISTON: Provides a lower mounting arrangement for air spring.
Controls characteristics of spring under changing pressure loads.
6. PISTON BOLT: Attaches piston to bellows. Sometimes extended
as a means of attaching spring to vehicle suspension.
Listed below are items that can be checked when the motorhome is
in for periodic maintenance.
NOTE: Never attempt to service the air suspension on a
motorhome with the air bags inflated.
• Inspect the O.D. of the air springs. Check for signs of irregular
wear or heat cracking.
• Inspect the air lines to make sure contact doesn’t exist between
the air line and the O.D. of the air springs. Air lines can rub a
hole in an air spring very quickly.
• Check to see that there is sufficient clearance around the complete
circumference of the air spring while at its maximum diameter.
• Inspect the O.D. of piston for buildup of foreign materials. (On a
reversible sleeve style air spring, the piston is the bottom
component of the air spring.)
• The correct ride height should be maintained. All motorhomes
with air springs have a specified ride height established by the
manufacturer. This height should be maintained within ¼ in.
This dimension can be checked with the vehicle loaded or
empty.
• The leveling valves (or height control valves) play a large part in
ensuring that the total air spring system works as required.
Clean, inspect and replace if necessary.
Chassis Information
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D I P L O M A T
1 0 • 2 7 2
Checklist -
Air Bag Inspections
OM090269.eps