23
Air Spring Removal
Push the air shaft into the upper tube with your thumb. While holding
the shaft in, remove the retaining ring. Slide the retaining ring onto your
thumb and carefully release the air spring shaft.
Trapped negative air pressure creates increased resistance when
pushing the shaft in. Wear a thicker glove to protect your thumb if
needed.
NOTICE
Do not scratch the air spring shaft. Scratches on the air shaft will allow
air to bypass the seal head into the lower leg, resulting in reduced
spring performance.
Wrap a shop towel around the end of the air shaft for extra grip. Push
the shaft half way into the upper tube, then quickly and firmly pull the
shaft out to dislodge the seal head. Remove the air spring assembly
from the upper tube.
A build up of negative air pressure may prevent the air spring from
being pulled out of the upper tube. If the air spring is difficult to
remove, use a clean plastic dowel to push the air spring piston down
while pulling the air shaft out.
NOTICE
Do not scratch the inside of the upper tube. Scratches will allow air to
bypass the seals resulting in reduced spring performance.
Clamp an 8 mm hex wrench into a vise. Position the air piston onto the
hex wrench. While holding the air shaft, unthread and remove the air
shaft nut from the air spring shaft.
Remove the air assembly from the vise.
Remove the seal head and top out bumper from the air spring shaft.
Discard the seal head.
Clean and inspect the shaft for damage.
Clean the top out bumper.
NOTICE
Scratches on the air spring shaft can cause air to leak. If a scratch is
visible the air spring assembly may need to be replaced.
3
Retaining Ring Pliers
4
5
8 mm
12 mm
6