Air bags

[5hfarms]

Does cold weather affect the pressure in the air bags? Left with 40 lbs pressure in 32 degree weather, traveled about 40 miles. When we got to our destination the airbags had 22 lbs. Left our destination air bags had about 22 lbs in 60 degree weather. Got home air bags had about 40 lbs. Puzzled !!!!!

[KJcachers]

Cold air should affect them just like tires. Check and inflate/deflate as needed before each trip.


2015 Forester 3051s

[5hfarms]

I fiqured weather would affect them, but not so drastic. Thanks for the response

[WFD]

In cold weather tires will lose air pressure, usually from around the rims due to cold causing material to contract, but once that pressure is lowered it doesn't come back as temps warm up...only way to get it back up is to physically add air. Not sure if the effect on air bags would be the same.

[Kirk S]

I'm assuming you're talking about the air springs on the rear axle. It doesn't take much to overfill or underinflate them so they must have a small air space inside which would be very temperature reactive. I will be installing TPMS sensors on mine as well as the tires tomorrow so I can get an idea about the pressure fluctuation. I fill them to 30 psi cold (ambient temp) and your post has me curious about how that may change. Thanks.

[Big1]

If you are talking about firestone air bags mines seem to holding pretty good now.

[5hfarms]

Since the weather has warmed up the air bags have stayed fairly stable. I was worried that I may have punctured them, but all is good. Thank you.

[Steeljag]

The pressure dropping from 40 to 22, then returning to 40 seems odd ! Pressure gauge misreading ?

[5hfarms]

I'm sure that could be a possibility or not a proper reading (it was cold that day), but it seems to have returned to normal so all is good !!!

[Kirk S]

Originally Posted by Netgain

I'm assuming you're talking about the air springs on the rear axle. It doesn't take much to overfill or underinflate them so they must have a small air space inside which would be very temperature reactive. I will be installing TPMS sensors on mine as well as the tires tomorrow so I can get an idea about the pressure fluctuation. I fill them to 30 psi cold (ambient temp) and your post has me curious about how that may change. Thanks.

Update: Both air bags set at 40 psi. TPMS sensors set at 100 high and 25 low. Took it for a spin to see how everything worked. Sensors on the air bags doesn't seem to be a good idea. The pressure fluctuations were so wild that the alarm went off at every turn. Oh well, I learned something new. Has anyone else tried this?

[Gidyupgo]

Netgain, I have not tried it, but since they alarm upon rapid loss, I see the problem. I think I saw wireless air gauges on amazon a while back. Heck, they've got wireless everything else...... probably an app. , heh heh