Do air bags lose air in general??

[Oregon]

Have Forester 3011DS with the rear air bags.

I find that after I drive about 250 miles the bags will be down about 10 lbs on a regular basis. Generally try to run about 75 lbs in them but they will be down to 65 or 60 after a while.

Not having had air bags previously is this normal or should I be looking for a leak???

[Ford Idaho]

You do have a leak.

Fill a spray bottle with a soap/water mix, air it up to normal and then spray as many connections as you can reach.

If you see the air line near the frame spray it incase it has rubbed a hole in the line.

And spray the bags as well.

[Gidyupgo]

Oregon, they will lose a little over time, but not like you are seeing. Our passenger side bag on our 2017 Sunseeker was leaking from the factory at the connector at the top of the airbag. It would be down to 10 lbs in just a couple of days. Dealer tightened it. Both sides now stay up and didn't require any air after checking after 3 weeks. It could be a DIY, but since mine had to go back for a couple of other warranty items, they took care of this too.

[Creativepart]

I think the airbags lose air from the hose that runs between the airbag and the air fill nozzle. Not the hose itself but the connections. I've no proof but that's my theory.

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by Creativepart

I think the airbags lose air from the hose that runs between the airbag and the air fill nozzle. Not the hose itself but the connections. I've no proof but that's my theory.

That would be an accurate assumption of the most common cause. Occasionally, it could be a faulty needle valve or fill valve cap. Possibly a wear point on the hose or a kinked hose that has sprung a small leak.

We have had air bags on 3 TVs and a MH in a 12 year period. Once we had a needle valve that didn't seat. If the system is working properly, they should not lose pressure.

[jtesta1]

I have only had my air system one year and have yet to put air in it.

[mkekflyers]

Mine "bleed off" a few lbs every couple weeks...I'm playing with the pressures anyway, so I can't tell you how much, but it's not what you are experiencing. Many of our roads in the Buckeye State have taken a beating the last few years and are really rough, so bag pressure is a concern of mine...

[rhamilton]

Our Forester (2014) looses about 2-3 pounds per month. Always need to add air before a trip.

[benagi]

Our 2016 3171 loses about 10 pounds a month. Always fill to 70 lbs before leaving for the next trip

[vwexpert]

My air bags lose a couple pounds between trips. My air lift 72000 system usually runs for a couple seconds when I start the rig.
Jim

[Wolverine 1945]

I just though air leaks were a normal thing ???
Ours have always lost about 30 lbs on a 3 or 4 day trip,,, driving approximant 500 to 600 miles !!! I started carrying a small compressor,,, so I could pump them up !!!
GREAT,,, now I have to crawl my fat ass under the Sunseeker & check for leaks !!!
LOL !!!

[PenJoe]

Originally Posted by Wolverine 1945

I just though air leaks were a normal thing ???
Ours have always lost about 30 lbs on a 3 or 4 day trip,,, driving approximant 500 to 600 miles !!! I started carrying a small compressor,,, so I could pump them up !!!
GREAT,,, now I have to crawl my fat ass under the Sunseeker & check for leaks !!!
LOL !!!

Best way to check for air leaks is to use a spray bottle or small brush with water/dish soap mix. I would check the air filler valves first. Sometimes they stick and leak very slowly. I was told by a tire man that the valve caps are also important because they seal the valve stem. Spraying the soap mix on a valve or fitting will make the leak bubble.

Another consideration is to check for a line or fitting that is stressed. It may only leak when it is getting jostled.

[Wolverine 1945]

Valve stems are easy to check,,, just need a little spit !!!
LMAO !!!