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Identifying a Firestone Air Ride Spring, Air Spring Tips

identify-air-spring-1Read AON and bellows number
The first step to identifying an heavy duty air spring is to read the assembly order number on the label adhered to the bead plate (one of the components of an air spring, i.e., W01-358-9082). If the number is illegible, read the bellows number which is normally molded directly underneath the Firestone logo. A style number such as 1T15M-6 or 22 would tell exactly which bellows is needed and one could skip steps 2 and 3. If the bellows number is illegible, then determine whether it is a convoluted style or a 1T style by comparing it to the pictures in this guide. Proceed to step 2 if 1T style or step 3 if convoluted.


1T Style Air Springsidentify-air-spring-2

Measure the bead plate diameter and molded (uninflated) diameter of the rubber bellows and compare this with the 1T styles in the bellows index until a match is found (please note that the molded diameter can grow slightly with years of service). Then measure from the bottom of the piston to the top of the bead plate while the part is uninflated and extended. Next, find this same or similar measurement in the specific bellows section that was previously determined. When this has been done, skip to step

 

identify-air-spring-34.Convoluted Style Air Springs

First determine whether it is a single, double, or triple convoluted style by comparing it to the pictures in this guide. Then measure the bead plate diameter and the diameter of the bellows (uninflated) across its widest area andcompare these dimensions with those given in the bellows index. Once a match has been made, proceed to step

 

identify-air-spring-44.Rubber Bumper

Many Airide™ springs include a rubber bumper inside the spring. To determine if one is present, compress the spring to its minimum height and measure from the bottom plate or piston to the top of the bead plate. Compare this compressed height with the pictures in the appropriate bellows section that was determined in step 2 (1T style) or step 3 (convoluted style). Proceed to step 5 if you have a 1T style spring or step 6 if you have a convoluted spring.

 

identify-air-spring-51T Style Bead Plates

The same bellows is used with many different combinations of bead plates and pistons, so be sure to check closely. Compare the bead plate and piston with the pictures from the “Cross Section View”, “Bead Plate Top View” and “Piston Bottom View” columns from the appropriate bellows section that was previously determined. Also, verify that the alignment (bead plate mounting in reference to piston mounting holes) is correct. In addition, the piston can be further verified by reading the identification numbers inside the piston and comparing these with those shown in the “Piston Bottom View” or piston index. Once a match has been determined, the corresponding assembly order number (i.e. W01-358-9082) can be used to order the part.


identify-air-spring-6Convoluted Style Bead Plates

The same bellows is used with many different combinations of bead plates. Compare these bead plates with those diagrammed in this guide under the “Bead Plate Top View” and “Bead Plate Bottom View” columns for the specific style convoluted part that was previously determined and find the unit with the identical hardware, measurements and alignment (top bead plate mounting in reference to lower bead plate mounting). Once a match has been determined, the corresponding assembly order number (e.g., W01-358-7135) can be used to order the part.

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Airide Firestone air spring components

1. Studair-spring-components

A permanent part of the bead plate assembly used to attach the airspring to the suspension.
2. Combo Stud
Combination mounting stud and air fitting.
3. Blind Nut
A permanent part of the bead plate assembly providing an alternate mounting system to the stud.
4. Air Fitting Hole

A tapped hole usually 1/4″ N.P.T. providing air entrance for the part.
5. Bead Plate

Permanently crimped onto the bellows at the factory allowing complete part leak testing prior to shipment.
6. Bellows
The heart of an Airide spring. Includes at least four plies, or layers, of material–an inner layer, two plies of cord-reinforced fabric, and an outer layer.
7. Bumper (Optional)

A solid molded rubber fail-safe device used on many suspension applications. Prevents excessive damage to vehicle and suspension in the case of sudden air pressure loss.
8. Piston
The lower section of the 1T and 1X style of airspring made from aluminum, steel or fiber reinforced plastic. Provides lower mounting arrangement for the airspring in the form of tapped holes or studs.
9. Piston Bolt

Attaches the piston to the bellows assembly. Extended, in some cases, to serve as a means of attaching the spring to the suspension.
10. Girdle Hoop

A ring between the convolutions of the convolutedtype air spring.
Service Assembly
On Firestone Airide springs of the 1T style, the rubber bellows bead plate portion of the spring is a separate hermetically sealed unit, available for replacement use without the piston. Called a “service assembly,” it includes a bead plate, bellows, internal bumper (if any), and all attaching hardware.

Now that you know the parts and components of an air spring, here are some tips on how to identify an air spring