Broke front air strut fitting

[jr27236]

So I was doing the exhaust manifold repair and like a dope I leaned on the 90⁰ air fitting going into the top of the air strut. When the line broke it released the pressure in the line. Now thankfully I was able to locate a repair part and will thankfully be able make that repair. (shout out to https://rebuildmastertech.com/ for having everything for air suspension)
So my question -- will I have to top off the Nitrogen or was that just air escaping??

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

That was nitrogen that escaped, pull the 50amp fuse for the compressor otherwise it will continue to run to keep up and yes you have to get the system purged and recharged with nitrogen a dealer visit is needed.

 

[jr27236]

That was nitrogen that escaped, pull the 50amp fuse for the compressor otherwise it will continue to run to keep up and yes you have to get the system purged and recharged with nitrogen a dealer visit is needed.

Unreal this air system. I love it but boy it is a PIA at times

 

[jr27236]

So just an FYI for those you MAY do as I did. The stealer will try to sell you an entire air line that includes the fitting which I broke for $300+. Aftermarket companies as the one that I listed sells this fitting and it works incredibly literally like a stock fitting without having to remove the entire line and only cost $30.

 

[Ramulus]

It's a costly system if you can't DIY the repairs. That's great it only cost you a small amount to get it fixed.

 

[DILLIGAF]

It's a costly system if you can't DIY the repairs. That's great it only cost you a small amount to get it fixed.

Thats why everyone deleted them around here cant even handle a bit of -40...

 

[Ramulus]

Thats why everyone deleted them around here cant even handle a bit of -40...

I just deleted mine because it failed and we barely see freezing temps at all.

AFAIK there are no service intervals included by RAM for the air suspension system. Meaning, you take your truck to the dealer for a 10K, 20K, 30K etc. service, they do nothing to service the air suspension system.

 

[jr27236]

Anyone ever try to use Alfa to see ride height and pressure in system. As soon as I try the system goes into in-plant mode.

 

[jr27236]

Dup

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

You're going to need a dealer visit, they have to purge the system W Vacuum and recharge with nitrogen, make sure they change the moisture filter.

 

[04fxdwgi]

If you are a DIY type, get a small bottle of nitrogen and:

Vacuum pump can be had for about $75

https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Single-Stage-Economy-Conditioner-Refrigerant/dp/B012CFTYX4?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A10PRH2DFOVNA8

And HVAC gauges for $35

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Gauge-Set-Refrigerant-Evacuation/dp/B0C1YCZ9W5?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Bet that's a bunch cheaper than the stealer.

 

[jr27236]

If you are a DIY type, get a small bottle of nitrogen and:

Vacuum pump can be had for about $75

https://www.amazon.com/ZENY-Single-Stage-Economy-Conditioner-Refrigerant/dp/B012CFTYX4?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A10PRH2DFOVNA8

And HVAC gauges for $35

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Gauge-Set-Refrigerant-Evacuation/dp/B0C1YCZ9W5?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

Bet that's a bunch cheaper than the stealer.

I actually have a buddy who does commercial chiller service as a career and have access to all of that for free. Don't see anywhere in the service manual about putting a vacuum on the system when they are changing an individual bag? My truck is fine with what gas was lost when the fitting broke and I have read that there is enough in the system for one disconnect. But am going to check the pressure and bring it up,, to the 175psi as stated. But as for pulling a vacuum I just don't see how that would be any benefit for the air lines out from the valve block to the air bags when they are isolated individually by said valve block?
Any atmosphere in the broken line is isolated in that line and would be pushed out with the first fill from the tank wouldn't it?

 

[04fxdwgi]

Just a thought to avoid atmospheric air / moisture being inside and threatening to freeze.

 

[jr27236]

Just a thought to avoid atmospheric air / moisture being inside and threatening to freeze.

No I definitely get it, I'm just trying to figure out that when a line brakes or a air shock is changed and your ONLY opening that circuit to atmosphere, does the compressor and tank then need to be purged on a vacuum?? By what I'm looking at an understanding the design. I would have to say no. Just check reserve tank pressure and fill to 175psi with Nitrogen. Anyone advise differently?

 

[04fxdwgi]

I get it. From the original post, I didn't see where there was any statement saying system was still charged. So, that was what I was going and just making a suggestion.

 

[MSandRebel]

Chances are you didn’t loose much, this is assuming you didn’t run the truck or have the ignition on with the line still broken. That strut has pressure valve on top so hopefully you don’t loose any pressure from the strut. If remember correctly my front struts were sitting about 100-120 psi, rears closer to 100psi. It varies.
If you able too, put a charge in the tank of about 150-170psi of nitrogen. If it’s too much the system will purge it anyways.It may give you a payload to heavy warning, but it will sort itself out after a road test over 40km/h and fault clear.