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Rear suspension leak

Pikester

Pikester

Member
Hey everybody,

I was checking the pressure in the rear suspension & it showed zero, so I pumped it up with a foot pump to 50 psi, checked it and it leaks out in about 30-45 seconds. I just picked it up on Tuesday and looks like I might have to take it in to the dealer. Anybody else have this problem? It is a 2011 RT A & C model. Thanks for any help!
 
​Check the valve core, make sure it is tight. The air bag has such a small capacity you get to zero really quick with a leak you will not even notice. My RT had a loose valve core.
 
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Checked the valve & it is tight & it leaks down fast. I guess I will be taking it to the dealer & getting it checked out. The bike only has 200 miles, so I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. Thanks for the quick replies!
 
Guys,

This might be a dumb question, but is it safe to ride the spyder with the rear suspension with no air? Is it just for comfort, or will it cause problems?

Thanks,
Pikester
 
airbag leaks...

Have your dealer do a thorough inspection of the 90º fitting on top of the airbag. Some early RT's had fittings where the silver soldering was faulty causing a leak.
 
While I wouldn't say a leaking bag is common, I wouldn't either say it is uncommon. I'll be bringing my rt AC in on Tuesday to get my rear shock air bag replaced.
 
leaking bag

I had this problem last winter. If you have the automatic pump system (I think it's in the A&C option) get it to the dealer and they can reset the BUDS controlled system. It takes a while due to leveling the bike at 6 inches which includes a very sophisticated 4x4 block 6 inches long for the rear frame. I couldn't believe this was controlled by BUDS, but it sure is. They did all this and then on the first try, all the air rushed out. A call to BRP on a Sat PM and the tech rep told em to take the key out, place it 30 feet away and wait 40 minutes (or maybe it was 40 feet for 30 minutes.) They did that and and on the next start it worked and has ever since. Don't feel bad, I couldn't believe the whole deal either. I never told them I have my second OEM key hidden on the bike, they would have freaked out The mystery and magic of BUDS continues to haunt us..........

There may be another way, but 4x4 is sitting in the shop and gets used for this fix every time. I've asked if it has a BRP part #.

Tuck
 
Pretty much the same issue. 2012 A & C modified to Cowtowns Performance model. Rear air shock has leaked since March. BRP tech worked in it at Spyderfest ... and it still leaks 8-10 pounds per day. I pump it up to 40 every other day. It also squeaks, creaks, moans and groans big time when it gets low. It's on the repair & maintence list for my next visit to Cowtown.
 
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Airbag...

Most pneumatic systems (including tires) bleed down after a period of time due to deterioration of seals, hoses, and other rubber and plastic parts. The hoses and fittings used on the Spyder are a push/o-ring style and are more prone to bleed down than AN style connectors.

My initial problem was a faulty fitting in the top of the airbag itself, but even after installing the new fitting it "leaks" over time... Nature of the beast.
 
Just dropped the spyder off at the shop. I will post an update after I get it back. The tech seems to think it is the bladder, but I did mention the 90 degree fitting on the top. Ride safe!

Pikester
 
A&C model doesn't come with onboard air kit standard.

While the OP's case of such a fast leak isn't normal.... it seems that all of these airbags lose a bit of air over a week or so... just the nature of the beast....
 
Firefly said:
A&C model doesn't come with onboard air kit standard.

While the OP's case of such a fast leak isn't normal.... it seems that all of these airbags lose a bit of air over a week or so... just the nature of the beast....
Click to expand...

Thats good to know, I asked the tech about it last time the rig was in and he said "when you hit a bump it will release air"...REALLY?? I don't know much but if it is part of the SUSPENSION system why by design would it realease air over a bump. I didn't question him..just went with my own conclusion that I need to fill it up regular and check it like tires...and not to ask the tech anything tricky...
 
The great folks at Cowtown did a bunch of work on my RT. As always I manage to learn something watching and listening. My biggest issue was the rear air suspension. As Firefly said the A & C does not come with the onboard compressor. It's an expensive option. Anyway, mine leaked profusely. Air every other day. And terrible squeaks getting on and off, hitting a bump, etc. the ryde wasn't always very pleasant.

The airbag thingie is about the size of a fist. 40 plus pounds is alot in such a small space. Larry, the tech, tore into it. There are a ton of fittings and hoses and none showed any leaking. So, it evidently is leaking slowly enough to be undetectable.

Turned out the racket and sometimes crappy ryde was caused by a shot, defective shock. The good news is with the new shock the trip home was great. I'll live with putting air in it from time to time. A functioning shock made a world of difference.

I learned much more but I'm sworn to secrecy. :rolleyes::doorag:
 
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