A

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P R I N G S

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

TM

(2071 Shown)

(2320 Shown)

Thank you for purchasing Firestone air helper springs. You have purchased a
quality product from the world's number one air spring manufacturer.
This manual will provide answers to some of your questions regarding the use and
operation of your new air helper springs. Following the guidelines in this manual
will help provide you with many years of trouble-free service from your Firestone
air helper springs.

For vehicle applications, air pressure
requirements, air compressor CFM,
maintainance, or air spring technical data,
visit us on the web at:

FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
310 E. 96TH. STREET
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46240
1-800-888-0650
21-1083

www.ride-rite.com
02-06

NAD-31514-2

GENERAL INFORMATION
Firestone air helper springs are heavy duty, quality air springs designed to supplement your vehicle's existing suspension system. These
durable air springs allow you to maximize your vehicle's load carrying capacity through the use of air pressure. Proper installation, use,
and operation will provide the maximum service life and performance your air spring kit is capable of delivering. These instructions will
help you obtain the maximum benefits available from your air spring kit.

RIDE-RITE™ AIR HELPER SPRINGS
™

Ride-Rite air helper springs are installed between the frame and the suspension of light trucks, vans, and motorhomes. Ride-Rite™ air
helper springs are capable of carrying loads up to 5000 lbs (do not exceed the vehicle's GVWR).

SPORT-RITE™ AIR HELPER SPRINGS
Sport-Rite™ air helper springs are installed between the frame and suspension of light trucks, and utilize a sleeve-style air spring to enhance
the ride when the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. Sport-Rite™ air helper springs are capable of carrying loads up to 3000 lbs (do not exceed
the vehicle's GVWR).

BASIC OPERATION
As your vehicle is loaded, the stock suspension is compressed under the weight of the load. Your vehicle's stock suspension system has
been designed so that it will provide optimum performance and handling with a specific load on the vehicle. When your vehicle is loaded,
its performance, handling characteristics, and ride quality may be compromised. As the stock suspension is compressed, the ride may
become "mushy", and you may encounter sway and handling problems. As weight is added to the vehicle, the air helper springs become
an active part of the suspension system. As more air pressure is added to the air springs, they will support more weight. You will be able
to compensate for a heavy load by adding air pressure to the air springs, thereby reducing sway and handling problems associated with
a heavily loaded vehicle.

SETTING UP YOUR AIR SPRING SYSTEM
After installing Ride-Rite™ / Sport-Rite™ air helper springs to your vehicle, or after purchasing a vehicle equipped with Ride-Rite™/ Sport-Rite™
air helper springs, take a few minutes to establish some basic operating guides. Following these guidelines will ensure optimum
performance from your air spring kit:

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Using a torque wrench, torque the threaded fasteners to the following specifications:

•
•
•
•
•
•

Fasteners used on studs and blind holes in air springs

10 - 15 ft lbs

Hex nuts installed on axle straps

10 - 15 ft lbs

Hex nuts installed on 3/8" hex bolts

28 - 32 ft lbs

Hex nuts and bolts used to secure brackets to frame

28 - 32 ft lbs

Hex nuts installed on U-bolts

15 - 20 ft lbs

Hex bolts securing 110/70 air spring to lower bracket

10 - 12 ft lbs

PREVAILING-TORQUE LOCK NUTS
In order to assure trouble-free operation, your air spring kit includes a variety of self-locking threaded fasteners. Your kit may include
prevailing-torque lock nuts. Prevailing-torque lock nuts may be more difficult to install, but will not come loose under normal suspension
operation.

THREAD LOCKING COMPOUND
The hex bolts used to secure the air spring to the brackets may have a locking compound applied to the threads. Lock washers are not
required when using a fastener with pre-applied thread locking compound. When installing fasteners with thread locking compound, follow
the torque recommendations listed above.

HELICAL LOCK WASHERS
Your air helper spring kit may include helical lock washers. In order to properly use the lock washer, tighten the nut/bolt fastener just enough
to flatten the lock washer. Overtightening the fastener may damage the nut or bolt. When using helical lock washers, follow the torque
recommendations listed above.

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AIR FITTINGS
™

Your kit will include one of two types of push-to-connect air fittings. Ride-Rite kits include push-to-connect air fittings with a thread
locking compound pre-applied to the fitting's threads. Sport-Rite™ kits include push-to-connect swivel fittings with a nylon collar in place
of the thread locking compound.
Ride-Rite™ fittings - To install the air fittings with the pre-applied thread sealant, thread the air fitting into the air spring and tighten the
fitting securely to engage the pre-applied thread sealant.
Sport-Rite™ fittings - To install the air fittings with the nylon collar, thread the air fitting into the threaded hole on the air spring so that
the nylon collar makes contact with the top of the air spring and then tighten 1/4-1/2 turn. No thread sealant is required.
Both types of air fittings allow easy connection between the air fitting and the air line tubing. To install the air line in the fitting, cut the
tubing as square as possible using a sharp utility knife or razor blade. Push the air line into the fitting as far as possible. If the tubing must
be removed from the fitting, first release the air pressure from the air spring. Push the collar towards the body of the fitting and then pull
the tubing out.

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN AIR SPRINGS
It is not uncommon to have a pressure differential between the air springs after the vehicle has been brought to a level condition. If the
vehicle is within the manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle weight and you have not achieved a level condition after inflating the air
springs to 80 psi, there may be a problem with your stock suspension. The leaf springs may have become fatigued over time or a leaf spring
may be fractured. There may be an obstruction in the air system, not allowing the air pressure to reach the air helper springs.

AIR SPRING ALIGNMENT
Upon completion of the installation, the air springs should be inspected for proper alignment. Although the air helper springs can function
with some misalignment, it is preferred that the air springs be mounted so that they are as aligned as vertically as possible.

AIR SPRING DESIGN HEIGHT
Check the distance between the upper bracket and lower bracket (design height). The dimensions shown on Page 5 are a guide to assist
in determining the ideal operating height for your air helper springs.

INFLATING THE AIR SPRINGS
With the air helper springs installed on your vehicle and the vehicle sitting on a level surface, visually verify that the vehicle is in a level
state. If the vehicle is not level (front-to-back or from side-to-side) it can be brought to a level position by inflating the air springs using
an air source equipped with an air chuck. (If your vehicle is equipped with a cab control or automatic height control system, refer to that
device's installation instructions.) Each air spring has a separate inflation valve. To level the vehicle from front-to-back, add air pressure
to both air springs in equal amounts. To level the vehicle from side-to-side, add more air pressure to the air spring on the lower side of
the vehicle. When inflating the air springs, add air pressure in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently. The air spring requires
much less air volume than a tire, and therefore, will inflate much more quickly. Warning: DO NOT EXCEED 100psi IN EACH AIR
SPRING.

LEVELING THE VEHICLE
Take your loaded vehicle to your local service station and park on a level spot near the air pump. Check the level of your vehicle visually.
If it is not level, either from front to back or from side to side, level it by inflating your air springs. (If your vehicle is equipped with a cab
control unit or automatic control system refer to the directions for that device.) There is one inflation valve for each air spring. To level
from front to back, add air pressure to both air springs equally. For side to side, add air pressure to the air springs on the side of the vehicle
that is low. When adding air pressure to the air springs, remember that they have a much smaller volume of air that a tire so they will inflate
much quicker. Add air pressure in short bursts until the vehicle is level. (NEVER EXCEED 100psi IN EACH AIR SPRING.)

STORAGE
When storing an RV over long periods of time, inflate the air helper springs to 80 - 90 psi. The air springs will carry some of the vehicle's
weight and reduce leaf spring fatigue during storage.

SAFETY TIPS
Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
As with your vehicle's tires, an air helper spring is a pneumatic device that supports a portion of the vehicle's weight. The air helper spring
may fail as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, improper installation, or improper usage. To reduce the risk of failure,
we strongly recommend the following:

3

1. Inspect the inflated air springs to verify that they do not contact any component of the vehicle under normal suspension
operation. The air helper spring must flex and expand during normal operation. There must be at least 1/2" of clearance between the
inflated air spring and any other component of the vehicle under normal suspension operation.
2. Inspect the air line tubing and the air spring to verify that they have not been damaged due to exposure to heat from the exhaust
system. If the distance between any portion of the air spring and the exhaust system is less than 6", a heat shield should be used.
3. Never overload your vehicle. The manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is stated on the specification plate on the
chassis. You should weigh your vehicle on a truck scale when it is fully loaded and in a level condition to determine if your are
exceeding the manufacturer's recommended GVWR.
4. Never inflate the air helper springs beyond 100 psi.
5. Never attempt to remove any component of the air spring assembly when the air springs are inflated.
6. If an air helper spring has failed while you are on the road, operate your vehicle at reduced speeds. High speed over rough roads
will result in severe bottoming of the air spring and may damage other vehicle components.
7. Never attempt to drive the vehicle in an un-leveled condition. Failure to level a heavily loaded vehicle may result in excessive
body roll and possible damage or injury.
8. If unidentifiable problems exist with your air helper spring kit, visit Firestone on the web at www.ride-rite.com for technical assistance.
9. Never cut, weld, or modify the air helper springs or brackets.
10. Do not use aerosol tire repair products in the air helper springs. If there is a hole in the air spring it must be replaced.
11. Do not use a tire patch of any kind on the air helper spring. If there is a hole in the air spring it must be replaced.

MAINTENANCE
The following will help obtain the maximum service life from your air helper springs:
1. It is considered normal for air helper springs to lose some air pressure over time. Normal pressure loss should not exceed 3 - 4 psi per
week when the air springs are inflated to 50 psi. If the pressure loss is greater than 3 - 4 psi per week, there may be a leak in the system.
Each time you check the pressure in the air springs, you will lose 3 - 5 psi. The air pressure should be checked at regular intervals. Establish
an interval to check the air springs by first inflating them to the pressure required for your application. Check the air pressure after one
week. If there is no pressure loss, check the air pressure after two more weeks. Again, if there is no pressure loss, check the air pressure
after three more weeks. Continue to lengthen the time period until you detect a loss in air pressure. The time it takes to lose air pressure
will determine how often you should check the pressure in the air springs.
It is recommended that the air pressure be checked according to the following guidelines:
A. When the vehicle is removed from long-term storage
B. At regular intervals during the continuous operation of the vehicle (see above)
C. If the air springs are used to assist in leveling an RV or camper on uneven ground, ensure that the vehicle is returned to a level
ride height before departing.
3. The brackets used to secure the air helper spring to the vehicle should be inspected periodically for damage and for loose fasteners. Ensure
that the air line tubing is clear of any sharp edges and routed away from the exhaust system. The brackets and air line tubing should be
inspected every 6 months. Ensure that the threaded fasteners are torqued to the specifications listed on Page 2.
4. Accumulated sand, gravel, or other road debris on the air springs or brackets should be rinsed away with a garden hose each time the
vehicle is washed.
5. If it is necessary to lift the vehicle by the frame, first release the air pressure from the air springs. This will allow the air springs to extend
to their maximum length without being damaged. The uninflated air springs are capable of supporting the weight of the axle when the
vehicle is lifted by the frame. After servicing of the vehicle is complete, lower the vehicle to the ground and reinflate the air helper springs
to the desired pressure. On Sport-Rite kits the air helper springs must be aired up to 50 psi and then release the air until the air helper springs
are to the desired pressure.

TECHNICAL DATA
Proper installation of the air helper spring kit is important to obtaining all of the benefits your kit is capable of delivering. The air spring must
be attached to the vehicle so that it is aligned as close to vertical as possible. The air spring kit must be installed so that the distance between
the upper and lower brackets is within a specific range. Refer to the chart on page 5 to determine the proper air spring mounting height and air
pressure range for your application.
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A IR S PRING T ECHNICAL D ATA

“X”
“X”

“X”

Single
Convoluted

70mm

Double
Convoluted

“X”

“X”

110/70

1T

M IN / M A X

P ART
N UMBER

AIR

D ESCRIPTION

T YPE

"X " D IMENSION

PRESSURE

M AX

LOAD
@ 1 0 0 PSI
( PER PAIR )

1132

S ingle C onvoluted

116B -1

4" - 5"

5 / 100 ps i

3000 lbs

6762

Double C onvoluted

268C

4" - 5"

5 / 100 ps i

3200 lbs

6764

Double C onvoluted

268C

4" - 5"

5 / 100 ps i

3200 lbs

6766

Double C onvoluted

268C

4" - 5"

5 / 100 ps i

3200 lbs

6397

Double C onvoluted

267C 1.5

4-1/2" - 6-1/2"

5 / 100 ps i

4800 lbs

6781

Double C onvoluted

267C 1.5

4-1/2" - 6-1/2"

5 / 100 ps i

4800 lbs

0335

Double C onvoluted

224C

4-1/2" - 6-1/2"

5 / 100 ps i

5000 lbs

6401

Double C onvoluted

224C

4-1/2" - 6-1/2"

5 / 100 ps i

5000 lbs

7325

Double C onvoluted

26C

5" - 7"

5 / 100 ps i

5640 lbs

2107

1T Style

1T 14C -1

7" - 11"

10 / 100 ps i

6400 lbs