UAS air bag wear... not looking good

Front driver side:
[url]http://www.merrypic.com/files/s6cdy839z3a7y7rseq9f.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.merrypic.com/files/v7da0vtc273gfksou5sp.jpg[/url]

Front passenger side:
[url]http://www.merrypic.com/files/ikfcde9c6mi3mh8vyaku.jpg[/url]
[url]http://www.merrypic.com/files/htebjlibzydwozxe42hg.jpg[/url]


This isn't the first time this has happend...
A while back the same wear on the front driver side bag had me send down to Cali for a re-wrap and modify the install... months later I'm back to square one...
How frustrating/scary is this? Does anyone else have this problem with their 2GS? I've e-mailed UAS in hopes to get this figured out asap since I'm borrowing a friends car until its fixed... I won't risk myself and others on the road driving like that...

[size=4][b][COLOR="Red"]*UPDATE: 05/02/09*[/COLOR][/b][/size]

I sent the 2 worn bags with attached hoses down to California via USPS for about $30. 

I was told the bags would be re-wrapped and turned around in the same day received, but the bags arrived (just 2 days after I shipped them) at UAS on Thursday the 23rd and they didn't start working on them until the following Monday or Tuesday. I didn't receive them back until yesterday Friday May 1st.

What I sent was the 2 bags with the 2 already added plates that were suppose to correct the issue the first time I had this problem, and the hoses attached.

I was told I needed even more extra plates to raise the bag higher. [i]*Note: I was told the "new" bags that people have been discussing that are supposedly thinner are not. They just have a shorter bellow.. which wouldn't help me in this situation. I don't know if my replaced bags were these or not, the difference in height is very small.[/i]

The plan was to have my bags re-wrapped or replaced, with 2 more extra plates on each bag, with an additional 4 plates in the box in the event we needed to add more. (A total of 6 on each side: 2 original + 2 more + 2 in box)

What I received was: 2 new bags, 8 plates (4 per side), and the hoses all detached

We installed.... and this was the outcome...

Driver's side:
[img]http://www.merrypic.com/files/chxk3ks89b6dv3x6gaai.jpg[/img]


Passenger's side:
[img]http://www.merrypic.com/files/sjnqnqqm9ht3bwrpekrl.jpg[/img]



It does not matter how many plates we add, this will not work.

[b]As far as I'm concerned these UAS bags do NOT fit this car. They are TOO WIDE.[/b]

Until a solution is reached I would advise any potential buyers to hold off. My car will continue to sit in the driveway as it has been for the last few weeks.

damn when i was actually thyinking of picking up a Uas  setup with my coilovers :(

is there anything rubbing against the air bags when your driving? i've had my UAS installed about 2 years ago and already drove over 18,000 miles and my bags look fine. :shrug:

On the cima or the 2GS? Different platforms get different results with the universal kits... I think its pretty much clear somethings rubbing.. that was suppose to have been resolved the last time I needed them re-wrapped when we modified the bag placement according to UAS's instructions..

wow i never had problems with the UAS bags.. but looks like that type of bag want made for you model. Looks like its rubbing the knuckle.. Prob best to go with a sleave type like how air runner uses.. is a more thin bag. 
 
Also i heard of others with this problem.. pretty dangerous IMO it keep using that bag set up.. 
 
I have had my UAS bags in my scion for almost 2 years.. no problems but the suspension is diff from yours.

[QUOTE=eight08customs;241923]wow i never had problems with the UAS bags.. but looks like that type of bag want made for you model. Looks like its rubbing the knuckle.. Prob best to go with a sleave type like how air runner uses.. is a more thin bag. 
 
Also i heard of others with this problem.. pretty dangerous IMO it keep using that bag set up.. 
 
I have had my UAS bags in my scion for almost 2 years.. no problems but the suspension is diff from yours.[/QUOTE]

If it wasn't too late I'd consider the alternative... priority #1 is getting this fixed...

[quote=xxjustimajinxx;241909]damn when i was actually thyinking of picking up a Uas setup with my coilovers :([/quote]
you might as well had done airrunner, UAS + coils will end up the same price as airrunner. :shrug:

Mos def its rubbing..... support the front end with jack stands, take the tire off and jack up one side under the lower control arm simulating suspension travel and being slammed. It doesn't help that the knuckle turns too as the wheel turns=more rubbing side to side..... that sucks butt man.....

Damn that sucks. Did you contact Zack? His username is UniversalAir.

This happened to me and Zack said it was installation error. I don't see how it could've been my fault but I need my car so I had to suck it up and pay for the bag rebuild. If you ride slammed all the time you will have this problem because the bag is too fat when it's uninflated. I'm going to try to fix this problem by adding SS kits.

[QUOTE=mdenoga;241934]Damn that sucks. Did you contact Zack? His username is UniversalAir.[/QUOTE]

I contacted him through e-mail, I'll send him a PM too, thanks.

[QUOTE=chrispy;241937]This happened to me and Zack said it was installation error. I don't see how it could've been my fault but I need my car so I had to suck it up and pay for the bag rebuild. If you ride slammed all the time you will have this problem because the bag is too fat when it's uninflated. I'm going to try to fix this problem by adding SS kits.[/QUOTE]

Initially it WAS an installation error. Like I said, I sent the bag for a re-wrap and followed his instructions for a correct install. Yet again.. it resulted in this.

[QUOTE=T.K.O.;241917]On the cima or the 2GS? Different platforms get different results with the universal kits... I think its pretty much clear somethings rubbing.. that was suppose to have been resolved the last time I needed them re-wrapped when we modified the bag placement according to UAS's instructions..[/QUOTE]

yea i have a cima.. i guess those bags are just a problem for 2nd gen gs

[quote=antbo;241929]you might as well had done airrunner, UAS + coils will end up the same price as airrunner. :shrug:[/quote]
hold on now sir.. thats very misleading.... how the heck do you figure that once you do that they would cost the same? 
lets do the math.... 
The flagship UAS kit cost $2200 shipped and that has F/B/S/S and the 1/2in lines and valves.. and that is retail. I have seen it on here (VSC) for less.. i.e. PG motorings sell... and then add the cost of Tein comfort spec coilover's at $1600 or JIC's for $1800 and the most you will be paying is $3800 to $4000 tops..   
NOW lets look at the Airrunner kit for my car... part #2932 that cost $4699 plus kit #3071 to get the 1/2in lines and valve (to make it worth a shit) and you are at almost $6000... 
thats a $2000 differnce
and now don't even try and bring up the Decade kit.. because all that is is KYB GR2 shocks for $3800
you could get the same thing from UAS for $2200 if you got the bottom of the line kit from them (UAS) and added in some KYB shocks....

[QUOTE=20sburning;241942]hold on now sir.. thats very misleading.... how the heck do you figure that once you do that they would cost the same? 
lets do the math.... 
The flagship UAS kit cost $2200 shipped and that has F/B/S/S and the 1/2in lines and valves.. and that is retail. I have seen it on here (VSC) for less.. i.e. PG motorings sell... and then add the cost of Tein comfort spec coilover's at $1600 or JIC's for $1800 and the most you will be paying is $3800 to $4000 tops..   
NOW lets look at the Airrunner kit for my car... part #2932 that cost $4699 plus kit #3071 to get the 1/2in lines and valve (to make it worth a shit) and you are at almost $6000... 
thats a $2000 differnce
and now don't even try and bring up the Decade kit.. because all that is is KYB GR2 shocks for $3800
you could get the same thing from UAS for $2200 if you got the bottom of the line kit from them (UAS) and added in some KYB shocks....[/QUOTE]

Thanks for clearing that up. I knew there was a reason I went with UAS, just forgot about all of my research... never found anything that said I'd be burning a hole in the bag no matter what I did tho.

You should give him a call. He's really helpful over the phone. But he denied that any other 2GS has ever had this problem besides me. I know at least 5 people that have had this problem.

[QUOTE=chrispy;241947]You should give him a call. He's really helpful over the phone. But he denied that any other 2GS has ever had this problem besides me. I know at least 5 people that have had this problem.[/QUOTE]

If I don't hear from him by the end of the day I'll give him a call.

There has got to be a way to resolve this.

[quote=20sburning;241942]hold on now sir.. thats very misleading.... how the heck do you figure that once you do that they would cost the same? 
lets do the math.... 
The flagship UAS kit cost $2200 shipped and that has F/B/S/S and the 1/2in lines and valves.. and that is retail. I have seen it on here (VSC) for less.. i.e. PG motorings sell... and then add the cost of Tein comfort spec coilover's at $1600 or JIC's for $1800 and the most you will be paying is $3800 to $4000 tops.. 
NOW lets look at the Airrunner kit for my car... part #2932 that cost $4699 plus kit #3071 to get the 1/2in lines and valve (to make it worth a shit) and you are at almost $6000... 
thats a $2000 differnce
and now don't even try and bring up the Decade kit.. because all that is is KYB GR2 shocks for $3800
you could get the same thing from UAS for $2200 if you got the bottom of the line kit from them (UAS) and added in some KYB shocks....[/quote]
that price dont even sound right for airrunners LOL. i guess things cost different in cali. why would you wanna hit switches like a bagged truck anyhow. we have uni bodies. i had a bagged accord with 1/2 lines 1/2 valves and f'n cracked the area where the struts bolt on to. f that, ill never do a setup like that on a uni body again.
 
another note i notice peeps talk about there UAS f'n up somehow on these forums. but never airrunner. im a person that pays to play anyways. if i know shit aint gonna give me problems, ill pay. this is my second airrunner setup, on on my GS and one my Q. but i dont wanna seem like anything is bad or good IMO :biggthumpup:
 
dont mean to thread jack though. hopefully UAS takes care of that soon. since it seems like its your only ride

[quote=20sburning;241942]hold on now sir.. thats very misleading.... how the heck do you figure that once you do that they would cost the same? 
lets do the math.... 
The flagship UAS kit cost $2200 shipped and that has F/B/S/S and the 1/2in lines and valves.. and that is retail. I have seen it on here (VSC) for less.. i.e. PG motorings sell... and then add the cost of Tein comfort spec coilover's at $1600 or JIC's for $1800 and the most you will be paying is $3800 to $4000 tops..   
NOW lets look at the Airrunner kit for my car... part #2932 that cost $4699 plus kit #3071 to get the 1/2in lines and valve (to make it worth a shit) and you are at almost $6000... 
thats a $2000 differnce
and now don't even try and bring up the Decade kit.. because all that is is KYB GR2 shocks for $3800
you could get the[B] [I]same thing[/I][/B] from UAS for $2200 if you got the bottom of the line kit from them (UAS) and added in some KYB shocks....[/quote]

But the fact is UAS is not like Air Runner to begin with. You have to piece things out to make it complete. People will do what they want but for most applications, Air Runner will still be my choice. And when antbo says its going to cost the same, hes talking about how much time was wasted going back and forth getting things fixed to work the right way. At least with the Air Runner setup, one doesn't have to worry about fitment going wrong since the research was done.

[QUOTE=mdenoga;241957]But the fact is UAS is not like Air Runner to begin with. You have to piece things out to make it complete. People will do what they want but for most applications, Air Runner will still be my choice. And when antbo says its going to cost the same, hes talking about how much time was wasted going back and forth getting things fixed to work the right way. At least with the Air Runner setup, one doesn't have to worry about fitment going wrong since the research was done.[/QUOTE]

Well put...

Damn that looks dangerous to drive. Uas has been good on my car so far.
[QUOTE=antbo;241929]you might as well had done airrunner, UAS + coils will end up the same price as airrunner. :shrug:[/QUOTE]

Yep. Basically when it was all said and done airrunner would have been $800 more then my coilover uas bag set up.  The money I saved was enough for the digital air management on my set up but I should have gone with airrunner to begin with,:pat:

This is not the first time ive heard rubbing issues with uas bags. Shane had this problem because the size of the bag is too large to fit in the front without rubbing the suspension(correct me if im wrong). This is also why I couldnt go UAS bags. They told me it would work but ive had two friends use UAS bags and both popped from rubbing against the upper control arms on g50.

[quote=antbo;241929]you might as well had done airrunner, UAS + coils will end up the same price as airrunner. :shrug:[/quote]
but not as versatile

[CENTER]Any other mods to your suspension? Camber changed, etc??[/CENTER]

^^lol i looked for the text in your reply for like a full minute before i realized it was centered...lolol. :pat:

Hopefully someone with a 2nd Gen GS with UAS could help him out.

[CENTER][quote=airmax;241992]^^lol i looked for the text in your reply for like a full minute before i realized it was centered...lolol. :pat:[/quote]

:innoutrofl2: Thats my new 'thang' :biggthumpup:

[quote=mdenoga;241996]Hopefully someone with a 2nd Gen GS with UAS could help him out.[/quote]

Trying :)  Just making sure I have all the details. I havent driven my GS3 since August:pat:[/CENTER]

i want to check mine out on my ls i havent so much as looked at tire wear in about 3 months. they only problem i have with my uas is the clanking noise of the bag up and down when im really low. thats why i like airunner because it is built up the shock.

[quote=T.K.O.;241907]Front driver side:
 
[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/CLUTCH_ONE/UASwear.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/CLUTCH_ONE/UASwear1.jpg[/IMG]
Front passenger side:
 
[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/CLUTCH_ONE/UASwear2.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a274/CLUTCH_ONE/UASwear3.jpg[/IMG]
 
 
This isn't the first time this has happend...
 
A while back the same wear on the front driver side bag had me send down to Cali for a re-wrap and modify the install... months later I'm back to square one...
 
How frustrating/scary is this? Does anyone else have this problem with their 2GS? I've e-mailed UAS in hopes to get this figured out asap since I'm borrowing a friends car until its fixed... I won't risk myself and others on the road driving like that...[/quote]
 
Im amazed at the Wear but I still "Think" It is the Fault of the Installer ... :shrug:

[CENTER][B]Ive seen a cut-n-paste of this thread on another forum. Please address these questions here [/B]
[B]1[/B]-What type of installation error was made the first time?
[B]2[/B]- What was done to correct it?
[B]3[/B]- Any other 'mods' or adjustments(camber) to your suspension? [/CENTER]

[QUOTE=fresh;242045]i want to check mine out on my ls i havent so much as looked at tire wear in about 3 months. they only problem i have with my uas is the clanking noise of the bag up and down when im really low. thats why i like airunner because it is built up the shock.[/QUOTE]

the noise you're referring to is your front struts bottoming out. our stock shocks can't handle really low ride heights. I still try to dump really low but when I hit a dip at high speeds or bumps on the rioad I'll get a loud clanking noise too. Switching to coilovers with your UAS can give you an agressive stance and adjustable stiffness for riding slammed.

This is why I run hydraulics...

I think this is from driving lowwwwwwww ,  I have driven on mine for at least 150 trips , and I havent had rubbing issues but only from driving low , 

I fixed the rubbing in the back from the ikeya formula arms , I had shaved those 3 times to get away from rubbing , 

also UAS has two style of bags for our cars I believe.  Shane even had the newer one that thinner , I have the OG style and those are wider , Maybe I can post up a pic of my set up too 

My choice of UAS was from when I blew 3 bags , from over weight from misinstaller , Airride Technologies , damn idiot installer and airrunner wouldnt sell just the struts , only as a kit so I wnet with Uas and they have great help with good product for me thus far

plus driving to socal and back from norcal

Oh man, that sucks. It would happen, right before the 2nd annual meet :signdammit:
 
I hope you can get this taken care of, so you can drive your GS again

I got a buddy that has been riding on UAS for a while now and not one problem. Could it be the bad is an old design?

If you don't have this problem, you're probably driving 4x4.

[quote=chrispy;242146]If you don't have this problem, you're probably driving 4x4.[/quote]
 
On the GS, for sure you are driving 4x4, or you are messing up something with the suspension. 
 
UAS DOES sell cylinders as well. That could fix the problem.

[QUOTE=OCKlasse;242075]This is why I run hydraulics...[/QUOTE]
Werd...

I am also running hydro-pneumatic supsension on my new Lexus IS250.  I want to be able to drive low, or drive 8" higher without worrying about bags rubbing, or shocks knocking from bottoming out (not to mention it will go lower than bags).

[QUOTE=DaygoVIP619;242058]the noise you're referring to is your front struts bottoming out. our stock shocks can't handle really low ride heights. I still try to dump really low but when I hit a dip at high speeds or bumps on the rioad I'll get a loud clanking noise too. Switching to coilovers with your UAS can give you an agressive stance and adjustable stiffness for riding slammed.[/QUOTE]

no it isnt its coming from the rear. i know the noise your talking about. i get that every once in awhile but i know what that is and i cant do anything about it. i have a nasty clank coming from the rear. not always just sometimes

[QUOTE=fresh;242221]no it isnt its coming from the rear. i know the noise your talking about. i get that every once in awhile but i know what that is and i cant do anything about it. i have a nasty clank coming from the rear. not always just sometimes[/QUOTE]

hmm.. if it's a loud clank noise maybe rear shocks bottoming out, or your wheels hitting suspension or body of the car. you should get it checked out because the last thing you want is your rear suspension blowing out or damage because of rubbing issues.

[quote=chrispy;242146]If you don't have this problem, you're probably driving 4x4.[/quote] damn that sucks. with the airrunners you can drive slammed all day.  The shocks and bags works together.  The shocks are made to handle Low driving.Shit...the lower i go the ride gets better lol... Drive low... park even lower.

1-What type of installation error was made the first time?

[b]There wasnt an installation error. It was installed properly.[/b]


2- What was done to correct it?

[b]I was told that I need to add another plate to raise the bag and avoid rubbing. So I sent them for a re-wrap and he sent it back with 1 or 2 plates (cant remember) for each side. He also said that was when they discovered that the "Bilstein's like to drop down their spring perches below stock."[/B]


3- Any other 'mods' or adjustments(camber) to your suspension?

[b]Camber adjustments as in are the wheels cambered all the way in? I'm not too sure. I don't have any camber add-on mods though for sure.[/b]

4- Can I properly install everything and do some touch up paint work on your car?

[b]Sure, why not?[/b]

;)

TKO. SINCE THE MEET IS CLOSE TO YOUR HOUSE IF YOU FEEL ITS SAFE TO BRING YOUR CAR OUT IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE IT.. MAYBE THEN SOME OTHER PEOPLE CAN LOOK AT THE WEAR AND WHAT IT MAY BE HITTING

[QUOTE=mrkenji;242484]TKO. SINCE THE MEET IS CLOSE TO YOUR HOUSE IF YOU FEEL ITS SAFE TO BRING YOUR CAR OUT IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE IT.. MAYBE THEN SOME OTHER PEOPLE CAN LOOK AT THE WEAR AND WHAT IT MAY BE HITTING[/QUOTE]

Wheres the meet details?

nm found it

ill be there




The bags need to come off and get sent to cali to be re-wrapped anyways so I made my Saturday project taking off the bags. Maybe one of you guys can show me how. I seriously don't work on cars... like at all.

dayummm dont' get me wrong i want to use UAS but this scares me, are you using stock shocks /struts ? or you using KYB's  or are you on COILOVERS???

if i remember correctly he is using aftermarket bilstein struts..

First thread updated... please read

That is the same issue for the g50 q45

For the NON CL members here.
 
It is a shytty situation but it is what happens when you want to modify a car especially to baller status by getting air.
I am not the biggest fan of UAS as it is universal but you can't blame UAS like it is there fault for the situation either.
This is not like an exact science where they control every possible variable , they are good to work with you to fix it . Only problem is it is going to be a band aid solution as your spindle is too close.
If you could invert the shock it would work but that would mean a new shock and not UAS. That in itself may lead to a whole new set of problems.

If you want to stop the situation from happening as fast with out constant lubing to reduce friction here are some of my ideas.
The easiest i can see is to apply a low friction material to the spindle to allow the bag to slide over it.

As you are in Washington you have snow and may be able to get some good plastic.
I would try and find those cheap plastic sheets for sliding down hills .
it has 2 holes for handles for the kids to hold onto when sliding down hills. It basically a ghetto toboggan or snow sled. 
This type of plastic should be such a low co efficient of friction it should allow the bag to keep going , if it does wear replace it every 6 months if that quick . 
1 sheet should work for a lifetime if it lasts 6 months .

So how do you get it to keep in place?
get a 3 - 4 inch long piece put some holes at the top and bottom edge so you can slide a zip tie on . Then tie both upper and lower to the spindle.
I am not sure if the spindle will need to be notched to keep it in place from up and down movements of the bag.
You can replace it just by raising the car up and swapping in a new one in 3 minutes .

So again , don't blame UAS as it is not their fault . You want to ride low and these are the consequences . There is a Latin term "Caveat emptor" which means , Let the buyer beware .

So you are making the others aware of possible issues by riding low with UAS .

In a way you are settling as you choose to go with cheaper UAS over air runner , there is a cost factor involved with making custom shocks for matched bags. i personally think UAS is way over priced for just bags . It should cost $500 for a set of bags and another $500 for the fittings ,switches,tank and compressor.

I hope this helps.

My arms that are UAS dont have the arm all up in the bag like that , My bags had the brackets welded up top , I paid for install first and he modded it for me

[QUOTE=antbo;241929]you might as well had done airrunner, UAS + coils will end up the same price as airrunner. :shrug:[/QUOTE]

DOES'NT the airrunner kit sag in the back which makes the front look like it sits higher

kind of off topic but curious

[QUOTE=OCKlasse;242075]This is why I run hydraulics...[/QUOTE]

:tmyksg8:me too