Abrasion of the rubber bellow can be caused in two ways: Contact with other components on the vehicle, or with foreign objects. In the first instance, more often than not, an air line that feeds the suspension or braking system is the culprit. This usually occurs more often on tractors rather than on trailers because of the need to locate multiple lines in a more compact area.

Bellow abrasion also can be caused by simple road dirt and debris in over-the-road, line haul applications. Additionally, the potential for bellow abrasion is higher during the winter months when sand, gravel or salt is spread on roads to melt snow and ice and provide traction. Those substances will accumulate around the piston or bead plates of the air spring and eventually rub a hole in the bellow as it moves over the abrasive material in normal operation.

Abrasion damage to an air spring may be caused by another worn or failed parts in the air suspension system. Worn bushings, for example, will throw an air spring out of its operating envelope

A leak or pinch in the airline to the suspension system, if not fixed, eventually can cause under-inflation of the air spring and result in constant contact of the rubber bellow with an abrasive suspension part crating a hole over time. This type of abrasive failure is more common in the rolling lobe style air spring. In over-the-road applications, abrasive wear will take place on empty trailers or tractors “bob tailing,” since one axle can support the vehicle weight as the other axle “airs out.” When one or more, but not all, air springs become under-inflated in the operation of a vehicle, the under-inflated springs have a tendency to deform, instead of rolling uniformly over the piston.

Solution: Clear air spring of obstructions or contact by: checking for proper air supply, securing all surrounding parts to eliminate contact with bellow, strap air supply lines away from the bellow, check for proper application.

Abrasion of the rubber bellow - is caused by an object constantly rubbing on it, ultimately creating a hole