Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: "Viator Trudeau" on January 14, 2010, 03:02:46 PM

Title: automatic load leveler Compressor
Post by: "Viator Trudeau" on January 14, 2010, 03:02:46 PM
I am trying to get a compressor to pump air.  The diaphram is has no   holes or cracks/splits, but is brittle.  What solution/liquid can I dip it in to soften it up in?  It seems to be rubberized fabric, Could I use baby oil, Armoral, leather conditioner or what?  These diaphrams are non- existant now, so I do not want to make matters worse.   Viator Trudeau
Title: Re: automatic load leveler Compressor
Post by: vicbrincat on January 14, 2010, 04:09:53 PM
Are you referring to the Diaphrams at the wheels...a.k.a. the Air Bags?
Or the Diaphram in the pump?

Regardless....

When I did the diaphrams on my EB, I used a silicon-based spray that was used for lubricating weather stripping. I would spray them on a monthly basis just to keep them from going brittle.

But diaphrams that are already brittle...can not be brought back. Brittle means that the rubber has oxidized and broken down. No amount of spray or lubrication is going to reverse this aging process. You can prevent it from getting worts by using a silicon-based spray..but unfortunately you will not be able to "fix" the deterioration that has occurred thus far.

I would avoid using petrolium-based products such as oil, vasaline, etc.... they will actually force the rubber to swell and weaken it.

Vic