Installation of OEM Bellows (without new piston) Last Updated: 02/21/2010
When installing the OEM style Bellows onto existing pistons, they need to have a "fold" created in them that will allow the bellow to fold back over itself at normal and access heights. There are two ways to do this: off or on the vehicle.
If off the vehicle, an air compressor can be used to put about 10psi of air into the bladder through the piston top (the air collet hole). Then the bellow can slowly and evenly pushed down and the bellow will begin to fold over itself. Once it is folded it should be left this way until completely installed.
For an on-vehicle approach, the bladder in its full, extension will have to be creased and contorted into an "S" shape, until both top and bottom are secured. Then the "pig tails" method can be used to add a little air, extending the bag, then slowly release the air with the weight of the vehicle on it. The bag will eventually fold back down over itself. This method sometimes take a few cycles of inflating/deflating before good folds are finally made, doing one end as a pair and keeping the axle level helps considerably.
