Is removing the lead edge bladder on these magical one pump systems as tricky as I'm dreading? Any helpful hints from successful do-it-yourself repairers much appreciated.
5yards,
- The process takes a tad longer with the one pump process but is still relatively easy as long as you take your time to ensure it is done correctly.
- First ensure that you actually have a leak and not a leaky dump valve where sand is hiding underneath the rubber washer. Just a fine layer of sand will cause a slow leak. 99% of the time the leak is just that... sand under the washer and takes seconds to clean and reinstall.
- If you do in fact have a leaky leading edge then it maybe that you have to pull the bladder out a bit or the whole way out. Just remember that if you need to pull the bladder out ensure that you have a line of string attached to the tips of the bladder to ensure the bladder can be pulled back in. When reinserting the bladder ensure that there are no twists.
Other than that should be a piece of cake if you take your time!
Praying it is the old sand in the dump valve, but if not the main thing I'm worried about is the attachment points between the LE bladder and the struts, any concerns there?
The main thing is to ensure u have a good clear working area in the shade. You will need some string/scissors/zip lock bag for all the little bits. Removing the hoses from the leading edge is easy enough and refitting them takes a little muscle. Make sure the collar is the correct way and no problems should be noted. Ensure that no twists are seen when feeding the bladder back in. The first time you do this it will take around 2hrs.
Have fun.
