Repair guide

This document contains all our recommendations to guide you in the repair of your Michelin Inflatable Solutions product.

We recommend that you read it very carefully the first time you use it, and refer to it if you have any doubts.

Our sales team remains at your disposal for any further information (e-mail: commerce@inflatable.michelin.com).

BLADDER

Removing a bladder

1. Remove the components (pipes, eyelets, valves)

• Spread out the structure.

• Carefully disconnect the tubes.

• Remove the Naish valves and eyelets by pinching and unclipping them.

• Remove the Gaastra valves by unsticking the Velcro on half the valve and then pulling to unstick it completely.

2. Remove the bladder

• Gently pull the bladder out through the integration zip. Hold the bladder by its centre to limit friction against the zip.

For larger sizes : pull the bladder out through the zip at the centre of the length in two steps.

Fitting a new bladder

1. Laying out the structure

2. Check the bladder (all the elements on the flange and structure match)

3. Prepare the bladder before installation

Make a sleeve with the extremities of the bladder. This is done by turning up the corners inside the bladder to make it easier to place the bladder in the corners when inflating.

4. Fitting the new bladder

• Check that the dacron protection is in place before fitting. This protects the bladder from the zip.

• Using the clamp, pass through the structure via the integration zips. Start on one side, then pull out the clamp at the other end. (For large bladders, the integration will be done twice, starting in the middle and then on each side).

• Roll up the bladder using the sliding knot on the clamp. Then make 3 turns around the knot to make sure the bladder doesn't come loose when you pull the coil.

• Gently insert and guide the bladder through the zip into the structure.

• Gently pull on the clamp to slide the bladder along the structure. Pull the bladder up to approximately 10 cm from the zip, and gently pull it out to remove the clamp.

• To position the bladder, match the position of the valve on the bladder with that on the fabric.

5. Position the components (valves, eyelets)

• Position the valves in their location. Distribute the bladder evenly, do not offset the top and bottom faces when positioning them.

• If you need to pull part of a bladder to give yourself space, or to match the valve, pull it through the centre, taking it completely in your hand. Don't just pull on the bottom part, as this would cause the bladder to shift.

Repairing a bladder or a covering

• Clean the damaged area (small tear, small hole) with an alcohol patch.

• Place the Monster patch transparently over the damaged area, then fold it in 4 to trace its middle.

• Place the Monster patch in the middle of the hole, peel off the self-adhesive part and stick the patch on.

• Push the air out of the patch using a rigid tool.

big gaastra valve

Change of valve

1. Remove the valve

• Remove the damaged bladder, referring to I. in the guide.

• Cut around the valve using scissors.

• Use an alcohol patch to clean the area.

2. Fitting the new valve

• Place the adhesive valve from the repair kit over the hole, paying attention to the direction of the valve.

• Integrate the repaired bladder, referring to II. of the guide.

Fitting the valve

• Match the Big Gaastra valve to its position on the fabric sleeve.

• Press gently around the valve so that the white PVC part fits into the groove until it clicks into place.

• Check that all the PVC protection is in the groove of the Big Gaastra.

big gaastra cap

Fitting the cap

• Using scissors, cut the stem attached to the plug as close as possible to the base.

• Turn the seal over; the grooved part should be visible.

• The plug should be attached to the structure using the elastic band provided. Follow the steps detailed in the downloadable repair guide.

• Close the cap on the Big Gaastra valve.

naish Valve

Change of valve

1. Remove the valve

• Remove the damaged bladder, referring to I. in the guide.

• Cut around the valve using scissors.

• Use an alcohol patch to clean the area.

2. Fitting the new valve

• Place the adhesive valve from the repair kit over the hole, paying attention to the direction of the valve.

• Integrate the repaired bladder, referring to II. of the guide.

Fitting the valve

• Match the Naish valve to its position on the fabric sheath.

• Push the teat out through its slot.

• Apply slight pressure with your hand to hold the fabric, then push half the valve ring through.

• Then pull the other half of the ring through in a circular motion.

• Check that the valve is correctly positioned by turning it slightly.

Tube

Tube replacement

1. Remove the tube

• Hold the valve and use your other hand to remove the tube from the teat.

2. Cut the new tube

• Place the old tube next to the new one, then cut the tube to the same length with scissors, using a clean, precise movement. The cut must be clean.

3. Fit the hose onto a naish valve

• Insert the teat of the valve into the tube. Hold the valve with your other hand to keep it flat.

• Once the first centimetre has been pushed in, push the tube in by rotating it slightly from left to right. Continue to hold the valve flat with your other hand.

• Push the tube in as far as the teat on the valve.

Eyelet

Fitting the eyelet

• Match the eyelet to its location on the fabric sleeve. The eyelet should be visible when viewed from above through the hole in its location.

• Pass the clamp through the groove in the eyelet. Do this from the outside inwards so that you can pull the end of the clamp from the outside.

• Reposition the eyelet opposite the hole then pull on both ends of the clamp at the same time so that the eyelet is positioned and protrudes over the PVC protection.

• Pull on one side of the clamp so that the eyelet snaps into position. The PVC protector should be fully seated in the groove all the way round the eyelet.