Specifications

17730-248 93 Component Replacement
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
12. Inspect the cross tube for dents, cracks, or thread damage. Replace the cross tube if
needed.
ASSEMBLY
1. Lubricate the new tie rod end threads with Anti-Seize.
NOTE When installing the cross tube the thread direction of the tie rod ends are as follows:
■
A right hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the right side Ackermann arm.
■
A left hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the left side Ackermann arm.
2. Install the new tie rod end into the cross tube, leaving the same amount of threads
exposed that were counted on the failed tie rod end prior to removal.
THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD END MUST EXTEND PAST THE SLOTS INTO THE TIE
ROD CROSS TUBE, SEE FIGURE 9-78. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE,
LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
FIGURE 9-78
3. Replace the opposing tie rod end if necessary by repeating steps 2 and 3.
4. If replacing opposing tie rod end, it is critical that the cross tube will rotate in the oppos-
ing tie rod end.
DO NOT HEAT THE CROSS TUBE WITH A TORCH TO ROTATE THE CROSS TUBE IN THE TIE ROD
END. THE USE OF SUCH HEAT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE CROSS TUBE.
A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF WARRANTY, AND CAN
RESULT IN THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE LOWER STEERING KNUCKLE
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
5. Install the cross tube into the Ackermann arms.
6. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 foot pounds torque then rotate the castle nut to the
next castle slot and install cotter pin.
7. Grease tie rod ends, see Lubrication Chart for required lubricant in the Preventive
Maintenance Section of this publication.
8. Set the toe, (see the Toe Adjustment Procedure in the Alignment & Adjustments Section
of this publication).
9. Remove the wheel chocks.
SERVICE MANUAL
L
135
FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION
1
APPENDIX