Specifications

Preventive Maintenance 24 17730-248
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
SECTION 7
Preventive Maintenance
Following appropriate inspection procedure is important to help ensure the proper mainte-
nance and operation of the AIRTEK
®
/SOFTEK
®
suspension system and component parts
function to their highest efficiency.
HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
■
The first 1,000 miles
■
On-highway – every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
COMPONENT INSPECTION
■
Air spring — Look for chaffing or any signs of spring or component damage.
■
Clamp group — Check torque on clamp group mounting hardware. Refer to Torque
Specifications in the appendix of this publication.
■
Fasteners — Look for any loose or damaged fasteners on the entire suspension. Make
sure all fasteners are tightened to the specified torque. Refer to Torque Specifications
in the appendix. Use a calibrated torque wrench to check torque in a tightening direc-
tion. As soon as the fastener starts to move, record the torque. Correct the torque if
necessary. Replace any worn or damaged fasteners.
■
Front hangers and shackle brackets — Check for cracks or loose mounting hardware.
Replace if necessary, see the Component Replacement Section of this publication for
replacement procedure.
■
Operation — All steering components must move freely through the full range of motion
from axle stop to axle stop.
■
Shock absorber — Look for any signs of dents or leakage, misting is not considered a
leak. See Shock Absorber Inspection in this section.
■
Steel leaf spring and wrap leaf assembly — Look for cracks. Check the front and rear
bushings for any wear or deterioration. Replace spring assembly if any of the previous
conditions are observed. See the Component Replacement Section of this publication for
replacement procedure.
■
STEERTEK Axle — The axle should be free of any nicks or gouges. Inspect for any
cracks or dents on axle.
■
Steering pivot points — Check for looseness at all pivot points. Inspect and lubricate all
pivot points. Refer to the Trouble Shooting Guide Section in the Appendix of this publication.
■
Thrust washers (If equipped) — Look for any signs of excessive wear to the thrust wash-
ers, shackles and shackle bracket. See Thrust Washer Inspection detailed in this section.
■
Tire wear — Inspect tires for wear patterns that may indicate suspension damage or
misalignment. See Tire Inspection in this section.
■
Top and bottom axle wrap liners — Look for any cracking or broken pieces on liner in
load bearing areas. See Axle Wrap Liner Inspection in this section.
■
Top pad (AIRTEK) — Check for cracks or damage. Replace if necessary, see the
Component Replacement Section of this publication for replacement procedure.
■
Top pad and bump stop (SOFTEK) — Check for cracks and/or missing rubber bump
stops. Replace if necessary, see the Component Replacement Section of this publication
for replacement procedure.
■
Wear and damage — Inspect all parts of suspension for wear and damage. Look for
bent or cracked parts. Replace all worn or damaged parts.
See vehicle manufacturer’s applicable publications for other preventative maintenance
requirements.
L
66
1
APPENDIX
SERVICE MANUAL