Specifications

17730-248 27 Preventive Maintenance
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
TIE ROD END INSPECTION
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Before beginning this inspection procedure, the entire system must be unloaded (i.e., the
front end of the vehicle must be raised and supported with safety stands).
DO NOT GREASE THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY BEFORE PERFORMING THE INSPECTION. DOING SO
CAN INHIBIT EFFORTS TO DETERMINE ACTUAL WEAR.
REPLACE THE ENTIRE TIE ROD END IF THE BOOT IS TORN OR MISSING, FAILURE TO DO SO
CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIE ROD END.
1. Block rear wheels of vehicle. Using the bottom of the axle beam or the frame rails, raise
the front end off the ground and support with stands.
2. With the engine off, turn the wheels from full left to full right and then return to the
straight-ahead position.
3. Check that the boots are in place and completely installed over the tie rod ends.
4. Check for cracking or tears in the boots. Also check the boot seals for damage. Replace
the entire tie rod end if the boot is damaged.
THE CORRECT COTTER PIN MUST BE INSTALLED THROUGH THE TIE ROD END WITH THE
CASTLE NUT TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION IN ORDER TO SECURELY
ATTACH THE TIE ROD. LOSS OF THE COTTER PIN CAN CAUSE THE TIE ROD END NUT TO
BECOME LOOSE AND ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE STEERING AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN TOTAL
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
5. Check that the tie rod end nut is installed and secured with a cotter pin. If the cotter pin
is missing, check the nut torque specification and then install a new cotter pin. Always
tighten the castle nut to specified torque when setting the cotter pin. Do not back off the
nut to insert cotter pin.
FIGURE 7-4
6. Check that the tie rod end is
threaded correctly into the
cross tube and is engaged
deeper than the end of the
cross tube slot. The tie rod
end must be visible the entire
length of the cross tube slot,
see Figure 7-4.
7. Check that zerk fittings are
installed. Replace a damaged
zerk fitting with a new one.
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS OR METHODS TO CHECK FOR MOVEMENT OF THE TIE
ROD ASSEMBLY. DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS CAN RESULT IF:
■
A CROW BAR, PICKLE FORK OR 2 x 4 ARE USED.
■
ANYTHING OTHER THAN HANDS ARE USED TO GRASP THE CROSS TUBE ASSEMBLY (CAN
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE CROSS TUBE).
■
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE OR FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE TIE ROD ENDS OR THE JOINTS OF
THE ASSEMBLY.
SERVICE MANUAL
L
69
FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION
1
APPENDIX