Specifications

17730-248 35 Preventive Maintenance

AIRTEK

•

SOFTEK

for Blue Bird Buses

STEERING KNUCKLE INSPECTION

CHECKING VERTICAL END PLAY (UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT)

The operating spec for vertical clearance on the steering knuckle is 0.008" to 0.030".

1. Chock the rear tires to help prevent the vehicle from moving.

2. Set the parking brakes.

3. Use a jack to raise the vehicle until both tires are 1" off the ground.

FIGURE 7-23

4. Place a dial indicator on each side of the

axle as follows:

a. Index the wheels slightly (left or

right).

b. Place the magnetic dial indicator

base on the axle, see Figure 7-23.

c. Place the tip of the dial indicator on

the top of the upper steering knuckle

(not on the grease cap).

5. Set the dial indicator to “0” (zero).

6. Lower the jack.

7. If vertical clearance is greater than

0.030", adjust the upper knuckle to

obtain clearance specifications, if adjust-

ment does not achieve clearance

specification, install shims (Hendrickson part no. 60259-002) between the top of the

axle and the bottom of the upper steering knuckle to obtain the proper clearance spec-

ification. See Steering Knuckle Assembly in the Component Replace ment Section of this

publication for proper shim installation.

8. If vertical clearance is below 0.008", adjust the upper steering knuckle to obtain the

proper clearance specification, if adjustment does not achieve clearance specification,

remove shims. See Steering Knuckle Assembly in the Component Replacement Section

of this publication for proper shim removal.

SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION

APPENDIX