Specifications

Alignment & Adjustments 42 17730-248
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
Major wheel alignment is accomplished in the following sequence of operation:
1. Inspect all the systems that influence the wheel alignment. Refer to the “Inspection Prior
to Alignment” in this section.
2. Check and adjust the maximum turn angle, (see “Steering Stop Procedure” in this sec-
tion), see Figures 8-9 and 8-10.
3. If the vehicle has power steering, check and adjust, if necessary, the pressure relief in
the power steering system. Refer to vehicle manufacturer’s specifications See Steer
Stops in this section.
4. Verify the turning angle per step 2, (toe-out during vehicle turns or the Ackermann
angle). Refer to vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
FIGURE 8-9 FIGURE 8-10
5. Check the kingpin (or steering axis) inclination (the kingpin inclination is not
adjustable). Refer to “Kingpin Inclination”, in the Alignment Definitions in this section.
6. Check the camber angle. Do not attempt to adjust. Refer to “Camber” in the Alignment
Definitions in this section.
AXLE CAMBER IS NOT ADJUSTABLE. DO NOT CHANGE THE AXLE CAMBER ANGLE OR BEND
THE AXLE BEAM. BENDING THE AXLE BEAM TO CHANGE THE CAMBER ANGLE CAN DAMAGE THE
AXLE AND REDUCE AXLE STRENGTH, AND WILL VOID HENDRICKSON’S WARRANTY. A BENT AXLE
BEAM CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE, SEE FIGURE 8-11.
FIGURE 8-11
7. Check and adjust caster angle. Refer to “Caster” in the Alignment Definitions in this sec-
tion. The use of two different angle caster shims will not change cross caster. Cross
caster is the difference between the caster readings for left and right side of the vehicle.
SERVICE HINT Prior to checking caster confirm that the vehicle is at its proper ride height front and rear.
The front and rear ride height must be correct to achieve proper caster.
8. Check and adjust toe-in, refer to adjusting the Toe-In under the Alignment Definitions in
this section.
L
84
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APPENDIX
SERVICE MANUAL