Specifications

17730-248 75 Component Replacement
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
SOFTEK TOP AXLE WRAP (In Chassis)
DISASSEMBLY
1. Place the vehicle on level floor.
2. Chock the wheels.
3. Raise the frame.
4. Support the vehicle with frame stands.
5. Suspend the front axle to remove the load from the spring and wrap leaf assembly.
6. Remove the front and rear M20 spring eye bolts, washers and locknuts. Loosen the
M20 shackle pivot bolt.
SERVICE HINT A bottle jack may be required to raise the axle slightly in order to remove spring eye bolts.
7. Support the axle with a jack.
DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH TO REMOVE CLAMP GROUP BOLTS OR ATTACHING
FASTENERS. THE USE OF SUCH HEAT ON SUSPENSION COMPONENTS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT
THE STRENGTH OF THESE PARTS. A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER CAN RESULT IN
THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
SERVICE HINT If a clamp group nut fails to come off bolt, cut half way through the bolt with an abrasive
cut off wheel, taking care not to contact axle beam or other components. Using an impact
wrench, spin the locknut to fracture the bolt and remove.
8. Remove the ¾" clamp group U-bolts, washers and locknuts. Discard fasteners.
9. Remove the top pad and the bottom axle wrap.
10. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt.
11. Remove the spring and wrap leaf assembly.
12. Strike the axle wrap with a dead blow mallet at the front and rear on the underside of
the axle wrap to dislodge it from the axle, see Figure 9-35.
13. Clean and inspect the axle wrap and axle wrap liners for cracks or damage, replace
each if cracks or damage are present.
FIGURE 9-35
ASSEMBLY
1. Install the new axle wrap liner on the axle.
2. Spray the axle wrap liner and the axle wrap with a silicon lubricant.
SERVICE MANUAL
L
117
FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION
1
APPENDIX