Specifications

17730-248 79 Component Replacement
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
STEERTEK AXLE REMOVAL
Refer to Figures 9-39 and 9-40 when replacing the components of the STEERTEK axle.
DO NOT USE A TORCH ON CLAMP GROUP BOLTS OR ANY OTHER PART OF THE AIRTEK
SUSPENSION. IF THE CLAMP GROUP BOLTS WILL NOT COME LOOSE WITH AN IMPACT
WRENCH, USE A CUT OFF WHEEL AND CUT THE SHANK OF THE BOLT. THE USE OF A TORCH
CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO CERTAIN AIRTEK COMPONENTS THAT CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
1. Place the vehicle on level floor.
2. Chock the wheels.
3. SOFTEK equipped vehicles — proceed to step 6.
PRIOR TO AND DURING DEFLATION AND INFLATION OF THE FRONT AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM,
ENSURE THAT ALL PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT ARE CLEAR FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND
AROUND THE SERVICE AREA, FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY,
DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
4. See additional Air Spring Cautions and Warnings in the Important Safety Notice Section
of this publication prior to inflating or deflating the suspension system.
5. AIRTEK equipped vehicles — Deflate the air springs by disconnecting the height con-
trol valve linkage and lowering the height control valve linkage arm. This will exhaust
the air pressure in the air springs.
6. Raise the frame.
7. Support the vehicle with frame stands.
8. Suspend the front axle with the shocks attached.
9. Remove the front wheels, hubs, brake shoes and backing plate assembly.
10. Disconnect the drag link from the steering arm.
11. SOFTEK equipped vehicles — proceed to step 13.
12. AIRTEK equipped vehicles — Remove lower air spring mounting fasteners for both air
springs at the axle top pad and unseat from the top pad.
13. Support the axle with a floor jack.
THE REPAIR OR RECONDITIONING OF SUSPENSION OR AXLE COMPONENTS IS NOT ALLOWED.
HENDRICKSON ADVISES REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED OR OUT OF
SPECIFICATIONS. ALL MAJOR HENDRICKSON COMPONENTS ARE HEAT TREATED AND TEMPERED.
AIRTEK COMPONENTS CANNOT BE BENT, WELDED, HEATED, OR REPAIRED WITHOUT REDUCING
THE STRENGTH OR LIFE OF THE COMPONENT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES CAN
CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE AND WILL VOID APPLICABLE WARRANTIES.
14. If the vehicle is equipped with the shock absorbers attached to the top axle wrap, it will
be necessary to remove the lower shock mounting locknuts and washers. Remove the
shock absorbers from the lower mounting bolts and push clear of spring assembly.
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.
15. Remove the ¾" clamp group bolts, washers, and locknuts. Discard fasteners.
16. Lower the axle and remove from the vehicle.
SERVICE MANUAL
L
121
FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION
1
APPENDIX