Specifications

Component Replacement 80 17730-248
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
STEERTEK AXLE (Removed from Chassis)
AXLE DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove the bottom axle wrap and liner from the axle.
2. Strike the top 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 9-41.
FIGURE 9-41
3. After removal of the top axle wrap from the axle inspect for cracks or fretting.
4. Remove the tie rod assembly. See Tie Rod disassembly in this section.
REMOVAL OF THE CAP SCREWS WILL ALLOW THE STEERING KNUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE
AXLE. THE BACKBONE MUST BE SUPPORTED BEFORE REMOVAL OF THESE TWO (2) CAP
SCREWS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
5. Remove the two
5
⁄8" socket head cap screws from the steering knuckle assembly.
6. Remove the steering knuckle, thrust bearing, and shims (if equipped).
7. After complete removal of the one side, repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite side of the axle.
8. Inspect the steering kingpin bushings for excessive wear. If worn, replace the kingpin
bushings and seals. See the Kingpin Bushing replacement instructions in this section.
AXLE PRE-ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 9-42
1. Install the new upper axle wrap liner on
the axle. Index the liner with the axle's
guide pin, see Figure 9-42.
DO NOT STRIKE THE TOP AXLE WRAP WITH
A HAMMER. DAMAGE TO THE ALUMINUM
AXLE WRAP WILL OCCUR. USE A PLASTIC
DEAD BLOW MALLET WITH CARE WHEN
INSTALLING THE AXLE WRAP.
SECURELY INSTALL THE TOP WRAP TO THE
AXLE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS
OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
SERVICE HINT Apply a lubricant (such as an aerosol
silicone) to the outer surface of the plastic
liner to aid in assembly of the top axle wrap.
2. Install the top axle wrap, see Axle Wrap
Assembly instructions located in this section. The axle wrap must be aligned with the
guide pin on the axle.
3. At this point in the assembly, do not install anything further on the axle.
Top Axle
Wrap-8K/10K
Top Axle
Wrap Liner
Axle Wrap
Guide Pin
Axle
Top Axle
Wrap
13.2K/14.6K
Bottom Axle
Wrap Liner
Bottom Axle
Wrap
L
122
1
APPENDIX
SERVICE MANUAL