Specifications

Component Replacement 92 17730-248
AIRTEK
®
•
SOFTEK
®
for Blue Bird Buses
20. Apply loctite to the three brake spider bolts prior to installation into the brake spider.
Tighten bolts to 175-200 foot pounds torque.
DO NOT GREASE KNUCKLES WITHOUT THE BRAKE SPIDER INSTALLED AND TIGHTENED TO
PROPER TORQUE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE RESULTING IN
FAILURE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
21. Install the tie rod end into the lower steering knuckle arm.
22. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 foot pounds torque then rotate the castle nut to the
next castle slot and install cotter pin.
23. Install the drag link into the steering arm and tighten to the vehicle manufacturer’s
specifications.
24. Install new o-rings on the grease caps and lubricate o-rings with grease.
25. Install grease caps and new retaining rings.
26. Install brakes, drums, wheels and tires.
27. Remove jack and safety stands.
28. Grease steering knuckles with the vehicle on the floor.
29. Remove wheel chocks.
TIE ROD END AND CROSS TUBE
NOTE: Hendrickson supplies different tie rod configurations. Prior to ordering find the part number
on the tie rod tube. For additional information see Technical Bulletin SEU-0223 or contact
Hendrickson Sales Engineering.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Position the steer axle tires straight ahead.
3. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut.
4. Lightly tap the side of the Ackermann arm to loosen the tie rod end from the Ackermann
arm, see Figure 9-77.
FIGURE 9-77
5. Repeat to steps 3 and 4 to remove
the other tie rod end.
6. Remove the cross tube and tie rod
ends from the vehicle.
7. Mount the cross tube in a soft
jaw vice.
8. Remove the hardware from the clamp on the cross tube.
9. Count the exposed threads on the tie rod end being replaced.
10. Remove the tie rod end from the cross tube.
DO NOT HEAT THE CROSS TUBE WITH A TORCH TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF THE TIE ROD
END. THE USE OF SUCH HEAT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE CROSS TUBE.
A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF WARRANTY, AND CAN
RESULT IN THE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
11. If the opposing tie rod end is being replaced repeat steps 8 through 10.
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APPENDIX
SERVICE MANUAL