Specifications

17730-248 33 Preventive Maintenance

AIRTEK

•

SOFTEK

for Blue Bird Buses

VISUAL INSPECTION

Look for these potential problems when doing a visual inspection. Inspect the shock

absorbers fully extended. Replace as necessary.

FIGURE 7-18

LEAKING VS. MISTING SHOCK VISUAL INSPECTION

The inspection must not be conducted after driving in wet weather or a vehicle wash; shocks

need to be free from water. Many shocks are often mis-diagnosed as failures. Misting is the

process whereby very small amounts of shock fluid evaporate at a high operating temper-

ature through the upper seal of the shock. When the “mist” reaches the cooler outside air,

it condenses and forms a film on the outside of the shock body. Misting is perfectly normal

and necessary function of the shock. The fluid which evaporates through the seal area helps

to lubricate and prolong the life of the seal.

FIGURE 7-19

A shock that is truly leaking and needs to be

replaced will show signs of fluid leaking in

streams from the upper seal. These streams can

easily be seen when the shock is fully extended,

underneath the main body (dust cover) of the

shock. Look for these potential problems when

doing a visual inspection. Inspect the shock

absorbers fully extended. Replace as necessary.

NOTE The AIRTEK/SOFTEK suspension is equipped

with a premium seal on the shock, however this

seal will allow for misting to appear on the

shock body (misting is not a leak and is

considered acceptable).

If the shock is damaged, install a new shock

absorber as detailed in the Component Replace ment Section of this publication.

SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT AXLE & SUSPENSION

APPENDIX