Thomas SAF-T-LINER C2, Maintenance Manual

Page: 86 / 176

Freightliner AirLiner Component
Clearance Check
Check that the air line support brackets are posi-
tioned so the air lines do not rub against anything.
Reposition any configurations that could contact the
air line and result in friction and wear. There must be
at least 1 inch (25 mm) clearance around the rubber
air spring when inflated. If the clearance is less than
1 inch (25 mm), relocate the obstructing parts.
CAUTION
Failure to relocate obstructing parts could result
in damage to the air spring.
Freightliner AirLiner Component
Inspection and Operation Check
WARNING
Inspect the components and check their operation
as described below. Failure to perform these in-
spections and checks could result in separation of
worn suspension components and loss of vehicle
control, possibly causing personal injury or death,
or property damage.
1. Chock the front tires and apply the parking
brake. Raise the rear of the vehicle so the tires
just clear the ground and the suspension is fully
extended. Place safety stands under the vehicle
frame.
2. Squeeze all air springs to check for complete
deflation.
3. Inspect each air spring for wear at its connection
to its pedestal. Replace any worn air springs.
4. Check the axle connection welds (beam seat to
equalizing beam) and axle adapter to axle for
cracks. If the welds are cracked, grind them out
and reweld the parts.
5. Move the axle up and down while checking for
signs of looseness due to worn parts at the front
pivot connections. Replace any worn parts.
6. Inspect the shock absorbers for oil leaks and
worn rubber bushings. Replace the shock ab-
sorbers and/or rubber bushings if wear or dam-
age is noted.
7. Inspect the stabilizer bar, if so equipped, for ir-
regular bushing wear or cracks in the brackets.
The stabilizer bar is optional on 10,000- and
15,000-pound AirLiner suspension systems.
8. Remove the safety stands and lower the rear of
the vehicle to the ground. Run the engine until
air pressure of at least 100 psi (689 kPa) is
maintained throughout the system.
9. Check that all air springs are inflated.
Freightliner AirLiner Control Rod
Check
1. Without disconnecting the control rods, use your
hand to attempt to move each of the control rod
ends up, down, in, and out. If there is any move-
ment, examine the control rods for wear or dam-
age. Replace the control rod(s) if necessary.
2. Inspect the rubber bushings for cracks or cuts.
3. Check for any shifting of the barpin.
4. Check for cracks in the metal components and
welds.
32–02 Suspension Lubricating
Freightliner Taperleaf Front
Suspension
Wipe all dirt from the grease fittings at the forward
spring pin and the spring shackle pins. Then apply
f320021a 05/27/93
Fig. 1, Torque Arm Bushings
Suspension
32
Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus Maintenance Manual, June 2015
32/2