SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT PART 4, FRONT AXLE ADJUSTMENT
Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:40 pm
Please make sure to follow the instructions in the order that has been described. Do not skip the factory designed steps.
I am sorry that it has taken this long to finish this adjustment procedure, but we have been without internet for a few weeks.
Once you have the drive axle adjusted, then it is time to adjust the front axle. Keep in mind that the front axle was off the ground when you checked the measurements on the drive axle. When you let the front end down, the measurements on the drive axle may change. Don't worry about that because after you adjust the front end, they should come back into adjustment.
First, measure the front end at the wheel flares just as you did on the drive axle. Record your measurements.
Next, using your bottle jack with the gauge, jack up each front torsion at the outermost part of the torsion until the tire just clears the ground. Check and record the weight.
You want the weights to be within 100 lbs. from side to side. If they are off more than 100 lbs., then adjust the lower side up until it is even with the higher side. This is done through the same adjustment rod that you adjust for height. Keep in mind that this will change the height also.
When you make your adjustment, raise the front end off the ground and place jack stands under the bulkheads for safety. Loosen the vertical bolts on the end shackles of the torsion bars. Then using your 1-7/8" wrench, back off the outer nut on the adjustment rod and then make your adjustment by turning the inner nut clockwise forcing the fixing arm outboard.
Once you have evened the weights, then shake up the bus by moving it forward and back hitting your brakes several times. Every time you make an adjustment you should shake up the bus to settle the adjustments you just made.
Next, measure the front again at the wheel flares. Your measurements should be fairly equal from side to side since you evened the weight. Determine how much you need to raise the front end. Remember that for every inch of threads on your adjustment rod you can raise the coach approximately two inches.
If you have for example, 46" on one side and 45-3/4" on the other but your weights from side to side are dead even, then I would raise both sides 2" giving you 48" and 47-3/4". Keep in mind that the weights being even are more important than the heights being even since this is your steering axle. If you have distributed weight inside the coach evenly, then the weight should be equal from side to side along with your height.
Make your adjustments and recheck after you have made adjustments to both sides. Make sure you tighten the vertical bolts at the shackles after you have finished adjusting.
Now you are finished.
Dan
I am sorry that it has taken this long to finish this adjustment procedure, but we have been without internet for a few weeks.
Once you have the drive axle adjusted, then it is time to adjust the front axle. Keep in mind that the front axle was off the ground when you checked the measurements on the drive axle. When you let the front end down, the measurements on the drive axle may change. Don't worry about that because after you adjust the front end, they should come back into adjustment.
First, measure the front end at the wheel flares just as you did on the drive axle. Record your measurements.
Next, using your bottle jack with the gauge, jack up each front torsion at the outermost part of the torsion until the tire just clears the ground. Check and record the weight.
You want the weights to be within 100 lbs. from side to side. If they are off more than 100 lbs., then adjust the lower side up until it is even with the higher side. This is done through the same adjustment rod that you adjust for height. Keep in mind that this will change the height also.
When you make your adjustment, raise the front end off the ground and place jack stands under the bulkheads for safety. Loosen the vertical bolts on the end shackles of the torsion bars. Then using your 1-7/8" wrench, back off the outer nut on the adjustment rod and then make your adjustment by turning the inner nut clockwise forcing the fixing arm outboard.
Once you have evened the weights, then shake up the bus by moving it forward and back hitting your brakes several times. Every time you make an adjustment you should shake up the bus to settle the adjustments you just made.
Next, measure the front again at the wheel flares. Your measurements should be fairly equal from side to side since you evened the weight. Determine how much you need to raise the front end. Remember that for every inch of threads on your adjustment rod you can raise the coach approximately two inches.
If you have for example, 46" on one side and 45-3/4" on the other but your weights from side to side are dead even, then I would raise both sides 2" giving you 48" and 47-3/4". Keep in mind that the weights being even are more important than the heights being even since this is your steering axle. If you have distributed weight inside the coach evenly, then the weight should be equal from side to side along with your height.
Make your adjustments and recheck after you have made adjustments to both sides. Make sure you tighten the vertical bolts at the shackles after you have finished adjusting.
Now you are finished.
Dan