| Author |
Message |
Chuck Brush (Chuckbrush)
Registered Member
Username: Chuckbrush
Post Number: 32
Registered: 1-2007
Posted From: 64.12.117.73
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - 6:28 pm: | |
A 4104 is listed as having rust and air leaks in the air beams but still goes down the road. What does this mean and are air beams easy to fix? I've never seen an air beam, I assume it has something to do with the suspension.
thanks,
Chuck |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member
Username: Chessie4905
Post Number: 741
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.58.117.21
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 - 8:37 pm: | |
the framing above the rear air bags is hollow, and is used as part of the air resevior for the rear bags. Over the years the beams get some pinholes in them from the moisture in the air system, which causes the bags to leak down when setting. As it would be a monumental job to replace the beams, people just install plates between the tops of the bags and beam, blocking that area off. The plates come pre-drilled and have an air tap on the side of the 3/8 inch thick metal plate. you disconnect the line from the beam and reattach it to the plate,s. Good time to replace any old air bags while you are at it.Mine were changed several years ago. Doesn't seem to hurt the ride any, although I never drove any without them. |
Bear Adams (Bear355)
Registered Member
Username: Bear355
Post Number: 14
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 72.152.242.121
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 11:01 pm: | |
Is the air pressure adjustable with plates?We have a MCI-8 |
joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member
Username: Joemc7ab
Post Number: 142
Registered: 6-2004
Posted From: 66.38.159.33
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 30, 2007 - 11:36 pm: | |
Chuck
If you are going to look at that unit, look VERY carefully at the structural integrity of the airbeams and the connection points for the radius rods that hold the rear axle in place. I looked at a 4104 in early August that had holes the size of loonies in the airbeams and the structure indicated a definite sag in the middle of the bus. This was a coach with a very definite structural deficit and IMHO ready for scrapping. The airbags had been plated of, but the support above the bags (airbeams) looked very tenuous.
Joe. |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member
Username: Chessie4905
Post Number: 744
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 71.58.117.21
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 01, 2007 - 4:52 pm: | |
Yes, the system works the same as before; the air goes into the bag from the leveling valve through the plate instead of through the beam. The beams should be inspected and repaired if they show serious deterioration, as the beam still provides the main support from the air bags. |