Yesterday, 05:31 AM
UPDATE June 29 2025
I’ve been MIA at work, I stepped back into a position that prevents me from working on the bus as much….
I replaced the HCV for the Steer Axle.
A made adjustments to the HCV Control Arm to prevent the chance of excessive throw and causing over cam condition.
I set the “Travel Height” to 11.5”. This time I tossed in a new technique.
In my storage unit with a nice flat cement floor, I blocked the Tag and Drive Tires and RELEASED THE PARKING BRAKE for the adjustment. This allows the suspension to articulate freely without brakes on. Richard probably suggested this additional technique… he’s a great advisor…
I COMPLETELY lower the suspension with the VALID controller. I let the system exhaust for at least four minutes. Obviously the front lowers first, the rear six bags take a while longer. I start the engine, set idle to 1000 RPM, select Travel Height and let the bus rise. I do this process TWICE before starting the adjusting process.
As a reminder, I fabricated special drive HCV “Adjustable Control Rods” with threaded rod for precision… that will pay off in the end.
I go through the routing of adjusting and lowering multiple times. it’s not a fast process…
In the end… I have all four corners adjusted to 11.25” with a variance + 1/32” to 1/16”…
Test drive shows a normal steer travel height after one hour forty five minutes.
More “longer drives” will tell the story but I think I’ve solved the problem of the Steer HCV not exhausting air to return DOWN TO Travel Height…. and completely throwing the steer Axle Alignment out of wack to the point it feels like I’m steering on a road of ice… you know if you know….
Happy Sunday and July 4th next Friday ??????
I’ve been MIA at work, I stepped back into a position that prevents me from working on the bus as much….
I replaced the HCV for the Steer Axle.
A made adjustments to the HCV Control Arm to prevent the chance of excessive throw and causing over cam condition.
I set the “Travel Height” to 11.5”. This time I tossed in a new technique.
In my storage unit with a nice flat cement floor, I blocked the Tag and Drive Tires and RELEASED THE PARKING BRAKE for the adjustment. This allows the suspension to articulate freely without brakes on. Richard probably suggested this additional technique… he’s a great advisor…
I COMPLETELY lower the suspension with the VALID controller. I let the system exhaust for at least four minutes. Obviously the front lowers first, the rear six bags take a while longer. I start the engine, set idle to 1000 RPM, select Travel Height and let the bus rise. I do this process TWICE before starting the adjusting process.
As a reminder, I fabricated special drive HCV “Adjustable Control Rods” with threaded rod for precision… that will pay off in the end.
I go through the routing of adjusting and lowering multiple times. it’s not a fast process…
In the end… I have all four corners adjusted to 11.25” with a variance + 1/32” to 1/16”…
Test drive shows a normal steer travel height after one hour forty five minutes.
More “longer drives” will tell the story but I think I’ve solved the problem of the Steer HCV not exhausting air to return DOWN TO Travel Height…. and completely throwing the steer Axle Alignment out of wack to the point it feels like I’m steering on a road of ice… you know if you know….
Happy Sunday and July 4th next Friday ??????
Kristi & Jeff King
Bentonville, Arkansas
#744 2005 45’ Newell Coach
ZF Suspension/Active Steering Tag Axle
CAT-13 ACERT KCB Engine 525HP 1642 ftlbs Torque Cat Compound Turbocharger 43.5 psi
Allison HD4000MH Transmission with PTO drive.