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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: peterbylt on March 22, 2021, 06:02:23 AM

Title: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: peterbylt on March 22, 2021, 06:02:23 AM
We are working on replacing the Front Airbags in my Friends 1989 MCI 102A3.

This bus is from New England and has a bit of Corrosion on it, nothing that would make it unsafe, but enough to make maintenance a challenge.

We managed to get all the mounting bolts and air fittings off and thought we were doing good.

That's when we found the plate on top of the airbag had fused with the mounting plate, we tried prying, Hammering, then tried an air chisel, we got partway through and then progress stopped.

Anyone encountered this before?

How did you get it out?

I figured I would ask here before I got out the angle grinder and started cutting things away.

When I did the airbags on my 96A3 the Airbag just dropped out at this point.

Peter


Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: lostagain on March 22, 2021, 07:27:59 AM
Cut the rubber off, bigger hammer, heat, brute force and ignorance...
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: dtcerrato on March 22, 2021, 09:29:47 AM
That sounds about right!
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: chessie4905 on March 22, 2021, 04:34:49 PM
Soak over night with penetrant. Higher pressure for air chisel. 175psi. Sure you arent missing a fitting or bolt holding it?
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: peterbylt on March 23, 2021, 07:40:15 AM
Quote from: chessie4905 on March 22, 2021, 04:34:49 PM
Soak over night with penetrant. Higher pressure for air chisel. 175psi. Sure you arent missing a fitting or bolt holding it?

We have been soaking it, all the fasteners are definitely removed (surprisingly the easiest part), will try the higher air pressure, have also acquired some new/better/sharper chisel Bits.

That top plate for the airbag has become one with the mounting plate, it will just take brute force and time to remove.

In cases like this I remember what a former boss always said, every 10 minute fix is just one broken bolt away from a major project.

Peter

   
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: dtcerrato on March 23, 2021, 07:52:14 AM
Air impact chisel & heat are persuasive to cold weld metal corrosion.
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: 6805eagleguy on March 23, 2021, 08:19:10 AM
Heat heat heat
Title: Re: Issue removing Airbag
Post by: freds on March 23, 2021, 01:57:13 PM
Use a heavier fine adjustment tool LOL!!!