Tag Axel air Bag Replacement on MC8

[Melbo]

I have noticed that the air is bleeding down faster than it used to and about 2000 miles ago I just replaced the four drive axle air bags and checked the system for air leaks so I aired it up and went to checking again.

I found a pretty bad air leak on the drivers side tag axle air bag and one at the air compressor.
I should have no problem getting the one at the air compressor but here is the question

How much work is it to do the air bags on the tag axle?? and are there any tips that will make it easier??

Thanks for any help

Melbo

[platinum mci]

I have the same problem on my mci 9 drivers side tag axle air bag, great post I hope to learn a lot on this one.

[JackConrad]

I have replaced the driver's side tag axle air bag on our MC-8.  Piece of cake compared to drive axle air bags.  Not bad at all, one air line and a couple bolts/nuts top & bottom. I think a couple were a little difficult to get at, just took a little time. Spray with PB Blaster and let soak before removing.  Jack

[Melbo]

Jack

did you replace the bellows and the piston or just the bellows?

Melbo

[buswarrior]

I was shocked at how easy the tag bag came out of my MC8.

The usual, pull the wheel, a hydraulic jack to make adjustments up and down, and basic tools.

A tip: Make sure you pick up the fine thread nut that goes on the replacement bag while you are in town where they sell such things. Depending on the hardware department, they aren't available everywhere in that size in the finer thread.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[JackConrad]

Jack
did you replace the bellows and the piston or just the bellows?
Melbo

Mine was a complete one piece replacement unit (piston, bellows, and top plate)  Jack

[NewbeeMC9]

I changed mine on a MC9 both sides,  I not bad too bad with the right wrenches and extensions,  mine are one piece rolling lobe type that even came with a new cone.  Area was pressure washed after the wheel removed.  made it a lot easier.

[Sammy]

Mel, I'd jack up the tag axle when the air bag is full, block up the body of bus, shut off tag axle air valve in engine compt too. Now take off the tag wheel. You want to have enough room for the tag axle to travel downward with your jack, to get the old bag out..I disconnect the tag shock too. Now I can lower the tag axle, remove old air bag, have enough room to install the new air bag and attach shock, etc.
it's not a bad job at all. Be careful, block body properly and support the tag axle with proper jack and some blocks if you can too. Best of luck, piece of cake for you......

[gumpy]

Some info here... http://www.gumpydog.com/bus/MC9_WIP/Mechanical/Tag_Axle/tag_axle.htm

[Melbo]

Thanks Gumpy

With that documentation I'm sure this will go very well.

It also saves me the time of documenting what I do and having to post it

Melbo

[gumpy]

It also saves me the time of documenting what I do and having to post it

Not necessarily. You might find a better way.