Stuck tag MCI 9

Scott & Heather · September 25, 2015, 03:25:15 AM

So my drivers side tag is stuck in the "up" position and I've tried everything to get it to release. The bag is pressurizing, but either the bushing is seized or the rusty shock is seized. We have tried pushing it down with a 12 ton jack, tried driving over speed bumps with the tag. You name it. We've greased the living day lights out of the zerk fitting. Used penetrating oil and years later it's still stuck. Our coach has been light enough it hasn't been much of a safety issue but I would like to just get this resolved. So here's specifically my questions:

1. What's more likely the scenario here? A rusty seized shock rusted in the "up" position from sitting for a year on bump stops? Or seized bushing even though it's been greased both sides? Has anyone ever seen a shock seize from rust and actually hold up the tag through all our speed bump thrashing and 12 ton jacking?

2. If it's the shock, can this be ordered from NAPA?

3. If it's the bushing, where can I order a new bushing? Is it just the guts of the bushing that need replacing or the whole arm?

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sledhead · September 25, 2015, 04:28:50 AM

try removing the shock . they are cheep to replace but I do not think that will help , I'm sure some one has had this problem and will help

dave

ol713 · September 25, 2015, 09:14:31 AM

Hi;
I would remove the tag wheel. Then try moving the tag up or down.
Should be able to see some movement. ( an inch or so) Just keep
moving it up and down until you have freedom.
I once watched my mechanic deal with a stuck tag. He shot some
diesel in the tag after removing the zerk fitting. Needed a lot of
pressure. If that does not work for you, then something will
have to come apart.

Good luck, Merle.
P.S.
Move the tag up and down an inch or so without air pressurs.

biff · September 25, 2015, 10:05:14 AM

Look for more than one grease fitting.should be 4 or 5. like was mentioned try getting diesel fuel in it.may haft to take the retaining clamps off. last resort heat.

robertglines1 · September 25, 2015, 11:27:22 AM

been there on the 8 I had. Shaft frozen to bushing(brass) took lots of rose bud heat to get freed up. Then got new brass bushing from mci. If you do get it to move keep flushing till the old grease is out. Start with new zerk and make sure passage (hole) is free--even by running a drill bit in hole/don't mess up threads. You can drill thru brass about 1/4 thick. From memory brass is about 3 inch diameter and over 12 inches long. Sucky job.

luvrbus · September 25, 2015, 12:21:00 PM

I air one up and push side to side not down and they break loose

opus · September 25, 2015, 03:02:28 PM

I've pullled zerks out and got an adapter for the hose on my 12 ton porta-power and screwed that into the fitting. That will loosen things up!!

Jim Eh. · September 25, 2015, 06:44:31 PM

^ what he said.

opus · September 25, 2015, 06:57:50 PM

....and if you do that, pump it up as much as you can, and leave it. If it doesnt pop right away, go have a donut and coffee. Dont sit too close to it though cause it will scare you to death when it finally lets go.

Scott & Heather · September 26, 2015, 08:26:21 PM

All wonderful ideas! I will be working on this! I have about a week left before baby arrives so I want to try and see what I can do with the time I have left. Opus explain more how you use this porta power? Cliff I'll try bumping it sideways and see what happens

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Scott & Heather · September 26, 2015, 08:29:58 PM

I guess what I mean is how do you use it in terms of connecting it to the zerk fitting?

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eagle19952 · September 26, 2015, 08:35:00 PM

Quote from: Scott Bennett on September 26, 2015, 08:29:58 PM
I guess what I mean is how do you use it in terms of connecting it to the zerk fitting?

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you don't...you remove it and reduce your hose to the size of the grease fit...1/8" pipe or whatever..using somewhat rated fittings...the jack oil would be sufficient, imo.

it and a #12 rosebud ot ta persuade her

opus · September 26, 2015, 09:49:26 PM

Correct, you take whatever tool is on the end of the hose off. Then you get an adapter that will let you screw it into the zerk hole.

Scott & Heather · September 27, 2015, 04:32:48 AM

Ok. Got that...but what am I trying to accomplish by sticking the porta power into the old zerk hole? Using the high pressure of the porta power to inject oil into the bushing at high pressure? So we are not using the porta power to push the tag down, we are using it to inject oil at high pressure into the seized bushing itself? Just making sure I understand what I'm doing. I'm slow and dense, so talk baby talk to me lol. Thanks for the help on this!!

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luvrbus · September 27, 2015, 05:43:16 AM

Scott,the secret to the process is making sure both sides are on the same level I have never had a problem getting one unstuck,if you do use heat which I never do be sure to remove the zerks

I lost a friend years back when he was heating a shaft on tractor the zerk blew out and killed him Fwiw the SeaFoam DeepCreep is your best friend available at some AutoZones it's a lot better than PB for that application ? do you have both wheels off the tag