Air Leveling

[Scott Forman]

I am aware of the delay, in fact, like Jay, my curiosity led me to
dissect one of these valves (always find out how it works!).

A blown airbag is my problem, I am going to attempt a home
replacement this week. Wish me luck.

Scott


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbulriss" <mbulriss@y...>
wrote:
>
> Scott,
>
> Jay is absolutely correct with the comment about the valve not
> immediately responding. In fact, the manual in my blue box states
> that each time you make adjustments on the ride height valve(s), you
> need to cycle the suspension through a complete unload/load cycle
> before you measure the height again.
>
> Mike Bulriss
> 1983 PT40 "Stagecoach" - For Sale
> 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
> San Antonio, TX
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Darst"

> wrote:
> >
> > Scott,
> >
> > When checking the ride height control valves for function, you
will
> > find that when the valve arm is moved (after disconnecting it
from
> > the axle)that it doesn't respond immediately. It is supposed to
do
> > that. It allows for some movement in the suspension without
> > releasing or adding air to the bags.
> >
> > Thought you might assume that since they didn't react right away,
> > they may be defective, when in fact, they are supposed to be slow
to
> > respond.
> >
> > I have replaced all of the ride height control valves on my Bird
as
> > they quit working properly. Kinda annoying, so disected one of
the
> > valves and found that there is a silicone like grease that helps
> > reduce the speed of the actual valve.
> >
> > Pretty common replacement, many Bird owners carry a spare aboard.
> > They take the abuse of bumps as they are directly tied to the
axle.
> >
> > Jay Darst
> > 85PT40
> > Springfield, IL
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, George Lowry

> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Scott,
> > >
> > > A more proper term is "height control valves" since they
control
> > the
> > > height of the body above the axle. Most systems use a three
valve
> > > system; The rear having two valves, one on each side and the
front
> > > having one valve in the center, tied to both sides. As you
have
> > stated,
> > > the rear valves have lateral or side to side control while the
> > front
> > > valve controls both sides, therefore only effecting the front
to
> > rear
> > > height position.
> > >
> > > What I have discovered is that the valve used by Bluebird has a
> > lot of
> > > plastic parts which tend to break. I would crawl under and
check
> > the
> > > valves in the rear for broken parts first. You might disconnect
> > the arm
> > > from the valve to the axle and manually move the valve and see
> > what
> > > reaction you get. You may find that the valve is defective or
> > > whatever.....
> > > Be sure to block the body so that it does not fall on you. You
may
> > have
> > > to drove the coach up on blocks to get clearance to crawl
under.
> > If you
> > > personally replaced the other valves, this should be simple for
> > you.
> > >
> > > George Lowry
> > > '95 WBDA 4203
> > > Spearfish, SD Currently at the WMHA rally in Indio, CA
> > Wonderful
> > > weather and a great crowd gathering. y'all come!!
> > >
> > > Scott Forman wrote:
> > >
> > > >Hello all,
> > > >
> > > >Last year, I had a problem with my coach leaning to the right
> > (curb)
> > > >side. After consulting Blue Bird, they suggested I replace
the
> > right-
> > > >side leveling valve on the rear axle, so I did. The problem
> > > >persisted, so I also replaced the left side valve. That fixed
> > it,
> > > >and the air suspension has worked perfectly ever since.
> > > >
> > > >Until today. I took the bus for a drive this afternoon after
a
> > > >couple of months of siting. Now the right side is riding
high,
> > the
> > > >opposite of the problem I fixed last year. I dumped and re-
> > filled
> > > >the air a few times, same problem.
> > > >
> > > >Since both valves are less than a year old, anyone have any
other
> > > >suggestions on a cause? The front valve has not been
replaced,
> > but
> > > >it was explained to me that it controls front-to-back leveling
> > and
> > > >should really have no bearing on side-to-side. If this is
> > incorrect,
> > > >please let me know.
> > > >
> > > >Scott Forman
> > > >'Tiger Pride'
> > > >82 FC35RB
> > > >Memphis
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >Yahoo! Groups Links
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>