Air Leveling

[Scott Forman]

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

[George Lowry]

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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[Jay Darst]

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
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

[George Lowry]

Yep, these quality coaches have many parts that are common failure
items. On our GM coach, The height control valves were over forty years
old and still worked flawlessly. I would have thought that BB would
have copied one of the most successful manufacturers in the business
when they started.

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203
Spearfish, SD

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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[mbulriss]

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
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

[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
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

HI Scott:

Did you say the drivers side front air bag? On your Coach, there will be 3
bolts and nuts. 2 of the nuts <3/4"> one on top one on bottom, the third
nut is around the bag air inlet which is a rounded shoulder 1 1/8 th inch I
think it is, perhaps a little larger. Problem with the drivers side front
is, room! YOu are going to have about 3 inches to get one hand up in there
if it is the front bag of the two. In the third (air inlet) nut is screwed
an elbow which a 1/4 inch copper air line is attached.

We ended up cutting that air bag out and grinding the inside of the steel
plate retainer inside the bag to get mine out. You will need to spread the
frame and body with your hyd jacks as far as you can get it, then back it
up with a bottle jack or jack stand for safety, to facilitate removal of
the old bag and inserting the new one. One thing you want to be careful of
is crimping the copper line as your removing the elbow. I found it easier
to cut the nut off the large stud then replace the nut with a full shoulder
one. I did this the first time with out removing the exhaust from the
header manifold. Save yourself some time and remove the flex exhaust from
the header, it is easier.

Good luck,

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

At 06:15 PM 1/9/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>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
>

[Scott Forman]

Actually, it is the driver's side rear bag. Bennie told me that one
is easier than the front one. This is going to be my weekend project.

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
>
> HI Scott:
>
> Did you say the drivers side front air bag? On your Coach, there
will be 3
> bolts and nuts. 2 of the nuts <3/4"> one on top one on bottom, the
third
> nut is around the bag air inlet which is a rounded shoulder 1 1/8
th inch I
> think it is, perhaps a little larger. Problem with the drivers side
front
> is, room! YOu are going to have about 3 inches to get one hand up
in there
> if it is the front bag of the two. In the third (air inlet) nut is
screwed
> an elbow which a 1/4 inch copper air line is attached.
>
> We ended up cutting that air bag out and grinding the inside of the
steel
> plate retainer inside the bag to get mine out. You will need to
spread the
> frame and body with your hyd jacks as far as you can get it, then
back it
> up with a bottle jack or jack stand for safety, to facilitate
removal of
> the old bag and inserting the new one. One thing you want to be
careful of
> is crimping the copper line as your removing the elbow. I found it
easier
> to cut the nut off the large stud then replace the nut with a full
shoulder
> one. I did this the first time with out removing the exhaust from
the
> header manifold. Save yourself some time and remove the flex
exhaust from
> the header, it is easier.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
>
> At 06:15 PM 1/9/2006 +0000, you wrote:
> >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
> >
>