Changing A Flat Tire; Schrader Valve; Towing Or Pushing - Blue Bird D3RE 2014 Driver's Handbook Manual

Changing a Flat Tire

The lug nuts are tightened to a torque value of 450 - 500 Ft lb (610 – 678 Nm). With-
out the proper power tools, it is very difficult to remove the lug nuts. The lug nuts
must be "broken loose" before lifting the wheel off the ground.
[WARNING] Never work around or under a bus supported only with a
hydraulic jack.
1. Remove the lug nuts.
2. Position the spare as near to the hub as possible.
3. You will probably need to raise the hub slightly to position the wheel on the
studs (lugs).
4. Hand-tighten all lug nuts.
5. Using the lug wrench, tighten all the lugs about a quarter turn.
6. Remove the blocks or jack stand.
7. Lower the bus enough to lock the wheel in place.
8. Tighten the lug nuts to 50 ft lbs (68 Nm) in the sequence shown.
9. Check the wheel for proper positioning on pilots and proper seating against
the flange.
10. Tighten the nuts to 450–500 ft lbs (610 – 678 Nm) in the sequence shown.
11. Lower the jack and remove it from under the axle. Stow the damaged wheel
and tire assembly, and the tools.

Schrader Valve

All American buses equipped with air brakes have a Schrader valve which is located
at the front behind the driver's side access panel. A schreader may also be located
in the rear engine compartment on the air intake filter element base. The Schrader
valve allows the air brake reservoir to be charged with a common type air hose nor-
mally used by service stations and garages. Charging the system in this manner is
only a means of providing air pressure for the air brake system with an inoperable
air compressor or without cranking the engine and should only be used for moving
the bus while servicing or in case of emergency. Air tank bleeder valves are provided
behind the driver's side front access panel. The valves are used for bleeding the air
tanks of moisture and contamination.

Towing Or Pushing

If the bus is towed with the rear wheels on the road, the driveshaft must be removed
in order to prevent the automatic transmission input shaft from turning which could
damage the transmission. This is accomplished by removing the rearmost driveshaft.
Also, on buses equipped with air brakes, if full normal air pressure cannot be pro-
vided to the air system, the park brakes must be mechanically caged to prevent their
engagement. See Releasing Spring Brakes Manually.
1. Apply the parking brake and chock the wheels while preparing the vehicle
for towing.
[WARNING] Always CHOCK THE WHEELS to avoid personal injury or death.
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DRIVER'S HANDBOOK
Front Schrader Valve
Four Air Tank Valves (Optional)