Dometic A&E Systems 8500 Replacement Instructions Manual page 2

NOTE: If the awning is installed on a coach, complete the
following steps on a step ladder, with the awning fabric
unrolled two feet from the awning rail. The unwinding can also
be done while standing on the ground and the awning fully
extended and the opposite side rafter locked in place. The
torsion spring will be wound with 8/eight more turns in this
position and is extremely dangerous.
Severe injuries can result from the rapid spin-off of
the top casting. Use Vise Grips® - NEVER use bare
hands - to handle a top casting under spring ten-
sion.
TOP
CASTING
LOCK
LEVER
1/4-20 X 1/2" HEX
HD. MACH. SET SCREW
FIG. 3
1. Make sure the torsion spring has been relieved of its
tension (see Section C.)
2. Mark or make note of the location of the fabric and the
end cap on the roller tube. This is necessary to reposition
the new torsion, fabric or roller tube exactly the same
when the new part is installed.
NOTE: Some roller tubes have notches and the end cap
has tabs, that will allow the torsion to fit only in one
position. The fabric must be positioned exactly as shown
in FIG. 5 or the lock lever will not be positioned correctly
when installed on the coach.
3. Drill out the two rivets using a 3/16" drill bit. Remove
torsion assembly and rivet bodies from roller tube. See
FIG. 4.
C. UNWINDING A TORSION ASSEMBLY SPRING
VISE-
GRIPS®
MAIN SUPPORT
ARM ASSEMBLY
D. HOW TO REMOVE A TORSION ASSEMBLY
1. Clamp a Vise Grip® tightly on the top casting, or insert
the crank (3107905.006) into top casting. Remove the 1/
4-20 hex head machine screw from the top casting. See
FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A.
2. Take the top casting carefully out of the main support
arm (see NOTE below). Slowly let the torsion spring
unwind completely. Repeat Steps 1 & 2 for the opposite
end.
NOTE: If the awning's right-hand torsion assembly has been
pinned, the cotter pin must be removed from the torsion
assembly before the spring can be unwound. The cam lock
lever on the right-hand torsion assembly must be turned
clockwise to the roll up position, before the spring can be
unwound.
FIG. 3A
LOCK
LEVER
1/4-20 X 1/2" HEX
HD. MACH. SET SCREW
2
CRANK
3107905.006
TOP
CASTING
MAIN SUPPORT
ARM ASSEMBLY
FIG. 4