Leaking Axle Leads to Brake Question and Many Questions!

[Diverdude0075]

Hi All,

I have a few questions regarding my 1999 International 3800 with the T444E and Allison AT545 with air brakes.

I bought the bus with a known leaky rear axle seal. I'm in the process of fixing that and learning a lot. For example, unlike my Ford F350, the bus rear dual tires have two sets of lug nuts/bolts!

I've got the tires off thanks to the help of a torque multiplier and a 13/16 inch square socket I had to purchase. I also removed the brake drum. The shoes are saturated with axle oil! I've ordered a new set of shoes for that side (passenger). Are buses like cars where you have to do both sides together? Also, can I just inspect and clean the drum since it isn't porous like the shoes? The shoes themselves look new other than being contaminated.

Is there some good info on here for learning about air brakes? I've never dealt with them before.

I'm going to search for hub info too since that has to come off to fix the axle leak. Any helpful links?

Lastly, the pinion seal is leaking too. I'll be fixing that as well. I got a good price on the bus and it ended up having a NEW engine in it! So, I don't mind a few repairs and have a place to do it in my own time. I'd like to get the mechanical stuff squared away so I can move to building the bus into my camper!

Are there any links to places you like to shop online? I found the brake shoes but some other stuff would be nice. For example, since I'm going so deep into the axle I might want to do a gear swap if I can find 3.73 gears? I have a N190 so I believe the center section swaps similar to a Ford 9 inch. Currently I have 4.44 gears.

Thanks in advance!
Josh

 

[magnakansas]

yes

you can do just one side, but usually not recommended. use your experience. you seem pretty "with it" considering your past posts. Probably good to do seals on both sides. yea now would be ideal to diff swap.
i mean, you are halfway there with both axles pulled and oil drained. And to add to mission creep, what about ujoints?

 

[mmoore6856]

if the other side is almost new dont bother as air brakes dont care if one side is a bit thicker than the other. the brakes will work the same. just get a good look at the good side and make sure the seal is dry. any seepsage change that one too while the brakes are ok.. i have seen many guys with new brakes that got oil on them just wash them and reuse them and never had any issues

 

[magnakansas]

quick look

shows 3.90 and 4.10, seems like most are 4.44 and deeper, 4.78, 5.11, 5,53

william

 

[ewo1]

Hi All,

I have a few questions regarding my 1999 International 3800 with the T444E and Allison AT545 with air brakes.



Is there some good info on here for learning about air brakes? I've never dealt with them before.


Thanks in advance!
Josh

Amtran/International brakes -> click here

 

[Diverdude0075]

Wow! That’s lot of good info! Thanks Ewo1!