Techenders: April 26th - 28th 2024

I carry such things in my bus also.. (beer and )compression tester..

 

I’m bringing mine too! You could have one for each cylinder and do it all at once!

 

Beer all round then, I'll bring lots!

 

I also owe Lasty a few beers for that king pin kit. Speaking of which ....... I do still need to change my front beam.
Has anyone attempted a front beam change in a mucky field in Lutterworth before?
I could soak all bolts in penetrating oil and get them moving with my impact wrench before I come.
Or am I at risk of taking up residence in said field for several weeks

 

Certainly doable if well prepared and good weather.

 

I would think changing a beam in a field would not be impossible but highly not recommended . You would start working off green grass then later on 2 of you would resemble two pigs fighting in a pig sty .

 

It’s easily doable in the field if everything comes apart properly

What are your front chassis rails like where the beam mounts?

I’ve seen a fair few beams removed to reveal rotten and holed chassis section behind them and I’ve seen beams actually welded to the chassis as well
So it would be an idea to have a good poke round and assess underneath first.

 

Ah ok, good point. I'll definitely have a good poke around. I've had to sort some real nasties on this bus already so it wouldn't surprise me if some PO has done a bodge down there as well.

 

On the other hand I've had beams off about 10 buses and never encountered a rust problem there.
Para's right of course, best to spot any potential game over stuff before you have the old beam in your lap in a field far from home.

 

If you ask the owner nicely, and it's not already in use, he might let you use his lift, if only for an inspection

He's a very nice chap

 

Eddie is great, but do ask and confirm as last year his lift was broken and so couldn't be used.

 

I’m a definitely maybe if you need to know for numbers. It’s been a while!

 

A complete beam ready to heave into place would be do-able in a field but having to fit the beam and then build it up would be difficult to say the least . Hardest part was fitting the arms and then having to knock then on whilst under tension.
I used a 2 post lift and struggled - wouldn't like to do it in a field but if the lift is available ...

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

I did mine on a sloping mud/gravel drive on my own so it’s doable in a field
The problem with a complete beam is the weight
They are heavy enough as a bare beam once the extra stuff gets put on there really heavy and awkward to handle.

 

I've cleaned my new beam up and it's pretty solid. Just need to paint it now.


However, I'm thinking that it might be a bit too ambitious to attempt the swap over at TE....... Especially as I've gotta sleep in it as well....... Could well end up spending several nights in Eddie's workshop!
I've had a poke about and the chassis looks sound but even after soaking the bolts in release spray for a couple of days, they still won't budge even with the impact wrench. Gonna need some heat but, at the risk of shearing bolts and not getting to TE at all, I'm gonna leave the beam till I get back. Thanks for everyone's advice and to Baysearcher for checking on the ramp.

See you in Lutterworth.

 

From the inside? You can get to the end of the thread there.

 

Ah cheers Zed, I will try that.

 

I have two Calor Butane (blue) bottles that I don't need. A 7kg mostly empty and a 15kg with some gas (c3kg) I'm happy to bring them to TE if anybody wants them. Price free, or at the very most a beer!