Big Bertha Springs a Leak
Big Bertha has been on the road since 2013 and some parts are coming to the end of their useful life. BB has air suspension (springs) on her rear axle and the air bellows that support the weight of the truck eventually wear out.
We noticed that BB sometimes sank overnight on one rear side and on investigation Dave found pin prick holes leaking air. Whilst not a huge problem, should the bellows deteriorate to the point where leaks exceed the ability of the engine air compressor to maintain pressure, then the truck would become almost undriveable. This would be an issue given that some African countries don’t have MAN dealerships at all.
We therefore took the decision, on the advice of MAN, to replace all four bellows. We were very lucky that MAN Dar Es Salaam had the necessary parts and the job was done over the course of three days. We took the opportunity of changing the engine oil / filter too.
Thank you to MAN Dar Es Salaam for helping us with this work and also looking after BB whilst we visited Zanzibar.
What a shame, poor big Bertha, but looking at Zanzibar it was well worth getting her ‘fixed’.
By the way MAN looks so professional, I just didn’t expect places like that in Dar es Salaam, but then again I’m clueless about that pat of the world!
Wow Zanzibar looks beautiful, you can see the Omani influence.
Take care, we are looking forward to your next instalment.
Thank you Pauline and John. That is one of the advantages of MAN – it does have global reach.
Man o Man, you’re da man. Great to see BB back with the bellows, pumped up kicks ready for the next journey. Good to see when great service is achieved. They should sign you up for ongoing promotion
Thank you Victor. MAN should. It is one of the most travelled trucks.
Gotta keep up the pressure.
A great repair in the nick of time.
Keep on the good work.