Dumb question - Air brake knobs

Glad to know I'm not the only one who notice's little things like that, my prostar is the same way, gotta try that teflon tape idea, tks...

 

Super glue youall!!

 

Some of you have a misconception how them valves are made. There are no threads on it. It's a smooth shaft with notches on it and it can spin freely and indefinately. The knob is attached with a pin that slides through the shaft. When you push on it the notches simply redirect the air.
Where the shaft enters the valve is a seal. So if you go sticking fishing line and teflon tape on it, you risk damaging the seal with use.

If the writing bothers you that bad, stop by a chrome shop and buy you a couple plain chrome knobs. They change out in a minute by pushing the pin out with a nail or punch. Actually there's a tool for it, but you can make do. Then if you quit, simply put the old knobs back on.

Here's a picture of one with the pin so you have an idea. Notice the hole on the yellow button.

 

I guess it depends on the make and model of the truck. I really can't speak about the OP's truck but after I read this, I had to get up and check my setup out. I have an 08 Columbia and on these trucks, the last half inch of the shaft is threaded and inside the plastic knob is threaded. However, due to the design, when the knob is close to being tight, about the last full rotation, it starts going in quarter turn clicks. By that I mean, it will go a quarter of a turn and catch, go a quarter of a turn and catch. So mine pretty much hold themselves level. If the OP's setup was similar, threaded shaft and knob, teflon might work.

 

What about slapping a little bit of duct tape over the letters? *wanders back out knowing I don't have OCD at all..........I have "slacker's disease".

 

My Volvo had the wrist pin knobs. I pulled the yeller one once and the redd one went flying to the bunk!

I got the screw on controls when they replaced them.

I am slightly OCD. I am also dyslexic and ADD. So I forget everything I read backwards!

 

dont go saying stuff if you dont know---yes some are threaded on---frieghtliner for sure--and i believe that it is international that are held on with a pin---the others i dont remember off hand right now
put all the tape you want on the threads--they dont go near a seal
the pin on type --as they age--the knob itself gets a bit wobbly---another pet peeve

 

You talkin to me?

My knob and pin didn't break. The shaft did!

 

no--at condo ---being kinda condisending on how air valves are made
thats what i dont like about the pin kind--sometimes when you go to kit them --that #### pin is hard to get out--and as careful as you can be--i am sure it still stresses out the shaft part
but even with the threaded kind--i watched another mechanic completely wreck a shaker dash when he was trying to put a kit in it---a little paitence goes a long way

 

the prostar as a treaded knob not that hateful shaft and pin system