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2.4
Running Gear
Suspension
The suspension on your trailer is a heavy duty, leaf spring, underslung type. The leaf springs
are not directly attached to the trailer but are free to float against the wear pads of the hangers and
rockers. Spring seat adjusters or adjustable radius rods are employed to keep the axles in alignment.
The first maintenance check should be performed after an initial break-in period of about 1,000
miles. A visual inspection of all suspension components and attachment welds should be performed
to reveal any obvious problems, such as cracks or unexpected wear.
During this ‘walk-around’, it is essential to also check the torque on all suspension fasteners. In
the course of the initial ‘shake down’ period in which the components of the suspension system ‘seat
in’, as much as 25% of the original clamp load on the bolted joints can be lost. After the parts of the
suspension have worked together for a very short period of time, re-torqueing the bolts is necessary
to ensure that undue movement, which results in excessive suspension wear, does not occur.
During the first maintenance check, the trailers axle alignment should be examined and
adjusted. Alignment should also be checked following any maintenance or repair procedure
performed on the suspension.
Visually inspect the suspension system every three months or 25,000 miles for signs of excess
wear, elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners. Whenever loose or replaced the fasteners
in your suspension system should be torqued as detailed below. The oiled torque values in the first
column are for new fasteners with lubricated threads. For maintenance check on fasteners that have
been in service use the higher torque values in the dry thread column. It is important that you check
all bolts and nuts to ensure that the recommended torque values are being maintained.
You cannot ascertain these torques values visually or by ‘feel’. USE A TORQUE WRENCH!
Summary of Contents for 18385
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Page 26: ...25 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Brake Drum Troubleshooting Chart...
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Page 32: ...31 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart...
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Page 51: ...50 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Section 3 2 Running Gear SA 23345...
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