32–01 Suspension Inspection
(Including Cab Shocks)
Freightliner Spring Front and Rear
Suspension Spring Assemblies
Inspection
Inspect the front and rear suspension spring assem-
blies for pitted, cracked, broken, or abnormally bent
leaves and extreme rust. If any of these conditions
exist, replace the spring assembly. See Group 32 of
the
Cargo Workshop Manual
for instructions.
WARNING
Do not replace individual leaves of a damaged leaf
spring assembly; replace the complete spring as-
sembly. Visible damage (cracks or breaks) to one
leaf causes hidden damage to other leaves. Re-
placement of only the visibly damaged part(s) is
no assurance that the spring is safe. On front
spring assemblies, if cracks or breaks exist in the
two top leaves, a loss of vehicle control could oc-
cur. Failure to replace a damaged spring assembly
could cause an accident resulting in serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
IMPORTANT: On multi-leaf suspensions, closely
inspect each component of the leaf spring as-
semblies, including the brackets, U-bolts, and
related parts.
Freightliner Spring Rear Suspension
Spring Brackets and Equalizer
Brackets Inspection
Inspect the forward and rear spring brackets, equal-
izer brackets, and the wear pads, for wear, cracks,
and other damage. If any of these conditions exist,
replace the damaged bracket(s) and wear pad(s).
See Group 32 of the
Cargo Workshop Manual
for
instructions.
WARNING
Failure to replace the forward spring brackets,
equalizer brackets, or rear spring brackets if they
are worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged could
result in progressive damage to, and eventual
breakage of, the bracket. This could cause a loss
of vehicle control, resulting in injury or property
damage.
Freightliner Spring Shock Absorber
Check
Make sure that the shock absorber brackets are
tight, and that the shock absorber is not striking or
rubbing on the frame or some other part of the chas-
sis. Check the rubber mounting bushings and replace
if worn. Inspect the shock absorber for oil leakage.
If the shock absorber is worn or damaged, replace it
with a new one.
Freightliner AirLiner Component
Clearance Check
Check that the air line support brackets are posi-
tioned so the air lines do not rub against anything.
Reposition any configurations that could contact and
result in friction and wear. There must be at least 1
inch (25 mm) clearance around the rubber air spring
when inflated. If the clearance is less than 1 inch (25
mm), relocate the obstructing parts.
CAUTION
Failure to relocate obstructing parts could result
in damage to the air spring.
Freightliner AirLiner Component
Inspection and Operation Check
WARNING
Inspect the components and check their operation
as described below. Failure to perform these in-
spections and checks could result in separation of
worn suspension components and loss of vehicle
control, possibly causing personal injury and
property damage.
1.
Chock the front tires. Raise the rear of the ve-
hicle so the tires just clear the ground and the
suspension is fully extended. Place safety stands
under the vehicle frame.
2.
Squeeze all air springs to check for complete
deflation. If any air springs remain partially or
Suspension
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Cargo Maintenance Manual, January 2000
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