Freightliner Spring Suspension
- Inspect the forward and rear spring brackets and equalizer brackets for wear, cracks, and other damage. If any of these conditions exist, replace the damaged bracket(s). See of the 108SD and 114SD Workshop Manual for instructions.
- Inspect the tandem-axle frame crossmember and gussets for wear, cracks, and other damage. If any of these conditions exist, replace the damaged parts. See of the 108SD and 114SD Workshop Manual for instructions.
- Without detaching the torque arms, attempt to move (by hand) each radius-rod end up, down, in, and out. If there is any movement, replace the torque arm. If a torque arm needs to be replaced, see of the 108SD and 114SD Workshop Manual for instructions.
- Inspect the weld seams between the torque arm tube and the shorter bushing tubes. If there are cracks, replace the torque arm. Do not weld the torque arm for any reason.
- Inspect the rubber bushing ends. See Fig.. Replace the torque
arm for any of the following reasons:
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if there are gaps between the rubber bushing and the pin or outer steel sleeve;
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if either bushing end contacts a torque arm pin mounting bolt;
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if there are cracks in the bushing;
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if part of the rubber bushing extends beyond the outer circumference of the outer bushing sleeve.
Fig. 1, Torque Arm Bushings
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- Block up the frame enough to take chassis weight off the
springs. Attempt to move the equalizer up and down, using a pry bar
between the top of the equalizer and top of the equalizer bracket;
apply hand pressure only. See Fig.. If
movement at the center of the equalizer exceeds 1/8 inch (3 mm), replace
the equalizer bushings. See of the 108SD and 114SD Workshop Manual for instructions.
Fig. 2, Side View of the Equalizer
- With the vehicle unloaded, attempt to move the equalizer
side to side, using a pry bar between the equalizer and frame rail.
Apply hand pressure only. See Fig.. If
clearance between the equalizer assembly and any frame component or
fastener is less than 1/8 inch (3 mm), replace the equalizer bushings.
See of the 108SD and 114SD
Workshop Manual for instructions.
Fig. 3, Top View of the Equalizer
Warning: Do not replace individual leaves of a damaged leaf spring assembly; replace the complete spring assembly. Visible damage (cracks or breaks) to one leaf causes hidden damage to other leaves. Replacement of only visibly damaged parts is no assurance that the spring is safe. Failure to replace a damaged spring assembly could cause an accident, resulting in serious personal injury or property damage.
Replace worn, cracked, or damaged spring brackets. Failure to do so could result in bracket breakage, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control and resulting in personal injury or property damage.
Notice: Failure to replace the suspension crossmember or gussets if they are cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged could result in damage to the vehicle chassis.