Chalmers Suspension
sd mm 32.01.009
- Chock the front tires, place the transmission in neutral, and release the parking brakes.
- Power wash the suspension, or clean it with a hard-bristle brush before performing a visual inspection.
- Inspect the rubber bushings for cracks or other damage.Try to move the torque rod ends using your hands only, and check for any free-play. If free-play is felt, replace the torque rod end bushing. Do not use a pry bar to check for free-play. Use of a pry bar may lead to premature bushing replacement.
- Lift the rear of the vehicle and support the frame on jack
stands to unload the suspension components. The vehicle is lifted
high enough when the beam ends are off of the saddles.
Inspect the walking beam for cracks or other damage. If damage is found, replace the walking beam.
Keep the vehicle supported by the jack stands for the next operation.
- Manipulate the walking beam so that a micrometer, vernier,
or dial caliper can be used to determine the wear area thickness on
the bottom face. See Fig.. Measurements should be taken a minimum of 1/2 inch from the beam
flange edges to eliminate any edge wear that may have occurred. Subtract
the wear area thickness (see Fig., Ref. B) from the thickness at the non-wear area (see Fig., Ref. A) to determine
the amount of wear.If the beams show any wear greater than 0.062 inch (1.5 mm), a Chalmers wear plate must be installed, or the walking beam must be replaced.
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Non-Wear Area
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Wear Area
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Walking Beam
Fig. 1, Walking Beam End Wear Thickness
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- Rotate the restrictor cans 360 degrees and inspect the
cans for cracks, severe corrosion, and distortion. If any of these
conditions are present, or the restrictor can is missing, replace
the restrictor can.
Warning: Replace all cracked or missing restrictor cans. Failure to do so could lead to loss of vehicle control, which could result in property damage, serious personal injury, or death.
Note: