Chalmers Suspension Inspection
Chock the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Place the transmission in neutral and release the spring or driveline brakes before inspecting the rear suspension.
Power wash the Chalmers rear suspension or clean it with a hard-bristle brush before performing a visual inspection.
- Visually 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.
- If equipped with optional shock absorbers, check for worn, broken, or damaged shock bushings, heavy corrosion on the shock absorber body, or fluid leaking from the shock absorber. Replace the shock absorbers if any of these conditions are found.
- 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. All jack stands
must be of sufficient strength and rigidity to safely support the
vehicle. Do not perform any work on or around a vehicle that is supported
solely by a lifting device.
Visually 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 (13 mm) from
the beam flange edges to eliminate any edge wear that may have occurred.
Subtract the wear area thickness from the nonwear area to determine
the amount of wear.
If the beams show any wear greater than the allowable 0.062-inch (1.5-mm) wear, 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 visually 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.
- Remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle. Check that the spring or driveline brake is applied, then remove the wheel chocks.
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.