freightliner Argosy COE Maintenance Manual page 70

Suspension
32–01 Suspension Inspection
Front Suspension Check
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
occur. Failure to replace a damaged spring assem-
bly could cause an accident resulting in property
damage, serious personal injury, or death.
Inspect the front spring assemblies for cracked, bro-
ken, or abnormally bent leaves. If any of these condi-
tions exist, replace the spring assembly. See Group
32 of the Century Class Trucks Workshop Manual for
instructions.
Front and Rear Suspension
Shock Absorber Check
Make sure the shock absorber brackets are tight,
and the shock absorber is not striking or rubbing the
frame or some other part of the chassis. Striking or
rubbing the frame is characterized by chafe marks on
the shock absorber body and the frame rail. See
Fig. 1. Check the rubber mounting bushings for
cracks, cuts, swelling, and dry rot. Also, check the
bushings for missing pieces. Replace the bushings
as needed.
Inspect the shock absorber for oil leakage. If the
shock absorber is damaged or leaking, replace it with
a new one. See Group 32 of the Century Class
Trucks Workshop Manual for replacement
instructions.
Rear Suspension Check
Freightliner Spring Suspension
WARNING
Do not replace individual leaves of a damaged leaf
spring assembly; replace the complete spring as-
Century Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, July 1999
11/27/95
Fig. 1, Direct-Acting Shock Absorber (front suspension
shown)
sembly. Visible damage (cracks or breaks) to one
leaf causes hidden damage to other leaves. Re-
placement of only visibly damaged parts is no as-
surance that the spring is safe. Failure to replace
a damaged spring assembly could cause an acci-
dent, resulting in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Replace worn, cracked, or damaged spring
brackets. Failure to do so could result in bracket
breakage, possibly leading to loss of vehicle con-
trol and resulting in personal injury or property
damage.
1. 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 Group 32 of the
Century Class Trucks Workshop Manual for in-
structions.
2. Inspect the tandem-axle frame crossmember and
gussets for wear, cracks, and other damage. If
any of these conditions exist, replace the dam-
aged parts. See Group 32 of the Century Class
Trucks Workshop Manual for instructions.
CAUTION
Failure to replace the suspension crossmember or
gussets if they are cracked, worn, or otherwise
damaged could result in damage to the vehicle
chassis.
3. 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
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