Suspension U-Bolt Torque Checking - freightliner M2 Plus Maintenance Manual

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3. Inspect the spring leaves for cracks, gouges,
wear, or abnormal bends. The main (no. 1) and
wrapper spring leaves (no. 2)—the top two
spring leaves—may be individually replaced. If
equipped with the RTE series suspension, the
first, second, and third spring leaves (the top
three spring leaves) may be individually
replaced. If a spring leaf is damaged below these
numbers in a pack, replace the spring assembly.
In addition, replace both spring assemblies to
ensure even spring deflection.
Hendrickson Radius Rod
Bushing Check
1. Without detaching the torque arms, use your
hand to attempt to move each of the radius-rod
ends up, down, in, and out. If there is any
movement, replace the torque arm.
2. Inspect the rubber bushing ends. Replace the
torque arm if there are gaps between the rubber
bushing and the pin or the outer steel sleeve, if
either bushing end contacts a torque arm pin
mounting bolt, if there are cracks in the bushing,
or if part of the rubber bushing extends beyond
the outside diameter of the outer bushing sleeve.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
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3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
5. 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.
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.
6. Remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle.
Check that the spring or driveline brake is
applied, then remove the wheel chocks.
32–02 Suspension U-Bolt
Torque Checking
Check the U-bolt torque of both the front and rear
axles where applicable.
Business Class M2 Plus Maintenance Manual, 02/10/2023
Suspension
7. Measurements should