Preventive Maintenance Front Axle and Suspension
Medium Duty
(R10/06) Y53-6008 – 209 –
FRONT AXLE AND SUSPENSION
Inspection
For all vehicles, mandatory maintenance procedures include
retightening all U–bolts and inspecting the suspension for
loose fasteners, abnormal wear, or damage. However, even
with proper maintenance, the service life of leaf springs is
affected by many factors, such as: fatigue, vehicle gross
weight, type of load, road conditions, and vehicle speed.
• Check for cracks, wear marks, splits, or other defects on
the surface of the spring. Defective parts must be
replaced. Because repaired springs cannot be fully
restored to their original service life, replace the com-
plete assembly if cracks or other defects are detected.
• Visually inspect shock absorbers and rubber bushings.
See the Medium Duty Maintenance Manual for further
information on servicing the front suspension.
Axle Lubrication
• Change bearing lubrication when seals are replaced, or
brakes are relined. See Table 2, “Recommended Mainte-
nance Intervals,” Page 120.
Front Suspension
00439
SPRING AND
SHACKLE PINCH
BOLTS
SPRING
ANCHOR
PINS
U-BOLTS
SPRING
ANCHOR PIN