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30 Fleet Maintenance | July 2018
Maintenance
Fortunately, many major issues with
air suspensions can be avoided with
proper preventative maintenance (PM)
practices. Regular inspections of critical
components should be performed to keep
air suspensions in working order and to
maximize the life of these systems.
“Take advantage of the information
and training provided by your suspension
supplier to ensure that your suspension
operates at peak performance over
the vehicle’s lifetime,” Hendrickson’s
Hampson says.
Air springs and hoses
“Air springs should be inspected periodically
for leaks, damage to the reinforced
rubber bellow or material build-up on
the outside of the air spring,” Stemco’s
Brinkman says.
Spraying air springs and air hoses with
soapy water while the system is at operating
pressure is a good way to check for
leaks, SAF-Holland’s Heath confi rms. If
leaks are found, connections should be
re-tightened and parts replaced as necessary.
He adds that all rubber parts should
be visually inspected for cracks and wear,
and suspect parts should be replaced.
In addition to inspection, air springs
should be cleaned regularly to avoid
buildup of road residue.
“Air springs should be washed with
approved cleaning materials, including
soap and water, methyl alcohol,
ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, to
prevent build-up and imbalance,” says
Firestone’s Brookes.
Ride height
Manufacturers specify a ride height for
each vehicle to provide optimal performance
and longevity. It is possible for
this height to move outside of specifi cation,
which can cause issues. Ride height
should be checked on a regular basis
to avoid complications and potential
damage or excessive wear to components.
“Proper vehicle height should be
maintained,” says Brookes. “Individual
proper vehicle heights can be found in
the OEM service manual. Height control
valves play a large part in ensuring
the total air spring system works as
required, and should be regularly
examined and replaced if necessary.”
While ride height can be adjusted
using the height control valve, manufacturers
advise that it is rarely necessary,
and some do not recommend that fl eets
make this adjustment themselves.
“Th e ride height is carefully designed
by both the suspension supplier and the
vehicle OEM,” SAF-Holland’s Heath says.
» Shock absorbers dampen
the effects of the air springs, limiting
suspension movement to
create a controlled motion.
Image courtesy of SAF-Holland
» The height control valve
adjusts the air pressure inside
the air springs to maintain
a constant ride height.
Image courtesy of SAF-Holland
Changes in how
the truck rides and
handles could indicate
a suspension issue.
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