Integrated Solutions Maximize Axle and Suspension Optimization

by

Graphic 1: Exploded View of Suspension

Graphic 1: Exploded View of Suspension (click image to expand to full size)

Axle and suspension components for medium and heavy duty vehicles need to meet multiple purposes and requirements for varied fleet activity. Flexibility is needed to accommodate this, and the result is that a vast number of possible configurations have evolved to suit specific needs.

Flexibility is a good thing, but one downside is that individual systems may not be optimized to their full potential because they have to be compatible with a broad range of components. As a result, many manufacturers have created integrated solutions that enable optimization of axles and suspension systems together — with the goal of increasing performance and durability.

Weight reduction is one example of performance improvement sought after through integration. Weight can be reduced by using fewer components, and also by using lighter and stronger materials.  There are other performance based variables designed into these integrated systems to meet individual fleet duty cycles and operational demands.

Graphic 2: Adjusting Axle Alignment

Graphic 2: Adjusting Axle Alignment (click image to expand to full size)

Another goal of integration is to lower the amount of required maintenance and to make service easier. Reducing the amount of components means less complexity and fewer components to be serviced. Additionally, eliminating required points of adjustment makes it quicker and simpler to service the system (see examples in graphics 1 and 2). The reduction in components also aids in increased reliability by making fewer possible points of failure. The bottom line is that lowering required maintenance lowers operating costs.

Having a resource handy for  information about servicing suspensions can help fleet operations work more efficiently. Below is a sample of the type of truck repair information available in Mitchell 1’s TruckSeries for service, maintenance and adjustment of several axle and suspension systems.

M1_TruckSeries_SuspensionInfo_FE-Sept2016

(Click image to expand to full size)

  • Read more about repair information for Class 4-8 trucks in TruckSeries
About the Author

Julius Hairston

Julius Hairston joined the Mitchell 1 commercial vehicle group in 2012 as associate editor and is currently a technical editor for the TruckLabor product. He is certified as an ASE Master Technician for medium/heavy truck and worked as a technician for three years prior to joining Mitchell 1. He holds an associate degree in automotive technology from Cuyamaca College and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Everest University.