ENG Page 8 RAR-200-Trailer-ISM-RevA-06-07-18
MAINTENANCE
A visual inspection of the suspension structure should be performed during each pre-trip/safety inspection.
Ridewell Suspensions recommends the following minimum service intervals for standard duty, on-highway
usage applications. More frequent intervals are recommended for heavier duty applications.
Daily/Pre-Trip Inspections
___ Check tires for proper ination, damage or
excessive wear.
___ Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubricant
leakage. Check for missing components.
___ Check
axle assemblies for damage or loose
components.
___ Visually inspect suspension structure for signs
of damage or excessive wear.
___ Check for loose or missing bolts/nuts. Check for
irregular movement in suspension components.
___ Make sure air controls are operating properly.
Drain all moisture from air reservoirs.
First 6,000 miles of use
___ Torque all suspension component bolts/nuts to
specications (pg 10/Engineering drawing).
___ Verify that the suspension is operating at the
installed ride height.
Every 12,000 miles of use
___ Inspect air springs for any damage or excessive
wear. Torque air spring bolts/nuts to specications
(pg 10/Engineering drawing).
___ Check air lines and connections for leaks.
Every 50,000 miles of use
___ Torque all suspension component bolts/nuts to
specications (pg 10/Engineering drawing).
Annually/100,000 miles of use
___ Inspect pivot connection for worn pivot bushing
and wear washers. Replace components, if neces-
sary. Torque suspension component bolts/nuts to
specications (pg 10/Engineering drawing).
___ Check arm beam-to-
axle connection welds.
___ Check lubrication level in wheel ends:
1) Oil-Filled Wheel Ends:
Refill/Replace lubricant as needed (Refer to
TMC RP 631 “100K/Annual Inspection”).
2) Semi-Fluid Grease:
Pull outer bearing and visually inspect lubrica-
tion level. Rell/Replace as needed
(Refer to TMC RP 631 “Level 3 Lubrication Level
Inspection” and TMC RP 618 “Wheel Bearing
Adjustment Procedure”).
___ Check air lines and connections for leaks.
___ Test air control system pressure protection valve
(PPV), if equipped.
___ Check height control valve (HCV) adjustment.
___ Verify that the suspension is operating at the
installed ride height.
Failure to torque the bolts/nuts of suspen-
sion components to specications can result in failure
of the suspension and voiding of the warranty.
Park the unloaded trailer on a level surface. Set the
brakes and chock the tires so vehicle cannot move
during inspection.
Insert the at end of a pry-bar between one side of
the hanger sidewall and the wear washers. Move the
pry-bar back-and-forth and look for excessive move-
ment of the beam (NOTE: A small amount of beam
Pivot Bushing Inspection Procedure
movement because of the rubber exing is normal).
Inspect the wear washers for excessive wear/damage.
Repeat the pry-bar process and wear washer inspec-
tion on the other side of the hanger. If any large/easy
movement or damaged wear washers is observed,
drop the beams for further inspection. Replace com-
ponents as necessary.
Refer to the following Technology &
Maintenance Council (TMC) publications
for additional maintenance information:
TMC RP 609 Self-Adjusting and Manual Brake
Adjuster Removal, Installation
and Maintenance
TMC RP 618 Wheel Bearing
Adjustment Procedure
TMC RP 619 Air System Inspection Procedure
TMC RP 622 Wheel Seal and Bearing Removal,
Installation, and Maintenance
TMC RP 631 Recommendations for
Wheel End Lubrication
TMC RP 643 Air Ride Suspension
Maintenance Guidelines
TMC RP 728 Trailer Axle Maintenance
