Ridewell Suspensions RSS-233T-20K Manual

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 1 ENG
RSS-233T - 20K Trailer
Self-Steering Air-Ride Suspension
Installation and Service Manual
Part No.: 9710109
Doc.:
233-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Suspension Identication..................................... 2
Suspension System Serial Tag
Installation ............................................................. 3
Prior to Installation
Suspension Mounting
Air Controls - Troubleshooting
Maintenance .......................................................... 7
Recommended Service Intervals
Parts Illustration
20K Trailer Low-Mount - Drum Brakes
20K Trailer Mid-Mount - Drum Brakes
Drum Brake Axle Assembly
20K Trailer Low-Mount - Disc Brakes
20K Trailer Mid-Mount - Disc Brakes
Disc Brake Axle Assembly
Bushing Replacement Kit
Bushing Replacement Procedure
Appendix.............................................................. 15
Torque Specications
Warranty............................................................... 16

ENG Page 2 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Gross Axle WeiGht rAtinG CertifiCAtion is per the finAl stAGe
mAnufACturer or Alterer.
this produCt mAy be Covered under one or more pAtents.
AdditionAl pAtents mAy be pendinG.
for more informAtion on pAtent or suspension/Axle CApACity rAtinG
ContACt rideWell CorporAtion.
www.ridewellcorp.com [phone]
PART NO:
SERIAL NO:
Figure 1. The Suspension Serial Tag is located on
the left-hand (driver’s side) suspension hanger.
SUSPENSION IDENTIFICATION
Introduction
It’s important that the proper suspension model be
chosen for the application in which it is to be used.
The Ridewell Self-Steering (RSS) 233 Suspension
series is a fully integrated, auxiliary axle suspension
system available for truck and trailer applications.
The RSS-233 20K Trailer Suspension System can
be congured with either drum or disc brake axle
assemblies and with an optional steering lock.
Refer to the engineering drawing for detailed
information on the suspension system components
and operating parameters.
Read through the entire Installation and Service
Manual (ISM) before performing any installation or
maintenance procedures.
Identication Tag
Ridewell suspension systems can be identied
by the Part and Serial Number listed on the serial
identication tags.
Suspension Serial Tag
The Suspension Serial Tag provides information on
the suspension model (Figure 1).
The Part Number (233xxxx) refers to the individual
model of the suspension system.
The nine-digit Serial Number (1xxxxxxxx) refers to
the date and order of manufacture of the suspension.
Please refer to both the part number and serial
number when contacting Ridewell for customer
service, replacement parts and warranty information.
Notes and Cautions
All work should be performed by a properly trained
technician using the proper/special tools and safe
work procedures.
The ISM uses two types of service notes to provide
important safety guidelines, prevent equipment
damage and make sure that the suspension system
operates correctly. The service notes are dened as:
“NOTE”: Provides additional instructions or
procedures to complete tasks and make sure that
the suspension functions properly.
Indicates a hazardous situation or
unsafe practice that, if not avoided, could result
in equipment damage and serious injury.
Notes on Self-Steering Option
Self-steering suspensions are designed to steer only
in the forward direction. The suspension should
be raised o the ground or locked into a non-
steering conguration during reverse travel to avoid
damaging the suspension.
Ridewell Suspensions strongly recommends the
use of automated systems that raise/lock the lift-
axle during reverse travel. For manual operations,
Ridewell recommends the installation of a visual/
audible indicator to assist the driver.
Use caution when maneuvering in reverse with the
steering lock engaged. The driver should maintain
slow maneuvering speeds and avoid extreme turns.
Failure to lift the suspension and-or engage
the steering-lock during reverse travel can cause
component damage and void the warranty.

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 3 ENG
INSTALLATION
Installer Responsibilities
The installer of the suspension has the sole
responsibility for proper aachment of the
suspension system to the vehicle chassis.
• The installer is responsible for locating the
suspension system on the vehicle to provide the
proper load distribution.
• The installer must verify that vehicle
crossmembers are positioned to support the
suspension at the installing location.
• It is the installer’s responsibility to determine that
axle spacing conforms to any applicable federal
and local bridge laws.
• The installer must verify that air reservoir
volume requirements are met after suspension
installation. Consult the vehicle manufacturer or
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
121 for more information.
• The installer must verify there is sucient
clearance for proper functioning of the auxiliary
suspension, air springs, brake chambers, steering
components, axle (including axle to driveline
clearance) and tires.
Prior to Installation
Refer to the engineering drawing to conrm
dimensional requirements and the range of ride
heights available from the suspension model.
The methods and procedures listed in this manual
are considered to be general practices. Installations
can vary and procedures should be adapted for
dierent vehicles, as needed.
• Operating the suspension outside of design
parameters can result in improper performance,
damaged equipment, and void the warranty.
• The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is
determined by the system component with the
lowest load rating. Please consult with tire, wheel,
axle and brake manufacturers before installation
to determine the GAWR.
• If vehicle chassis modications are required,
consult with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure
that such changes are permied.
• Welding or altering suspension components
is not permied without the express wrien
permission of Ridewell Suspensions.

ENG Page 4 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Mounting the suspension to the trailer frame
Refer to the engineering drawing for the range of
ride heights and spacing and clearance requirements.
The RSS-233T 20K Trailer Suspension is shipped
fully assembled. If the system is taken apart for
installation, the components must be reassembled
with the proper torque applied (Appendix).
Weld-On Installation Procedure
Recommended locations of customer-furnished ller
plates and supporting crossmembers for the hangers
and air spring mounting plates are shown on the
engineering drawing.
The welding method used must develop
a minimum weld tensile strength of 70,000 psi per
AWS specications.
1. Mark the desired location for the frame hangers
and air spring mounting plates and customer-
furnished ller plates on the frame.
NOTE: For proper support, a crossmember must
be located within six inches of the leading or
trailing edge of the frame hanger.
2. Check the location for sucient clearances in
both the raised and lowered positions.
3. Weld customer-furnished ller plates, as needed,
to crossmembers with ¼” llet welds down the
length of the crossmember.
4. Weld customer-furnished ller plates for
air spring mounting plates to frame and
crossmember(s). Weld ller plates with ¼” llet
welds down the length of crossmember.
5. Weld the hangers to the frame/ller plates with
1/4” llet welds completely around the hangers.
Stop the welds 1/2” from the corners and edges.
6. Weld the air spring mounting plates to the frame/
ller plates with 3/16” llet welds all the way
around the mounting plates/bridge assembly.
7. If components have been removed for
installation, reinstall as shown on engineering
drawing. Torque to specications (Appendix).
8. Install/connect the air control kit (ACK) to the
suspension. Check the air system installation for
leaks and proper operation of controls (Page 6).
9. Perform nal assembly and inspection and check
the wheel toe seing (Page 5).
Bolt-On Installation Procedure
Refer to the engineering drawing for the range of ride
heights available,spacing and clearance requirements
of the suspension and bolting paern detail.
Before installation, check to make sure that wires,
hoses or other components will not be aected by
drilling into the frame rail.
Bolts/nuts for aaching the suspension to the vehicle
are supplied by the installer. Grade 8 bolts and
anged lock nuts or lock nuts with hardened washers
are recommended.
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
components to specications can result in failure of
the suspension and void the warranty.

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 5 ENG
Air springs pressure regulates axle load
The load capacity of the auxiliary axle is adjusted
by increasing or decreasing the pressure to the air
springs. By applying more air, the lift axle takes on
a greater percentage of the load’s weight. The load
capacity is decreased as the air pressure decreases.
Accurate readings of the load capacity can be
obtained by parking a loaded vehicle over a
calibrated scale and lowering the axle onto the
scale.
The air pressure to the air springs is manually
adjusted up or down to obtain the axle load
weight at various air pressures.
Do not exceed the rated load capacity
of the suspension system or other components.
Exceeding the capacity can cause component
Final Assembly and Inspection
1. Verify welds on hangers and air spring mounting
plates. Verify all suspension component bolts/
nuts are torqued to specications (Appendix).
2. Install wheels and tires.
When lowering an auxiliary axle on an
unloaded vehicle, pressure to the load air springs
must be reduced to below 10 psi. Failure to
reduce air pressure could cause the vehicle’s axles
to rise from the ground and the vehicle could roll
in an unsafe manner.
3. Check that tires are inated to recommended
pressure. Check wheel hubs for proper level of
lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Lift the axle to the raised position. Check the air
system tubing and connections for leaks.
5. Check that wheels can rotate freely and that
brakes and slack adjusters are properly adjusted.
6. Raise and lower the suspension assembly (wheels
and tires installed) through the entire range of
travel. Make sure that sucient clearances for air
springs, brake chambers and other components
has been provided.
7. Check the vehicle’s reverse travel options:
7.1 Check steer lock operation.
7.2 Check automated system (if installed) to
make sure that suspension raises/locks wheels
during reverse travel.
Failure to check reverse travel operations
can result in component damage and void the
suspension warranty.
8. Check wheel toe-in seing and adjust, if
necessary (between 1/32” and 3/32”).
Wheel Toe Setting
Wheel toe is the relationship of the distance between
the front of the tires and the distance between the
rear of the tires on the same axle. When the front
distance is less than the rear distance, the wheels are
in a “toe-in” (positive toe) condition.
The correct seing for the RSS-233 suspension should
be positive toe-in between 1/32” and 3/32”.
Check Wheel Toe Seing
1. Deate the air springs.
2. Lift the axle enough for tires to rotate freely.
Support with jack stands to ensure axle is level.
3. Position tires to point straight ahead. Spin each
tire. Use a piece of chalk to mark a line on the
center tread all the way around the tire.
4. Use the centerline mark to measure the distance
from the front of the tire to the frame. Measure
the distance from the back of the tire to the frame.
5. Subtract the front of the tire distance from the
rear distance to obtain the wheel toe seing.
Adjust Wheel Toe
1. Loosen clamps on both ends of the tie rod. Twist
the tie rod forward/backward to move the front of
the tire towards or away from the frame.
2. Continue rotating the tie rod until the proper toe-
in seing is achieved.
3. Torque the tie-rod clamps to 50 ft-lb (68 N-m).

ENG Page 6 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Troubleshooting – Air System Installation
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Air springs ll
but do not exhaust.
— Obstructed air line.
— Faulty controls wiring.
— Manual override pushed in
— Check for pinched/blocked lines.
— Check wiring with voltmeter and
correct wiring/installation.
— Release manual override.
Air system leaks
down after a short
period of time.
— Leak in air system beyond
accepted standards. — Pressurize system and spray soap water solution onto the tubing,
valves and fittings. Check for
bubbles (leaks). Note: Some valves
will leak at an acceptable rate.
— Check that tubing cuts are straight
and smooth. Re-cut and reassemble
fitting joints, if necessary.
Auxiliary unit will not
stay up
— Loose Air Fittings.
— Damaged Air Lines.
— Air lines to lift and load air
springs are reversed.
— Damaged or Worn
Air Springs.
— Check and retighten fittings. Repair
or replace component, as necessary.
— Check installation. Air line from
regulator goes to (load) air springs.
— Replace if worn or damaged.
Auxiliary unit not geing
the correct lift
— Air lines to lift and load air
springs are reversed.
— Lift air springs do not have
proper air pressure.
— Interference with driveline or
other chassis components.
— Air control system not
installed correctly.
— Check installation. Air line from
regulator goes to (load) air springs.
— Check for loose fittings or worn/
damaged lines. Verify air tank
pressure with gauge.
— Visually inspect unit operation for
proper clearance. Check for loose
fasteners and retighten.
— Check installation; refer to OEM
installation procedures.
Install air system components
Connect the load and lift air springs and an air
control kit to the air system (Figure 2).
The air control kit (ACK) consists of a pressure
regulator with a gauge connected to an air valve
controlled by an electric switch or manual knob. The
ACK allows the operator to control the air spring
pressure so that the auxiliary axle can support
dierent loads.
Ridewell has a number of manual/electric ACK
congurations available. Installation will vary by the
type of conguration.
The installer is responsible for making
sure that air system requirements comply with the
appropriate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Figure 2.
Example of Air Control Kit (ACK) installation

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 7 ENG
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 ination, damage or
excessive wear.
___ Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubricant
leakage. Check for missing 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 bolts/nuts to
specications (torque values chart in
Appendix).
Every 12,000 miles of use
___ Lubricate Brake Cam and Slack Adjuster.
___ Inspect kingpins and upper/lower kingpin
bushings for wear. Grease thrust bearings.
___ Inspect steering damper for damage/wear.
___ Inspect air springs for any damage or
excessive wear. Torque air spring bolts/nuts
to specications (Appendix).
___ Check air system for leaks.
First 50,000 miles of use
___ Torque all suspension bolts/nuts to
specications (Appendix).
___ Check wheel ends for excessive play.
___ Check suspension pivot bushings for wear.
___ Check operation of (reverse) steering lock
(if equipped).
___ Verify operation of manual/automatic lift-in-
reverse control (if equipped).
___ Inspect tie-rod and tie-rod ends for damage and
wear. Lubricate tie-rod ends. Check that the tie-
rod boot is in place and completely over the end
of the tie-rod. Replace entire tie-rod end if boot
is damaged.
Annually/100,000 miles of use
___ Inspect pivot connections for worn pivot
bushings and replace, if necessary. Torque
pivot hardware and component bolts/nuts to
specications (Appendix).
___ Check suspension hanger and air spring
mounting plate connections to frame.
___ 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 lubrication level. Rell/Replace
as needed (Refer to TMC RP 631 “Level 3
Lubrication Level Inspection” and TMC RP 618
“Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure”).
___ Check air system for leaks.
___ Test air system pressure protection valve
(if equipped).
___ Check brake chambers and brakes for damage
and proper function.
Failure to exhaust all pressure from the
air system before working on the vehicle can cause
serious injury.
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
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 Procedures
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 645 Tie Rod End Inspection
and Maintenance Procedure
TMC RP 651 Steer Axle
Maintenance Guidelines

ENG Page 8 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Figure 3.
233T - 20K Trailer - Low-Mount Suspension – Drum Brakes
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version (Narrow or Wide Track) of the engineering drawing for the individual
component part number.
Hanger
(Left-Hand)
Air Spring
(Lift)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Torque Rod
(LH Upper)
(LH Lower)
Torque Rod
(RH Upper)
(RH Lower)
Wear Washer
Hanger
(Right-Hand)
Pivot Bushing
Inner Sleeve
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring-RH)
Drum Brake Axle Assembly
Bushing/Inner Sleeve
Flanged Bolt
(Air Spring)
Locknut
Air
Spring
(Load)
Cross Channel
(Narrow or Wide Track)
Locknut
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit
with/without hardware
includes components
for eight pivot connections
Pivot Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Pivot Bolt/Nut
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Wear Washer
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Wear Washer
Locknut
(Air Spring)

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 9 ENG
Figure 4.
233T 20K Trailer - Mid-Mount Suspension – Drum Brakes – Air Spring Bridge Assembly
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version (Narrow or Wide Track) of the engineering drawing for the individual
component part number.
Hanger
(Left-Hand)
Air Spring
(Lift)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Torque Rod
(LH Upper)
(LH Lower)
Torque Rod
(RH Upper)
(RH Lower)
Wear Washer
Hanger
(Right-Hand)
Inner Sleeve/Pivot Bushing
Air Spring Bridge
Drum Brake Axle Assembly
Locknut
(Air Spring)
Locknut
Locknut
Cross Channel Assembly
Air Spring
(Load)
Pipe Plug
(Hex Socket)
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit
with/without hardware
includes components for
eight pivot connections
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Flanged Lock Screw
(Air Spring)
Locknut
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Pivot Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Wear Washer
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)

ENG Page 10 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Cotter Pin
Castle
Nut
Locknut
Bolt/Washer
Hub Cap
Tie Rod
Gasket Spindle Nut Bearing Assembly
(Outer)
Bearing Bearing
Assembly Seal
(Inner)
Bolt
Steer Lock
Plunger
Cap
Gasket
King Pin
Shims
Locknut
Steer Lock Tube Assembly
Hub & Drum
(Options Avail.)
Brake
Assembly
(LH)
Draw Key
Locknut
Bolt
Cotter Pin
Locknut
Tie Rod Arm
Hub & Drum
(Options Avail.)
Steering
Damper
Bolt
Bolt
Flat Washer
Grease Fitting
Knuckle
(LH)
Locknut
Bolt
Cotter Pin
Locknut
Tie Rod Arm
Grease Fitting Knuckle
(RH)
Bearing Seal
Thrust Bearing
Woodru Key
Lock Pin
Brake
Assembly
(RH)
Brake Chamber Washer
Steer Lock Stop Plate
Gasket
Cap
Flat Washer
Bolt
Figure 5.
233T - 20K Trailer Drum Brake Axle Assembly (Steer Lock version)
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version of the engineering drawing for the individual component part number.

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 11 ENG
Figure 6.
233T - 20K Trailer - Low-Mount Suspension – Disc Brakes
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version of the engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
Hanger
(Left-Hand)
Air Spring
(Lift)
Flat Washer
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Torque Rod
(LH Upper)
(LH Lower)
Torque Rod
(RH Upper)
(RH Lower)
Wear Washer
Hanger
(Right-Hand)
Pivot Bushing/Inner Sleeve
Disc Brake Axle Assembly
Locknut Locknut
Locknut
Cross Channel Assembly
Air Spring
(Load)
Pipe Plug
(Hex Socket)
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit
with/without hardware
includes components for
eight pivot connections
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Locknut
Pivot Bolt/Nut
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Wear Washer
Mounting Plate
(Air Spring-RH)
Flanged Lock Screw
(Air Spring)
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)

ENG Page 12 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
Figure 7.
233T 20K Trailer - Mid-Mount Suspension – Disc Brakes – Air Spring Bridge Assembly
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version of the engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
Hanger
(Left-Hand)
Air Spring
(Lift)
Lock Washer
Bolt
(Air Spring)
Torque Rod
(LH Upper)
(LH Lower)
Torque Rod
(RH Upper)
(RH Lower)
Wear Washer
Hanger
(Right-Hand)
Inner Sleeve/Pivot Bushing
Air Spring Bridge
Disc Brake Axle Assembly
Locknut
Locknut
Locknut
Cross Channel Assembly
Air Spring
(Load)
Pipe Plug
(Hex Socket)
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit with/without hardware
includes components for eight pivot connections
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Flanged Lock Screw
(Air Spring)
Locknut
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Pivot Bolt/Nut
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Wear Washer
Locknut Pipe Plug
(Hex Socket) Locknut

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 13 ENG
Figure 8.
233T - 20K Trailer Disc Brake Axle Assembly (Steer Lock version)
Refer to the steer lock version of engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
Cotter Pin
Castle
Nut
Grease Fitting Knuckle
(RH)
Locknut
Bolt
Flat Washer
Hub Cap
Tie Rod
Flat Washer
Steer Lock Stop Plate
Gasket Spindle Nut
Bearing
Assembly
(Outer)
Torque Plate
(LH)
Brake Cam
Brake Caliper
(LH)
Bearing Bearing
Assembly Seal
(Inner)
Bolt
Steer Lock
Brake Plunger
Chamber
Cap
Cap Gasket
King Pin
Shims
Locknut
Steer Lock Tube Assembly
Hub & Rotor
Bolt
Draw Key
Locknut
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Cotter Pin
Locknut
Knuckle
(LH)
Hub & Rotor
Brake Cam
Brake Caliper
Torque Plate
(RH)
Steering
Damper
Bolt
Bolt
Flat Washer
Bolt
Flat Washer
Bolt
Flat Washer
Bearing Seal
Thrust Bearing
Cap
Cap Gasket
Locknut
Lock Pin
Woodru Key
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Cotter Pin

ENG Page 14 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
233T - 20K Trailer Suspension – Bushing Replacement Kit
Suspension Type
Bushing Kit
Part Number Pivot Hardware
Torque Values
foot-pound Newton-meter
All models 6040160 Bushing kit - No pivot bolt 500 ft-lb 678 N-m
All models 6040161 Pivot Bolt (HHCS); Pivot Nut (Lock Nut) 500 ft-lb 678 N-m
Failure to install and maintain fasteners at torque specifications could result in suspension failure and
voiding of the warranty. Refer to the engineering drawing for torque specifications.
Figure 9.
Bushing kit with/without hardware includes
components for eight (8) pivot connections.
1. Remove Huck
®
Collar by cuing/grinding. Take
pivot connection apart. Discard pivot hardware.
Discard wear washers.
NOTE: Wear washers included in all bushing
replacement kits.
2. Remove bushing assembly from the torque rod
and discard. Clean the rod eye of any foreign
debris or corrosion.
3. Apply Energy Suspensions®Formula 5 Prelube
to the bore (inside) of new bushings.
NOTE: Do not substitute - special urethane
bushing lubricant included with all bushing kits.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Chock wheels to keep vehicle from moving. Exhaust all the air from the air
system. Disassemble suspension, if necessary, to reach the pivot connections.
Failure to properly chock wheels and exhaust the air system could allow vehicle movement that could
result in serious injury.
4. Install bushing in the eye of the torque rod.
NOTE: Mallet/press may be needed to install new
bushing.
5. Press inner sleeve into the installed bushing.
Center the sleeve inside the bushing so that both
ends extend slightly past the sides of the bushing.
6. Assemble the pivot connection with one wear
washer on each side of the bushing (Figure 2).
The inner sleeve of the bushing must be ush
with or extend slightly past the outside of the
wear washers after assembly.
NOTE: Bushing replacement kit (6040161) includes
traditional pivot hardware. Wear washers included
in all replacement kits.
7. Torque pivot nut to specications
(500 ft-lb - 678 N-m).
8. Reassemble suspension components, if necessary.
Tighten components to specications
(See engineering drawing).
9. Check wheel toe-in seing (between 1/32” and
3/32”) and adjust, if necessary.
Failure to torque pivot hardware can result
in suspension failure and void the warranty.
Torque Rod
(LH Upper)
(LH Lower)
Wear Washer
Inner Sleeve/Pivot Bushing
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck©Fasteners Shown)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)
Wear Washer
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit with/without hardware
includes components for eight pivot connections
Pivot Nut/Bolt
(Huck
©
Fasteners Shown)
Flanged Lock Screw
(Air Spring)
Locknut
Locknut Torque Rod
(RH Upper)
(RH Lower)
Pivot Nut
(Huck©Collar Shown)

233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18 Page 15 ENG
RSS-233T 20K Trailer – Torque Specications
Fastener Type Size
Torque Specications
foot-pound Newton-meter
Bolt (Air Spring) 1/2”-13NC 50 ft-lb 68 N-m
Lock Nut (Air Spring) 1/2”-20NF 25 ft-lb 35 N-m
Lock Nut (Air Spring) 3/4”-16NF 50 ft-lb 68 N-m
Lock Nut (Tie Rod/Steering Damper) 3/4”-10NC 160 ft-lb 217 N-m
Lock Nut (Cross Channel) 5/8”-11NC 160 ft-lb 217 N-m
Pivot Bolt - (Hex Head Cap Screw (HHCS))
Pivot Nut - (Lock Nut) 7/8”-14NF 500 ft-lb 678 N-m
Torque values reflect a lubricated thread condition (Nuts are pre-lubed). Do not overtorque.
Suspension is shipped with minimal torque applied to fasteners. It is the installer’s responsibility
to apply the proper torque values. All fasteners MUST be re-torqued after the first 6,000 miles of operation.
Failure to install and maintain fasteners at torque specifications could result in suspension failure and voiding
of the warranty. Refer to the engineering drawing for torque specifications of the suspension model.
APPENDIX

ENG Page 16 233T-Trailer-20K-ISM-RevC-11-05-18
WARRANTY
Terms and coverage in this warranty apply only to the United States and Canada.
Ridewell Suspensions warrants the suspension systems manufactured by it to be free of defects in material
and workmanship. Warranty coverage applies only to suspensions that have been properly installed,
maintained and operated within the rated capacity and recommended application of the suspension. The
responsibility for warranty coverage is limited to the repair/replacement of suspension parts. The liability
for coverage of purchased components is limited to the original warranty coverage extended by the
manufacturer of the purchased part.
All work under warranty must have prior wrien approval from the Ridewell warranty department.
Ridewell has the sole discretion and authority to approve or deny a claim and authorize the repair or
replacement of suspension parts. All parts must be held until the warranty claim is closed.
Parts that need to be returned for warranty evaluation will be issued a Returned Materials Authorization
(RMA). Parts must be returned to Ridewell with the transportation charges prepaid. The transportation
charges will be reimbursed if the warranty claim is approved.
This non-transferable warranty is in lieu of all other expressed or implied warranties or representations,
including any implied warranties of merchantability or tness or any obligations on the part of Ridewell.
Ridewell will not be liable for any business interruptions, loss of prots, personal injury, any costs of travel
delays or for any other special, indirect, incidental or consequential losses, costs or damages.
Contact the Ridewell Warranty Dept. at 417.833.4565 - Ext. 135, for complete warranty information.