FRONT AXLE AND SUSPENSION PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
– 242 – Y53-6033
Regional Haul (R05/10)
WARNING! Improper lubrication of U–joints
can cause them to fail prematurely. The drive-
shaft could separate from the vehicle and
result in an accident causing death, injury or
vehicle damage. Make sure lubricant is
purged at all four ends of each U–joint and
loosen caps if necessary. Also, regularly
inspect U–joints for excessive wear or move-
ment, and repair or replace as necessary.
Front Axle and Suspension
Inspection
For all vehicles, mandatory maintenance procedures
include retightening all U–bolts and inspecting the sus-
pension 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 condi-
tions, and vehicle speed.
• Check for cracks, wear marks, splits, or other
• ects 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 bush-
ings. See the Maintenance Manual for further infor-
mation on servicing the front suspension.
Front Suspension
00439
SPRING AND
SHACKLE PINCH
BOLTS
SPRING
ANCHOR
PINS
U-BOLTS
SPRING
ANCHOR PIN
