Pierce Enforcer, Operator'S Manual

Page: 132 / 196

MAINTENANCE
6-10 / Axles, Brakes and Suspension
© 2018 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
6-9.5 Rear Axle Alignment
IMPORTANT: U-bolt nut torque is critical to maintaining rear axle alignment. It is natural for the paints and
lubricants in the spring pack to compress over time and cause the U-bolt clamp force to
drop. This is particularly true soon after factory assembly or whenever the U-bolts are
loosened or the springs are replaced. It is the owner’s responsibility to torque the U-bolts
after the first 500 miles of operation or six months whichever comes first, and then at the
recommended maintenance intervals or axle alignment will likely be affected. Refer to
“Spring Suspension (Front and Rear)” on page 6-11 for U-bolt torque.
Check that the rear axle is aligned perpendicular to the chassis frame using high quality and properly calibrated laser
alignment equipment operated by a trained technician. Slight adjustment may be made by loosening the U-bolts and
repositioning the axle within the clearance of the axle locating pins.
6-9.6 Rear Axle – TAK-4™ Suspension
Refer to the Pierce Service Manual, group 0201-P-001 (steering), or 0201-P-002 (non-steering) TAK-4™
Maintenance, Inspection, and Troubleshooting, for suspension inspection information.
Refer to the Pierce Service Manual, group 0601-P-005, TAK-4™ Steering Adjustments (steering) or group 0601-P-
006, TAK-4™ Steering Components and Adjustments (non-steering) for alignment information.
6-10. Brakes
6-10.1 Brakes – General
IMPORTANT: Do not use Lithium base grease on disc brake calipers. Lithium base grease may not
adequately lubricate the calipers. Only use clay-based NLGI Grade numbers 1 or 2, or
equivalent. Disc brake calipers are NOT to be connected to automatic chassis lubrication
systems. For vehicles equipped with an automatic lubrication system, disc brake calipers
will need to be greased separately.
The inherent duty cycle of fire apparatus requires the use of very aggressive brake lining material. For this reason,
fire apparatus vehicles are very sensitive to brake balance. Refer to
“Brake Balance” on page 3-2 before addressing
brake related service problems.
Brake wear varies widely depending on vehicle use factors such as operator driving habits, terrain, speeds, road
conditions, and use of auxiliary braking devices. Establish a regular schedule for inspection, maintenance, and
lubrication based on the duty cycle of the vehicle. Inspect brake linings weekly until a normal wear rate can be
determined and an appropriate inspection schedule established. Refer to the axle manufacturer’s maintenance
manual (included in the Pierce Service Manual) for maintenance schedules, lubrication recommendations, and
inspection procedures.
All new Pierce Custom Chassis are equipped with non-asbestos lining material. Even so, great care
should be taken to avoid the inhalation of brake lining material dust during the servicing of the brakes,
as brake lining fiber dust may be extremely hazardous to your health. Read and follow the precautions
listed in the Brake section of the Pierce Service Manual or serious personal injury may result.