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www.valortrailers.com PHONE: 208-810-4900
Rev 05/20/2022
2.4 Running Gear
Suspension
The suspension on your trailer is a heavy duty, leaf spring, underslung type. The leaf springs are not
directly attached to the trailer but are free to float against the wear pads of the hangers and rockers. Spring seat
adjusters or adjustable radius rods are employed to keep the axles in alignment.
The first maintenance check should be performed after an initial break-in period of about 1,000 miles. A
visual inspection of all suspension components and attachment welds should be performed to reveal any
obvious problems, such as cracks or unexpected wear.
During t
his ‘walk
-
around’, it is essential to also check the torque on all suspension fasteners.
During the
initial ‘shake down’ period in which the components of the suspension system ‘seat in’, as much as 25% of the
original clamp load on the bolted joints can be lost. After the parts of the suspension have worked together for a
very short period of time, re-torquing the bolts is necessary to ensure that undue movement, which results in
excessive suspension wear, does not occur.
During the first maintenance check, the trailers axle alignment should be examined and adjusted.
Alignment should also be checked following any maintenance or repair procedure performed on the suspension.
Torque Requirements
Visually inspect the suspension system every three months or 25,000 miles for signs of excess wear,
elongation of bolt holes, and loosening of fasteners. Whenever loose or replaced the fasteners in your
suspension system should be torqued as detailed below. The oiled torque values in the first column are for new
fasteners with lubricated threads. For maintenance check on fasteners that have been in service use the higher
torque values in the dry thread column. It is important that you check all bolts and nuts to ensure that the
recommended torque values are being maintained.
You cannot ascertain these torques values visually or by ‘feel’. USE A TORQUE WRENCH!
Summary of Contents for 54TS
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Page 28: ...27 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Rev 05 20 2022 Brake Drum Troubleshooting Chart...
Page 34: ...33 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Rev 05 20 2022 Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart...
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Page 52: ...51 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Rev 05 20 2022 Section 3 2 Running Gear...
Page 53: ...52 www valortrailers com PHONE 208 810 4900 Rev 05 20 2022 Section 3 2 Running Gear...
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