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A. Stucki Company 

 

2600 Neville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15225 

 

Phone 412.770.7300, Fax 412.771.7308 

08072 

www.stucki.com

 Revision 

001, 

6/12/2007 

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUCKI

®

 HS-7-100 HYDRAULIC 

STABILIZERS 

I. INTRODUCTION 

The Stuck HS-7-100 stabilizer is a single-acting hydraulic damper that 
fits into the freight car spring nest and operates as the truck springs 
are compressed.  One unit is installed in each spring group in the 
space normally occupied by the center position truck spring when 
applied with a typical D-5 spring group.  This stabilizer is designed to 
function only under a loaded car condition, no damping occurs when 
the car is empty. 

The Stucki HS-7-100 center position unit should not be confused with 
the Stucki HS-7, which is designed to fit in an outboard spring position 
only.  Figure 1 clearly illustrates the distinctive features of each unit.  
Note particularly that the body springs are not interchangeable 
between the two models. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Figure 1.  Comparison of HS-7-100 (left) & HS-7 (right) 

Standard HS-7-100's are designed for use on 100-ton freight cars. 
They can be used with either D-5 or D-7 truck spring groups.  Units 
having damping characteristics suitable for 70-ton cars are designated 
as HS-7-100-B's. 

The model is identified on the unit serial number tag as shown in 
Figure 2.  Whenever a Stucki stabilizer is to be replaced, it is important 
that it be replaced by a unit of equal capacity rating.  Factory rebuilt 
units will have the letters “RB” and the date they were rebuilt stamped 
on the model identification tag. 
 

Figure 2.  HS-7-100 Identification 

 

II. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS 

Each HS-7-100 stabilizer is packaged in a manner that under normal 
circumstances will prevent corrosion of the piston rod while in storage.  
Units should not be stored outdoors any longer than necessary.  
Incoming stock should be rotated, and units held in long-term storage 
should be protected from moisture.  Units which have been stored for 
long periods should be inspected for any signs of rust on the chrome 
surface of the piston rods before using. 

III. SPRING GROUPS 

For optimum performance the HS-7-100 must be applied with the 
proper combination of truck springs.  A. Stucki company's general 
HS-7-100 truck arrangement drawings list recommended groups for 
conventional applications.  In special cases where cars are to be used 
in assigned service for loads which will consistently be significantly 
greater or less than their rated capacity, Stucki Company should be 
contacted for a compatible spring group recommendation. 

When stabilizers are applied on a retrofit basis to older cars the 
existing truck springs if re-used, should be load or height checked 
according to AAR Specifications. 

IV. INSTALLATION OF THE HS-7-100 INTO TRUCK 

Figure 4 shows an HS-7-100 in a conventional combination type 
7-position spring nest.  Note how the stabilizer reservoir utilizes the 
free space between the center spring position and the side coil 
positions.  With some rare exceptions (which should be approved by A. 
Stucki Company), this is the only spring arrangement that permits the 
use of the HS-7-100. 

In most cases installation of the HS-7-100 requires no modification of 
the truck bolster or side frame.  However, some Barber or S-2 type 
bolsters will have a spring centering boss at the

 

center position which 

must be removed as indicated in Figure 3. 

Figure 3.  Removal of Spring Centering Spud 

Once the installer has checked that there are no projections on the 
side frame or bolster that will interfere with the flush seating of the 
stabilizer, the unit can be placed into position as follows: 

1. 

Install all but outboard row of truck springs in their respective 

positions (see "spring groups"). 

2.  Remove HS-7-100 from shipping bag and remove cardboard 

sleeve from the piston rod (in all cases where unit exchange is 
being made, sleeve should be installed over piston rod of unit 
being removed from car, to protect it during shipping). 

3. 

Place body spring on unit as illustrated in Figure 1. 

4. 

Position unit, piston rod up, in truck as illustrated in Figure 4.   

Make certain sight window is facing outward (toward installer). 

5. 

Install remaining truck springs 

 

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