INTRODUCTION
PRELIMINAR STUDIES AND CONSIDERATIONS
MAINTENANCE AND DAMAGE PREVENTION
WORK ON BASIC VEHICLE
MOUNTING AND CONSTRUCTION
POWER TAKE-OFF
ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
APPENDIX
82
Body Builder Manual Part II, Specific Book LCV
V1.0, February 2015
4.4
Suspension modifications
The suspension is one of the most important elements in a vehicle, because it di
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rectly influences the driving safety and comfort of passengers. Therefore, HMC
does not allow any kind of modification to the suspension system. If the suspension
system of the basic vehicle from factory is retrofitted or manipulated in any way,
the vehicle might lose the approval certificate.
The vehicle‘s behavior is determined largely by the type of suspension that is in
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corporated. Therefore, from the various possible options offered from the factory,
it is important to select a type of suspension that is in accordance with the body to
be mounted in the vehicle and the use for which the vehicle is intended. The instal
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lation of stabiliser bars, reinforced springs, etc. must also be considered
As the suspension elements have to bear the full weight of the vehicle, they must
be strong enough to ensure that the loads acting on them do not cause permanent
deformation. In turn, they must also be very elastic to allow the wheels to follow the
terrain continuously, without being separated from it.
NOTICE
Suspension contributes to vehicle safety while driving, so no modification of the
suspension system is approved.
To obtain more detailed information about authorisations and certificates of con
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formity.
See General Book, chapter 2.6 "Verification and certification of superstruc
-
tures".
WARNING
On vehicles equipped with VDC, no modification of the suspension is allowed. The
adequacy of the suspension involves performing a reconfiguration of VDC. Other
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wise a fault could occur in the system, and this could cause an accident.
See General Book, chapter 2.6 "Verification and certification of superstruc
-
tures"
NOTICE
- All elements used in the vehicle suspension must be supplied or approved by
HMC.
- The stability of the vehicle must ensured after modification of the suspension.
The braking forces should be studied and adapted.
- Keep in mind the requirements and recommendations when performing drilling
and welding work on the vehicle. It must also be protected against corrosion.
See General Book, chapter 4.1 "Preventions and recommendations".