Leaf Spring System
This suspension component consists of several curved steel leaves stacked together to support vehicle weight.
Leaf Spring
This flexible rubber component uses compressed air to support the vehicle's weight.
Air spring/ Air bag
This suspension component helps control spring movement and reduces excessive vehicle bouncing.
Shock absorber
This term describes the repeated up-and-down movement of the suspension after it has been disturbed.
Oscillation
Before working underneath a raised heavy-duty vehicle, a technician should support it with properly rated equipment such as these.
Safety stands / Jack stands
The individual steel pieces that make up a leaf spring assembly are commonly held together to form this
Spring Pack
This valve controls air entering and exhausting from the air springs to maintain the proper vehicle ride height.
Leveling valve/ Height control valve
The compression movement of a suspension is known by this term.
Jounce
These components limit suspension travel and help prevent metal-to-metal contact when the suspension is fully compressed.
Jounce blocks / bump stops
Cracks, broken leaves, loose U-bolts, damaged bushings, and shifted spring components are items checked during an inspection of this type of suspension.
Leaf spring suspension
These U-shaped fasteners secure a leaf spring assembly to the axle.
U-Bolts
If this component is adjusted incorrectly, the vehicle may ride too high or too low even when there are no air leaks.
Leveling valve/ height control valve
The downward or extension movement of a suspension following compression is known as this.
Rebound
This suspension design uses a bar that twists to provide spring action.
Torsion bar suspension
Uneven ride height, damaged air springs, loose mounting hardware, and air leaks should be checked when inspecting this system.
Air spring suspension system
This component allows the effective length of a leaf spring to change as the suspension moves through jounce and rebound.
Spring Shackle
A truck is leaning toward one side after sitting overnight. This is one of the first problems a technician should look for in the air suspension.
Air leak
A shock absorber covered with excessive oil and unable to control suspension movement may require this service.
Replacement of Shock absorber
This heavy-duty suspension design commonly uses a beam to connect or distribute loads between axles.
Equalizing beam suspension
A truck has excessive body movement, poor ride control, and abnormal tire wear. These components should be inspected for worn bushings, leakage, or damage.
Shock absorbers and suspension components
During inspection, a technician finds a cracked leaf in a spring pack. The appropriate action is generally this rather than attempting to weld the damaged spring.
replace the damaged spring/spring assembly according to manufacturer procedures?
What is the best way to find an air leak?
Spray with soapy water
A truck continues bouncing several times after hitting a bump. These suspension components should be inspected closely.
Shock absorbers
This term refers to a suspension system capable of changing its characteristics or ride height in response to vehicle operating conditions.
Adaptive suspension
A truck's rear suspension sits lower than specification. The air springs are not leaking and system air pressure is adequate. This component should be checked next for adjustment or improper operation.
Leveling valve / height control valve