keeping them running
Page 46
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by Trevor Longcroft Before the annual test for heavy goods vehicles was introduced suspension systems were at the low end of the list of maintenance priorities. All too often repairs were made only when such faults as a broken spring became blatantly obvious.
Since the introduction of the test there has been a marked improvement in the condition of hgv and the operator now has to cast a more critical eye over such .parts as the suspension.
For the operator who wishes to replace worn or broken springs on his vehicle/semi-trailer Jonas Woodhead offers a spring-conditioning service which in most cases could save 30 to 50 per cent of the cost of a new spring.
The normal reconditioning period is seven days—the spring being both collected and delivered by Woodhead. An operator requiring springs for an offthe-road vehicle, may be able to get a reconditioned spring off the shelf, or anyway wait only three days on turn-round time.
On arrival at the reconditioning centre the suspension unit is identified and stripped. Each leaf is visually checked for fatigue marks and cracks and leaf end wear. Any leaf showing signs of wear is discarded.
The leafs comprising one vehicle spring are kept together throughout the various processes. The new leafs undergo a slightly different heat treatment than the leafs to be reconditioned, otherwise their treatment is similar. All springs are bushed and reamed, and new brackets are fitted as standard procedure.
An additional service offered by Woodhead includes reboring and bushing of kingpin eyes and other repairs to axles as well as service repairs to wheels.
Further information can be obtained from Jonas Woodhead Ltd, RSR Section, Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS4 2AQ.