Q In the absence of manufacturers'
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maintenance instructions regarding spring assemblies could you advise us on the frequency of such maintenance, the nature of reconditioning work to be undertaken and any tests which should be carried out on spring assemblies?
AAll spring shackle pins should be greased
at least once a week and the retaining bolts checked for tightness. Whenever shackle pins seem to be dry, and at least once every four weeks, all spring U bolts should be checked for tightness. When there is little clearance between the top of the tyres arid the underside of the body then the springs require changing.
Also once every four weeks, a pinch bar should be placed over the main leaf close to the eye of the springs, with the tip under the chassis and pressed down, when any wear in the eye or shackle pin will be observed. This procedure should be repeated on all spring eyes, making sure that any clamps over the eyes are removed to facilitate inspection for fractures. The important factor is to ensure that the springs are properly located in relation to the axle, and particularly to the rear axle, because if the U-bolts loosen it will affect the operation of the hand or parking brake.