Menu
If you're a heavy-duty truck owner, then replacing the suspension system is something that you will eventually need to do. While it's important to maintain your truck as well as possible, all trucks and automotive components wear out over time and need replacement at some point. Fortunately, there are things you can do in order to make sure that your suspension replacement goes smoothly and safely. Specialized Truck Repair locations are full-service, diesel-focused repair facilities. Our certified mechanics have the experience and skill to repair everything, big or small. If your equipment needs work, we will get you back on the road as soon as possible. In this article, written in partnership with Dieselmatic, we expand on 5 tips for replacing an old, heavy-duty truck suspension.
If you're working with coil springs to replace them or just inspect them, it's important to use the right equipment to get proper access. Whether you've removed the shocks and struts from underneath or cut open the cab so you can reach over the top of the axle, don't try to do this kind of work without first releasing pressure in the springs and getting some compressed air so they'll release their tension. If done incorrectly, you could get seriously injured. Use new bushings, if possible.
This includes metal and rubber things like springs, leaf springs, shackle bushings, and shock absorber mounts. If any of these parts have a lot of wear, it's a good idea to replace them at this point. The sooner they're fixed, the more you can avoid having to do an expensive repair or re-installation later down the road when they finally fail completely. In addition to fixing problems immediately when they happen, make sure you go over all your vehicle's components several times per year for inspection and maintenance purposes. Having your heavy-duty truck looked at by a mechanic can save you money in the long run.
Before you do your installation, take a few minutes to hose down the part of your vehicle's frame where you will be working. If there is dirt, mud, or other debris on the frame, it can fall into your suspension system when you disconnect or attach parts. This could lead to problems later on if left unchecked. Also, inspect all parts that may have been affected by this for damage and repair as necessary before installing new equipment. Make sure that everything is securely fastened so that they won't shift while driving or lower until they touch a hard surface below. With these steps taken care of, your truck will be in better shape and you won't have to worry about random breakage.
Before you start driving, make sure that everything has been put in its proper place and it's all working properly. You can move on to other tasks if it's not, but also note any problems so you'll know what needs to be repaired. This way, when you bring your heavy-duty truck into us at Specialized Truck Repair, we'll just do a quick checkup and nothing further. We don't want to take up too much time during our visit because we know how important it is for your business equipment not to break constantly while you are on the job.
If you have never done this kind of repair before, it's best to leave it up to trained professionals who know what they're doing. This will not only save time but also prevent any possible malfunctions that might occur if the job is not done correctly.
Make sure that children and pets are kept away while you're working with heavy-duty equipment like this. It's important for safety purposes, but also because many customers bring their children on jobs with them and it can get very crowded underneath large trucks when they do this. This is why it's a good idea for everyone involved if there isn't extra room unless absolutely necessary.
It is helpful to learn about heavy-duty truck repair before doing any work on one's own vehicle. As the suspension of a heavy-duty truck is complex, there are many things that can go wrong and cause it to be replaced; this article has only described 5 of them here, so be sure to do extensive research if you are not knowledgeable in these matters. The whole process will help you better understand what must take place during the process of replacement for this type of vehicle. With all that said, trucks are used for many purposes but they cannot continue providing service without proper support.
To learn more about our diesel-focused repair services at Specialized Truck Repair, we encourage you to get in touch with our team today.
