Parts and Service >> Hutch Suspension Service and Maintenance

Your Hutch suspension is designed to require a minimum of service. The key to a successful service life, however, is a thorough inspection of the suspension after a short break-in period to make certain all nuts and bolts are properly torqued, and a regular periodic inspection thereafter. This is essential to assure continuous trouble free operation. The frequency of your preventative maintenance inspections depends upon your operation, such as: the terrain your trailers operate over, the mileage per month, etc.

Alignment
Before attempting alignment, make sure the trailer is not loaded. Be sure the suspension has not been placed in a "blind" by being jack-knifed into a bay or having gone through any other unusual maneuver. The suspension must be free and loose in order to obtain a true alignment.

To align, measure the distance from the king-pin to the centerline of the spindle on the front axle. If the dimensions "D" and "D1" (figure 1, below) are not the same, turn the adjustable torque arm screw until the two dimensions are the same. Next, align any succeeding axle from the front axle. Move the adjustable torque arm until "Y" and "Y1" (figure 1, below) are the same. When all axles are properly aligned, make sure all clamp bolts on adjustable torque arms are tightened to 85 foot pounds.

It is to be understood that all alignments are to be performed on smooth, level and flat surfaces with the trailer empty. True readings cannot be obtained if alignment is performed on loaded trailers in the street or on rough terrain.