Section 480. Suspension

Inspect for and reject if:

1. Any positioning parts are cracked, broken, loose, or missing resulting in shifting of an axle from its normal position.

2. Any part of the torsion bar assembly or torque arm or any part used for attaching the same to the vehicle frame or axle is cracked, broken or missing.

NOTE: This does not apply to loose bushing(s) in torque or track arms.

3. Vehicles designed for shock absorbers or cross stabilizer links, if any are missing, disconnected, broken, bent, loose or do not function properly.

4. Any leaf spring is broken, sagging, misaligned, or if spring hangers are worn or loose.

5. Any deflated air suspension system or leaks.

CAUTION: Underneath inspection of a vehicle equipped with air suspension with excessive leakdown could result in serious personal injury.

6. Any suspension system defect or any condition of loading that permits the body or frame to come in contact with a tire or any part of the wheel assemblies.

NOTE: "All thread rod" material shall not be used as U-bolts in the suspension system.

7. Sliding trailer tandem or multi-axle assemblies do not lock in place or have broken or missing parts.

8. Any coil spring is broken.

9. Vehicles with composite springs on either the power unit or trailer, if a crack, regardless of length, is visible on either side, top or bottom.

NOTE: A crack is a separation in any axis that passes completely through the spring.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR545-01-07 § 48, eff. May 1, 1990; amended, Volume 10, Issue 08, eff. February 9, 1994; Volume 15, Issue 02, eff. November 11, 1998; Volume 21, Issue 04, eff. September 22, 2004; Volume 32, Issue 24, eff. October 3, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-1165 of the Code of Virginia.