How is 1/4 missing on a leaf spring measured?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by Newtotrucking2020, Dec 10, 2019.

  1. Newtotrucking2020

    Newtotrucking2020 Bobtail Member

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    The four straight trucks I have looked at only have 2 "leafs" on each spring. The CDL study guide states 1/4 or more missing puts truck out of service. How can part of a leaf spring be "missing"? I can see cracked...but missing?
     
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  3. 6wheeler

    6wheeler Road Train Member

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    That was a book written 100 years ago for one size fits all, trucks handbook. It's also how the DOT is trained, by the book and not by conditional safety standards.

    The old dump trucks that had about 20 leaf springs stacked between the axles is what it's reference is to.
     
  4. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Your question is making me clear cobwebs. On our Mack Superliner there is a certain number of springs back there.

    I counted mine. Then compared it to the other three springs on the tandems under the bed.

    If the hangers and so forth were tight there isnt anything to stress you all.

    But golly Those rules are getting seriously old.

    The next thing also is the BIG U bolts on the leaf spring stack. Two I believe down to the axle block and bolt.

    One of our ambulances were cheapened with spring ride recently. Next time I fall down, I'll ask them to break out the big airride one.
     
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  5. Snow Monster

    Snow Monster Medium Load Member

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    The regs probably mean 1/4 the length of 1 leaf in the stack.

    A long time ago most trucks had leaf spring suspensions like Reyco and Hendrickson.
    It was common to see broken leafs in the spring stacks.
    If a broken leaf made it's way out of the stack it could cause a lot of damage to your truck or other vehicles, blow a tire, rip a fuel line, damage your air brakes, smash through a windshield, etc.

    After time the steel sort of crystallizes, becomes brittle and breaks.
    They could break a few inches from the ends to the centre of the stack or anywhere in between.
     
  6. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    If you examine Callouses on your hands, Steel reacts the same exact wy, only they break snap off and flake like crazy when too brittle.
     
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    in this pic, see the piece of the spring jotting out.??

    had that not been there, and you looked, you would see that much missing....

    that would make it out of service.
    https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ecc704e668cd333716e945a2ca680f5b.webp
     
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  8. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    I've seen missing on a trailer. #### thing had apparently snapped in 3 places and fallen off on the previous driver, who didnt bother post tripping it before dropping it. Bonus points for it being abandoned on my home street by my last company... and triple score modifier for me having found the #### thing tonight. Most satisfying anonymous report I've ever made
     
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  9. Newtotrucking2020

    Newtotrucking2020 Bobtail Member

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    buddyd157 Thanks this.
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