N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-33.5 - Commercial vehicle inspection: steering and suspension
(a) The suspension
system shall consist of the basic elements originally provided by the motor vehicle
manufacturer and shall be geometrically arranged in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. No suspension system component shall be replaced
unless the replacement component meets or exceeds the quality and performance
standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. The motor vehicle shall have a
suspension system that allows movement between the unsprung axles and wheels and the
chassis body and shall be equipped with a shock-absorbing device at each wheel
location. The suspension system shall be capable of providing a minimum relative
motion of plus or minus two inches. When any corner of the motor vehicle is
depressed and released, the damping device shall stop the vertical body motion
within two cycles. The use of spacer blocks between the front axle and leaf springs
is prohibited.
(b) Starting with the
front wheels in the straight-ahead position, the steering wheel shall be turned in
one direction until there is a perceptible movement of a front wheel. When the
steering wheel is turned in the other direction, a point on the steering wheel rim
shall not move more than three inches before there is a perceptible return movement
of the front wheel under observation. When this test is performed on motor vehicles
which are equipped with power steering, the transmission shall be in "neutral" and
the engine shall be running.
(c) With
the front end of the motor vehicle lifted, the front and rear of a front tire shall
be grasped and an attempt made to turn the tire and wheel assembly to the right and
to the left. The free movement at the front or rear of the tire shall not exceed
one-quarter inch. The top and bottom of a front tire shall then be grasped and moved
in and out. The movement of the tire shall not exceed the manufacturer's
specifications. Both front tires shall be tested in this manner.
(d) The steering wheel shall be turned through the
limit of travel in both directions. There shall be no binding or jamming in the
steering wheel mechanism.
(e) The
steering wheel shall be a minimum of 13 inches in diameter.
(f) There shall be no wear or breakage of
components of the steering or suspension system, vehicle frame or chassis that
adversely affects the safe operation of the motor vehicle. There shall be no visible
caster or camber.
(g) Shock absorbers
shall be properly installed and in proper operating condition. Shock absorbers shall
not exhibit oil on the shock absorber housing attributable to leakage by the
seal.
(h) No portion of a motor vehicle
shall extend below the bottom of the wheel rim line at maximum suspension
deflection.
Notes
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No prior version found.