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.