How Do you Verify Leaf Springs are Worn Out ?

I drive a Freightliner M2 106 Single Axle with a 27' flatbed on it.

It has the multi-leaf spring suspension. We haul very heavy loads of underground water pipe and components.

I am certain beyond a reasonable doubt the rear suspension is shot. We noticed the truck leaning and took it to a shop to get checked out.

How would you verify the suspension is worn out and needs replaced ?

 

Absolutely. I've only been with the company 6 months. I've seen the truck overloaded several times. I've voiced my concerns but who am I ? The newb can't make waves....... tough spot. Speak out or lose your job. Hmm....

I've learned a WHOLE lot about the trucking world since I got my CDL-A back in Jan 2019. VERY eye opening stuff indeed. We can talk.

I've driven some REAL POS worn out equipment before this job. Newbs always do right ? One was a Switcher truck wear the company ran RETREADS on the steers. Downhill from there. Matter of fact I had a "new" Retread blowout on my truck WHILE I was pulling a loaded trailer. THANK GOD I was only going about 5 MPH at the time or else the result could have been catastrophic or deadly. The company should be shut down IMHO... but then again..... who the hell am I.

I left that company (because of the unsafe equipment and unsafe everything else) and went to drive Cement trucks. Jumped from the frying pan into the fire with that move. I about #### my pants on my first run. Scared the living snot out of me ! I ain't a shamed to admit I was scared. Those who aren't have no brain cells! Lol !

Yea the Newb always gets the worst POS truck in the fleet. Yea, that's ok. I know my place. I'm Retired Military so I know the drill.

Anyways, the truck I got assigned to was in an accident 1 week prior to me getting it. Previous driver was fired for the accident. He re-ended a 4 wheeler out on the highway, ran off the road into a ditch. Angels were with him that he didn't roll the darn thing ! Mechanic got it back to the shop (couple miles away).... drove it around the parking lot.... deemed everything was "OK" with it an placed it back in Service.

After I got the truck another driver following my told me my truck was going down the road at an angle. Hmm..... suspension damaged... ya think ?

The steering wheel had 4 to 6 INCHES of SLOP and the truck leaned horrifically (while loaded) going around corners.... even going slow. It was a nightmare to drive.

One of my 1st runs here (Middle TN ) was down a VERY hilly with cow paths for roads with no shoulders and steep drop offs. I crested a big hill on a 2 lane road, came up over the other side looking down a real steep long grade,,,, no shoulder. I took a deep breath and went for it. Half way down the truck started veering to the right... I went to turn the wheel back left to correct and the truck did NOT respond ! I knew I was dead..... #### my pants(not really) and THEN the truck steering responded and I stayed on the road. WHEW !!

I bet you remember your 1st few months driving Big rigs that were POS's too !! Lol !

 

Thank you for all the info. Very helpful indeed.

I've been running our other truck (tandem-axle) M2 106 since mine was in the shop. Running hard.... Just found out on my way out the door this evening we are getting another new tandem-axle to replace my single axle truck. Manager said they are sending the single axle down to Texas. So, I assume the shop is replacing the rear suspension BEFORE they send it off. Will know more tomorrow AM.

I'm just thrilled to death I'm finally getting me a REAL truck ! At least I (AND THE PUBLIC) will be SAFE !! It's all about getting home in one piece at the end of the day..... right ?

 

Very true. I make $16 hour, OT over 40 and work 49hrs per week. Very steady. Also get a profit sharing check for $600/month. Comes close to $20 hr after all that. Plus my job is only 4 miles from my house. No more hair raising stress filled commutes on I-24 into Nashville everyday. Got real sick of the Kill or Be Killed mentality on the daily commute. Took a $4 hour pay cut to leave another job. That was driving for Pack Rat driving Class A 26 foot truck pulling a 24 foot trailer. We hauled Shipping containers.... Like PODS.

Found today we're getting another BRAND NEW Freightliner Dual-axle M2 106 to replace that single axle one. The single axle is getting rotated out to one of our shops near Dallas, TX.

Got a REAL good surprise this afternoon ! We were scheduled to get a 2015 F550 Dually equipped with a gooseneck hitch. Manager went to get it down in Nashville...came back in THIS ! BRAND NEW 2020 F550 !! (Pics below). Man ! Was I surprised! Only 187 miles on it !