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Service and repair suspension systems on land-based equipment

URN: LANLEO21
Business Sectors (Suites): Land-based Engineering Operations
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2022

Overview

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This standard covers the service and repair of suspension systems on land-based equipment. It includes the suspension systems found on land-based equipment, (e.g. cab suspension, front axle suspension, pitch control, fully suspended chassis vehicles) and the maintenance and repair of these systems.

When working with machinery or equipment you should be trained and hold current certification, where required, in accordance with the relevant legislation.

When working on high voltage (hazardous voltage/HaV) electric vehicles, de-energising must be done by a person who has been trained in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedures.

This standard is for those who work in land-based engineering using their initiative in a customer-facing role. It may include mentoring a junior colleague to assist in aspects of service and repair.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. be aware of hazards and assess the risks associated with the activity and the location where it is to be carried out
  2. be aware of the potential environmental impact associated with the activity and the ways in which this can be controlled
  3. select and wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  4. select, prepare, use, maintain and store the tools and equipment required to carry out the activity in accordance with the relevant legal requirements, manufacturer's instructions and company practices
  5. check that the land-based equipment requiring service and repair is safe, prepared and isolated from power sources, where required
  6. take the necessary precautions to prevent the escape of chemicals, gases and other substances and minimise the dangers from contamination and hazards, where required
  7. use a variety of methods to collect diagnostic information to identify defects and faults  
  8. determine the requirements for service and repair
  9. assess the serviceability of suspension parts
  10. identify and establish the availability of replacement components required for the work
  11. remove and replace suspension systems and their related components on land-based equipment
  12. dismantle service and repair and reinstate suspension systems and components in line with manufacturers’ specifications and standards
  13. remove and replace worn and damaged components in accordance with instructions and specifications
  14. confirm that equipment is correctly set or calibrated following service and repair
  15. use suitable testing methods to assess the performance of the reassembled system on completion of the activity and confirm that it performs to the operating specifications prior to returning the equipment to the customer
  16. recycle or sustainably dispose of the different types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous, caused by the activity, in accordance with the relevant legal and environmental requirements and company policies 
  17. complete records as required by the relevant legislation, warranty requirements and company procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. how to identify hazards and assess risks when preparing to service and repair land-based equipment 
  2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
  3. the tools and equipment required to carry out the activity and how to select, prepare, use, maintain and store these safely and correctly, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and company practices
  4. the relevant legal requirements for the preparation and use of work equipment
  5. how land-based equipment should be prepared for service and repair
  6. the dangers created by stored energy and how to respond to these during the preparation stage 
  7. the hazardous chemicals, gases and other substances that may be present and how they should be dealt with 
  8. the different methods that can be used for the assessment of defects and faults with suspension systems on land-based equipment and for the identification of the root cause  
  9. the typical defects and faults that occur with suspension systems and components on land-based equipment 
  10. the effect of worn defective suspension on vehicle performance
  11. the factors that determine whether it is worthwhile carrying out the service and repair, such as cost, estimated working life or urgent need for the equipment
  12. the components required for the service and repair and the company procedures for obtaining replacements 
  13. the types, construction and operating principles of suspension systems and their components
  14. how to remove and replace suspension systems and components on land-based equipment
  15. how to dismantle, service/repair and reinstate suspension systems and components in line with the operator’s and manufacturer’s specifications
  16. the methods for setting or calibrating equipment following maintenance or repair 
  17. the methods of testing suspension systems on completion of activity to confirm that they perform to the operating specifications prior to returning the equipment to the customer
  18. how to recycle or sustainably dispose of the different types of waste, including hazardous and non-hazardous, caused by the activity, in accordance with the relevant legal and environmental requirements and company policies 
  19. the potential impact that the activity could have on the environment and the ways in which this can be controlled
  20. the information that needs to be recorded, the company procedure for maintaining records and the requirements of data protection legislation

Scope/range

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Work on at least two of the following suspension systems:
1. non-independent suspension
2. independent suspension
3. air suspension
4. steel suspension
5. hydraulic suspension

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Components  e.g
· leaf and coil springs
· torsion bar
· air springs
· dampers
· trailing arms
· ball joints
· bump stops
· anti-roll bars
· stabiliser bars
· swinging arms

Faults  e.g.
· ride height (unequal and low)
· wear
· noises under operation
· fluid leakage
· excessive travel
· bounce
· poor vehicle handling
· worn dampers
· worn joints
· damaged linkages

Hazardous chemicals and substances could include:
• fuels
• oils
• fluids
• gases
• dust
• compressed air

Instructions and specifications:
• drawings/plans
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer’s instructions
• customer requirements
• verbal instructions

Methods of diagnosis:
• visual inspections
• functional and operational tests
• diagnostic equipment
• remote electronic control and monitoring systems
• reviewing technical data

Stored energy:
• springs
• belt tension
• hydraulic pressure
• electrical discharge
• accumulator discharge 

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANLEO21

Relevant Occupations

Land-based Engineering

SOC Code

5223

Keywords

land-based; equipment; machinery; suspension; service; repair