MAINTENANCE OF THE M88A1 - OD1672 - LESSON 1/TASK 2
back into operation as soon as possible.
In the following paragraphs, we
will describe the operation of the suspension system, followed by the
procedures for track, sprocket, and roadwheel classification.
2.
Operation of Suspension System Components
a. General. The suspension system is the major element of mobility on
the M88A1 series recovery vehicle. It fulfills three general functions: (1)
lay a roadbed for the tank to move on, (2) support the weight of the vehicle
and absorb the shock loads, and (3) provide a smooth ride. The system is
positioned on each side of the vehicle with each side consisting of six pair
of individually sprung roadwheels, three track support rollers, a
compensating idler wheel, a compensating idler link, a track drive hub and
sprocket, and a track.
Primary springing is accomplished by individual
torsion bars for each roadwheel.
Secondary springing is accomplished by
dual volute bumper springs on numbers one and six roadwheels.
Bump stop
brackets are welded to the hull over roadwheels numbers two through five to
limit torsion bar wind-up beyond allowable limits.
Shock absorbers are
attached between the first, second, and sixth roadwheel arms and the hull.
The operation of the major components of the suspension system is described
in the following text.
Although all components of the suspension system
will be identified, the track, sprocket, and roadwheel will be the basis of
this discussion.
b. Track (4) (figure 4, view A, on the following page). The track is
the component part of the suspension system that provides a roadbed for the
recovery vehicle to move on. It consists of 84 rubber shoe link assemblies.
The individual links are held together by end connectors, wedges, guides,
and guide caps. Each track link consists of two steel grousers, two through
link pins, and two individually replaceable rubber pads on each grouser.
Track alignment is maintained by the steel center guides that ride between
the dual track support rollers, compensating idler wheels, roadwheels, and
through the channel in the drive hub that mounts the sprocket.
The end
connectors over the inner and outer ends of the track link pins form the
track driving chain as they pass around the two drive sprockets bolted to
the inner and outer surfaces of the drive hub.
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