Air Suspension and U-Joint Life – There is a Connection

By: Parts for Trucks 

Some drivers seeking a firmer ride for their trucks increase the pressure in the bags of their air suspension, thus increasing the ride height; others wanting a softer ride to reduce the air pressure, lowering the ride height.

When drivers adjust pressure in their air bags, they are also changing the absolute angle between two adjacent shafts. There are two rules to follow to achieve acceptable u-joint life and a vibration free system:

  • Maintain the working angle less than six degrees
  • Keep cancellation between adjacent working angles within two degrees.

If these rules are not followed, u-joint life is sacrificed. A three-degree working angle will provide twice the u-joint life as a six degree angle.