York riding on air
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ORK has developed a new Inge of air suspensions in ngle-tandem and tri-axle form. The main advantages claimed Ir the new suspension CoDerai r are its: Low unladen weight; Good roll stability; And adjustable axle track.
The axles are carried on air ellows located by an aringement of radius rods — andard York rods as fitted to
e leaf-spring suspensions, so ,placement parts should alays be readily available. The Jrpose of the radius rods on e air suspension is to absorb -eking forces and prevent brake
On one side of the suspension, e rods are adjustable to allow e axles to be aligned. York )ints out that axle misalignent of 3/16in causes 7m (23ft) " sideways drag in every mile id consequent severe tyre ear.
The radius rods are equally )aced above and below the mtral axis of the axle beam ving an equal loading to each rod when the brakes are applied. Transversely mounted, adjustable radius rods give the suspension lateral rigidity and contribute to roll stability.
Rubber helper springs act as progressive roll stiffeners while lateral acceleration increases. They can be adjusted to suit different loads and centres of gravity and also act as vibration dampers, eliminating the need for shock absorbers and check straps.
The air valves fitted to Cooperair are of the direct acting type so there is no delay in the supply or exhaust of air following movement of the operating lever. York says that the valves were chosen for their extremely low air consumption so that the trailer suspension is good even if the tractive unit's compressor performance is poor.
The suspension's air supply is .piped through a brake protection valve guaranteeing air priority to the braking system should there be any leaks in the trailer or tractor air system.