It’s important that the proper suspension model be
chosen for the application in which it is to be used.
The Ridewell Self-Steering (RSS) 233 Suspension
series is a fully integrated, auxiliary axle suspension
system available for truck and trailer applications.
PART NO:
The RSS-233T 13K Trailer Suspension System can be
congured with either drum or disc brake axle assemblies and an optional steering lock.
Refer to the engineering drawing for detailed information on the suspension system components and
operating parameters.
Read through the entire Installation and Service
Manual (ISM) before performing any installation or
maintenance procedures.
Identication Tag
Ridewell suspension systems can be identied by the
Part Number and Serial Number listed on the serial
identication tags.
Suspension Serial Tag
The Suspension Serial Tag (Figure 1) is aached to
the left-hand side (driver’s side) of the frame hanger.
The Part Number (233xxxx) refers to the individual
suspension system.
The nine-digit Serial Number (1xxxxxxxx) refers to
the date and order of manufacture of the suspension.
Please refer to both numbers when contacting Ridewell for customer service, replacement parts and
warranty information.
Notes and Cautions
All work should be performed by a properly trained
technician using the proper/special tools and safe
work procedures.
SERIAL NO:
G
ross Axle WeiGht rAtinG CertifiCAtion is per the finAl stAGe
mAnufACturer or Alterer
his produCt mAy be Covered under one or more pAtents
t
dditionAl pAtents mAy be pendinG
A
or more informAtion on pAtent or suspension/Axle CApACity rAtinG
f
ContACt rideWell CorporAtion
.
.
.
.
www.ridewellcorp.com (800) 641-4122
Figure 1. The Suspension Serial Tag is located on
the left-hand (driver’s side) suspension hanger.
Notes on Self-Steering Option
Self-steering suspensions are designed to steer only
in the forward direction. The suspension should be
raised o the ground or locked into a non-steering
conguration during reverse travel to avoid damag-
ing the suspension.
Ridewell Suspensions strongly recommends the use
of automated systems that raise/lock the lift-axle
during reverse travel. For manual operations, Ridewell recommends the installation of a visual/audible
indicator to assist the driver.
Use caution when maneuvering in reverse with the
steering lock engaged. The driver should maintain
slow maneuvering speeds and avoid extreme turns.
Failure to lift the suspension and-or engage
the steering-lock during reverse travel can cause
component damage and void the warranty.
The ISM uses two types of service notes to provide
important safety guidelines, prevent equipment damage and make sure that the suspension system oper-
ates correctly. The service notes are dened as:
“NOTE”: Provides additional instructions or
procedures to complete tasks and make sure that
the suspension functions properly.
Indicates a hazardous situation or
unsafe practice that, if not avoided, could result
in equipment damage and serious injury.
ENG
Page 2 233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18
Prior to Installation
INSTALLATION
Refer to the engineering drawing to conrm dimensional requirements and the range of ride heights
available.
Installations can vary and procedures should be
adapted for dierent vehicles, as needed.
• The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is determined by the system component with the lowest
load rating. Please consult with tire, wheel, axle
and brake manufacturers before installation to
determine the GAWR.
• If vehicle chassis modications are required, consult with the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that
such changes are permied.
• Welding or altering suspension components
is not permied without the express wrien
permission of Ridewell Suspensions.
Installer Responsibilities
The installer of the suspension has the sole responsi-
bility for proper aachment of the suspension system
to the vehicle chassis.
• The installer is responsible for locating the suspension system on the vehicle to provide the
proper load distribution.
• The installer must verify that vehicle crossmembers are positioned to support the suspension at
the installing location.
• It is the installer’s responsibility to determine that
axle spacing conforms to any applicable federal
and local bridge laws.
• The installer must verify that air reservoir volume
requirements are met after suspension installation. Consult the vehicle manufacturer or Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 121 for
more information.
• The installer must verify there is sucient clearance for proper functioning of the auxiliary
suspension, air springs, brake chambers, steering
components. axle (including axle to driveline)
and tires.
Pivot Bolt - (Hex Head Cap Screw (HHCS))
Pivot Nut - (Lock Nut)
Torque values reflect a lubricated thread condition (Nuts are pre-lubed). Do not overtorque.
Suspension is shipped with minimal torque applied to fasteners. It is the installer’s responsibility
to apply the proper torque values. All fasteners MUST be re-torqued after the first 6,000 miles of operation.
Failure to install and maintain suspension component fasteners at torque specifications could result in
suspension failure and void the warranty.
3/4”-16NF310 ft-lb420 N-m
foot-pound Newton-meter
233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18 Page 3
ENG
Mounting the suspension to the trailer frame
Refer to the engineering drawing for the range of ride
heights available as well as spacing and clearance
requirements of the suspension.
All models of the RSS-233T 13K Trailer Suspension
are shipped fully assembled. If the system is taken
apart for installation, the components must be reassembled with the proper torque applied (Page 3).
Weld-On Installation Procedure
Recommended locations of customer-furnished ller
plates and supporting crossmembers for the suspension hangers and air spring mounting plates are
shown on the engineering drawing.
NOTE: A single air spring bridge assembly instead of
two air spring mounting plates is available on some
models of the RSS-233T 13K Trailer Suspension.
The welding method used must develop
a minimum weld tensile strength of 70,000 PSI per
AWS specications.
1. Mark the desired location for the frame hangers
and air spring mounting plates (or bridge assem-
bly) and customer-furnished ller plates on the
frame. NOTE: For proper support, a crossmember
must be located within six inches of the leading
or trailing edge of the frame hanger. Check the lo-
cation for sucient clearances in both the raised
and lowered positions of the suspension.
8. Perform nal assembly and inspection and check
the wheel toe seing (Page 5).
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
components to specications can result in failure of
the suspension and void the warranty.
Bolt-On Installation Procedure
Refer to the engineering drawing for the range of ride
heights available,spacing and clearance requirements
of the suspension and bolting paern detail.
Bolts/nuts for aaching the suspension to the ve-
hicle are supplied by the installer. Grade 8 bolts and
anged lock nuts or lock nuts with hardened washers
are recommended.
other components located within the frame rail are
not aected by drilling.
Check to make sure that wires, hoses or
2. Weld customer-furnished ller plates, as needed,
to crossmembers with ¼” llet welds down the
length of the crossmember.
3. Weld the customer-furnished ller plates for the
air spring mounting plates (or bridge assembly)
to the frame and crossmember(s), as needed.
Weld the ller plates with ¼” llet welds down
the length of the crossmember.
4. Weld the hangers to the frame/ller plates with
1/4” llet welds completely around the hangers.
Stop the welds 1/2” from the corners and edges.
5. Weld the air spring mounting plates (or bridge
assembly) to the frame/ller plates with 3/16” llet welds all the way around the mounting plates/
bridge assembly.
6. If components have been removed for installation, reinstall as shown on engineering drawing.
Torque to specications (Page 3).
7. Install/connect the air control kit (ACK) to the
suspension. Check the air system installation for
leaks and proper operation of controls (page 6).
ENG
Page 4 233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18
Final Assembly and Inspection
1. Verify welds on hangers and air spring mounting plates. Verify that all suspension component
bolts/nuts are torqued to specications (Page 3).
2. Install wheels and tires.
When lowering an auxiliary axle on an
unloaded vehicle, pressure to the load air springs
must be reduced to below 10 psi.
Failure to reduce the air pressure could cause the
vehicle’s drive axles to rise from the ground and
the vehicle could roll in an unsafe manner.
3. Check that tires are inated to recommended
pressure. Check wheel hubs for proper level of
lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Lift the axle to the raised position. Check the air
system tubing and connections for leaks.
5. Check that wheels can rotate freely and that
brakes and slack adjusters are properly adjusted.
6. Raise and lower the suspension assembly (wheels
and tires installed) through the entire range of
travel. Make sure that sucient clearances for air
springs, brake chambers and other components
has been provided.
7. Check the vehicle’s reverse travel options:
7.1 Check steer lock operation.
7.2 Check automated system (if installed) to
make sure that suspension raises/locks wheels
during reverse travel.
Failure to check reverse travel operations
can result in component damage and void the
suspension warranty.
Do not lower the auxiliary axle while
the vehicle is moving in forward or reverse travel
above 10 mph.
8. Check wheel toe-in seing and adjust, if necessary (between 1/32” and 3/32”).
Air springs pressure regulates axle load
The load capacity of the auxiliary axle is adjusted
by increasing or decreasing the pressure to the air
springs. By applying more air, the lift axle takes on
a greater percentage of the load’s weight. The load
capacity is decreased as the air pressure decreases.
Accurate readings of the load capacity can be obtained by parking a loaded vehicle over a calibrated scale and lowering the axle onto the scale. The
air pressure to the air springs is manually adjusted
up or down to obtain the axle load weight at various air pressures.
Do not exceed the rated load capacity of
the suspension system or other components. Exceeding the capacity can cause component failure
and void the warranty.
Check Wheel Toe Seing
1. Deate the air springs.
2. Lift the axle enough for tires to rotate freely. Support with jack stands to ensure axle is level.
3. Position tires to point straight ahead. Spin each
tire. Use a piece of chalk to mark a line on the
center tread all the way around the tire.
4. Use the centerline mark to measure the distance
from the front of the tire to the frame. Measure
the distance from the back of the tire to the frame.
5. Subtract the front of the tire distance from the
rear distance to obtain the wheel toe seing.
Adjust Wheel Toe
1. Loosen clamps on both ends of the tie rod. Twist
the tie rod forward/backward to move the front of
the tire towards or away from the frame.
2. Continue rotating the tie rod until the proper toe-
in seing is achieved.
3. Torque tie-rod clamps to 60-80 ft-lb (81-108 N-m).
Wheel Toe Setting
Wheel toe is the relationship of the distance between
the front of the tires and the distance between the
rear of the tires on the same axle.
When the front distance is less than the rear distance,
the wheels are in a “toe-in” (positive toe) condition.
The correct seing for the RSS-233 suspension should
be toe-in between 1/32” and 3/32”.
233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18 Page 5
ENG
Install air system components
Connect the load and lift air springs and an air control kit to the air system (Figure 2).
The air control kit (ACK) consists of a pressure
regulator with a gauge connected to an air valve
controlled by an electric switch or manual knob. The
ACK allows the operator to control the air spring
pressure so that the auxiliary axle can support dierent loads.
Ridewell has a number of manual/electric ACK
congurations available. Installation will vary by the
type of conguration.
The installer is responsible for making sure
that air system requirements comply with the appropriate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Figure 2.
Example of Air Control Kit (ACK) installation
Pressure
Protection Valve (PPV)
(Required with air brakes)
Air Tank
Air Control Kit (ACK)
Quick Exhaust Valve
Pressure Regulator
Electric Valve
Air Springs
(Lift)
Quick
Exhaust Valve
Air Springs
(Load)
Troubleshooting – Air System Installation
ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Air springs ll
but do not exhaust.
Air system leaks
down after a short
period of time.
Auxiliary unit will not
stay up
Auxiliary unit not geing
the correct lift
— Obstructed air line.
— Faulty controls wiring.
— Manual override pushed in
— Leak in air system beyond
accepted standards.
— Loose Air Fittings.
— Damaged Air Lines.
— Air lines to lift and load air
springs are reversed.
— Damaged or Worn
Air Springs.
— Air lines to lift and load air
springs are reversed.
— Lift air springs do not have
proper air pressure.
— Interference with driveline or
other chassis components.
— Air control system not
installed correctly.
— Check for pinched/blocked lines.
— Check wiring with voltmeter and
correct wiring/installation.
— Release manual override.
— Pressurize system and spray soap
water solution onto the tubing,
valves and fittings. Check for
bubbles (leaks). Note: Some valves
will leak at an acceptable rate.
— Check that tubing cuts are straight
and smooth. Re-cut and reassemble
fitting joints, if necessary.
— Check and retighten fittings. Repair
or replace component, as necessary.
— Check installation. Air line from
regulator goes to (load) air springs.
— Replace if worn or damaged.
— Check installation. Air line from
regulator goes to (load) air springs.
— Check for loose fittings or worn/
damaged lines. Verify air tank
pressure with gauge.
— Visually inspect unit operation for
proper clearance. Check for loose
fasteners and retighten.
— Check installation; refer to OEM
installation procedures.
ENG
Page 6 233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18
MAINTENANCE
A visual inspection of the suspension structure should be performed during each pre-trip/safety inspection.
Ridewell Suspensions recommends the following minimum service intervals for standard duty, on-highway
usage applications. More frequent intervals are recommended for heavier duty applications.
Daily/Pre-Trip Inspections
___ Check tires for proper ination, damage or
excessive wear.
___ Check wheel-ends for obvious signs of lubricant
leakage. Check for missing components.
___ Visually inspect suspension structure for signs
of damage or excessive wear.
___ Check for loose or missing bolts/nuts. Check for
irregular movement in suspension components.
___ Make sure air controls are operating properly.
Drain all moisture from air reservoirs.
First 6,000 miles of use
___ Torque all suspension bolts/nuts to specica-
tions (torque values chart on Page 3).
Every 12,000 miles of use
___ Lubricate Brake Cam and Slack Adjuster.
___ Inspect kingpins and upper/lower kingpin
bushings for wear. Grease thrust bearings.
___ Inspect steering damper for damage/wear.
___ Inspect air springs for any damage or
excessive wear. Torque air spring bolts/nuts
to specications (Page 3).
___ Check air system for leaks.
Annually/100,000 miles of use
___ Inspect pivot connections for worn pivot
bushings and replace, if necessary. Torque pivot
hardware and component bolts/nuts to specications (Page 3).
___ Check
suspension hanger and air spring mount-
ing plate connections to frame.
___ Check lubrication level in wheel ends:
1) Oil-Filled Wheel Ends: Refill/Replace lubri-
cant as needed (Refer to TMC RP 631 “100K/
Annual Inspection”).
2) Semi-Fluid Grease: Pull outer bearing and visually inspect lubrication level. Rell/Replace as
needed (Refer to TMC RP 631 “Level 3 Lubrication Level Inspection” and TMC RP 618 “Wheel
Bearing Adjustment Procedure”).
___ Check air system for leaks.
___ Test air system pressure protection valve
(if equipped).
___ Check brake chambers and brakes for damage
and proper function.
Failure to exhaust all pressure from the
air system before working on the vehicle can cause
serious injury.
Failure to torque bolts/nuts of suspension
components to specications can result in failure of
the suspension and void the warranty.
First 50,000 miles of use
___ Torque all suspension bolts/nuts to specica-
tions (Page 3).
___ Check wheel ends for excessive play.
___ Check suspension pivot bushings for wear.
___ Check operation of (reverse) steering lock
(if equipped).
___ Verify operation of manual/automatic lift-in-
reverse control (if equipped).
___ Inspect tie-rod and tie-rod ends for damage and
wear. Lubricate tie-rod ends. Check that the tierod boot is in place and completely over the end
of the tie-rod. Replace entire tie-rod end if boot
is damaged.
233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18 Page 7
Refer to the following Technology &
Maintenance Council (TMC) publications
for additional maintenance information.
TMC RP 609 Self-Adjusting and Manual Brake
Adjuster Removal, Installation
and Maintenance
TMC RP 618 Wheel Bearing
Adjustment Procedures
TMC RP 619 Air System Inspection Procedure
TMC RP 622 Wheel Seal and Bearing Removal,
Installation, and Maintenance
TMC RP 631 Recommendations for
Wheel End Lubrication
TMC RP 643 Air Ride Suspension
Maintenance Guidelines
TMC RP 645 Tie Rod End Inspection
Bushing Replacement Kit
includes traditional pivot hardware,
not Huck
®
Fasteners
Figure 3.
233T-13K Trailer – Drum Brake (Narrow Track or Wide Track).
Refer to engineering drawing of the suspension model for the individual component part number.
ENG
Page 8 233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18
NOTE:
Bushing Replacement Kit
includes traditional pivot hardware,
not Huck® Fasteners
Figure 4.
233T-13K Trailer – Disc Brake (Narrow Track or Wide Track).
Refer to engineering drawing of the suspension model for the individual component part number.
233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18 Page 9
ENG
Brake
Assembly
Knuckle
(RH)
Washers
Steer Lock Stop Plate
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Cotter Pin
Hub & Drum
(Options Avail.)
Brake
Assembly
Hub & Drum
(Options Avail.)
Bolts
Hub Cap
Gasket Spindle
Snap Ring Nut Bearing Assembly
(Outer)
Bolts
Bearing Bearing
Assembly Seal
(Inner)
Brake Cam
Slack
Knuckle
(LH)
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Cotter Pin
Locknut
Steer Lock Tube Assembly
Steer Lock
Plunger
Brake
Chamber
Thrust Bearing
Steering Damper
King Pin
Draw Key &
Locknut
Cap
Bolt
Locknut
Cap
Shims
Locknut
(Tie Rod )
Bolt
Tie Rod
Cotter Pin
Castle
Nut
Locknut
Bolt/Locknut
(Tie Rod Clamp)
Figure 5.
233T - 13K Trailer Drum Brake Axle Assembly (Steer Lock version)
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version of the engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
Brake Cam
Brake Caliper
(RH)
Washers
Steer Lock Stop Plate
Bolt & Locknut
(Tie Rod Clamp)
Hub &
Rotor
Brake Cam
Brake Caliper
(LH)
Bolt
Lock Washer
Hub Cap
Gasket Spindle Nut
Snap Ring Bearing Assembly
(Outer)
Hub & Rotor
Lock Washer
Torque Plate
Bolt
Bearing Bearing
Assembly Seal
(Inner)
Bolt
Knuckle
(LH)
Cotter Pin
Steer Lock
Brake Plunger
Chamber
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Locknut
Steering Damper
Steer Lock Tube Assembly
Draw Key &
Locknut
Thrust Bearing
Cap
Bolt
Locknut
Cap
King Pin
Shims
Knuckle
(RH)
Cotter Pin
Castle
Nut
Bolt
Tie Rod Arm
Cotter Pin
Lock Nut
Bolt
Tie Rod
Figure 6.
RSS-233T - 13K Trailer Suspension Disc Brake Axle Assembly (Steer Lock version)
Refer to the Steer Lock (S) version of the engineering drawing for the individual component part number.
All models6040187Bushing kit - No pivot bolt310 ft-lb420 N-m
All models6040188Pivot Bolt (HHCS)
310 ft-lb420 N-m
Pivot Nut (Lock Nut)
Failure to install and maintain fasteners at torque specifications could result in suspension failure and
voiding of the warranty. Refer to the engineering drawing for torque specifications.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Chock wheels to keep vehicle from moving. Exhaust all air from the air
system. Disassemble suspension, if necessary, to reach pivot connections.
Failure to properly chock wheels and exhaust the air system could allow vehicle/suspension move-
ment that could result in serious injury.
Bushing Replacement Procedure
Replace eight pivot connection bushings at the same
time (Figure 7).
1. Remove Huck® Collar by cuing/grinding. Take
pivot connection apart. Discard pivot hardware.
Discard wear washers.
NOTE: Wear washers included in all bushing
replacement kits. Suspensions purchased before
October 2018 do not use wear washers at the
pivot connection.
2. Remove bushing assembly from the rod eye and
discard.
NOTE: B
ushing assembly before October 2018 con-
sists of two bushing halves and inner sleeve.
3. Clean the torque rod eye of foreign debris/corrosion with a wire brush before installing new
bushing assembly.
4. Apply Energy Suspensions® Formula 5 Prelube to
bore (inside) of the replacement bushing. NOTE:
Do not substitute - urethane bushing lubricant is
included with all bushing replacement kits.
5. Install (press) bushing into the torque rod eye.
NOTE: Mallet/press needed to install bushing.
6. Press inner sleeve into the installed bushing. Center the sleeve inside the bushing so that the sleeve
ends extend slightly past the bushing sides.
Figure 7.
Bushing replacement kit with hardware includes
pivot bolt, pivot nut and replacement components
for eight (8) pivot connections.
233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18 Page 11
in suspension failure and void the warranty.
7. Assemble the pivot connection with one
wear washer on each side of the bushing.
The inner sleeve of the bushing must be
ush with or extend slightly past the outside of the wear washers after assembly.
NOTE:
Bushing replacement kit (6040188)
includes traditional pivot hardware. Wear
washers included in all replacement kits.
8. Torque pivot hardware to specications
(see chart).
9. Reassemble suspension, if necessary.
Torque to specications (Page 3).
10. Check wheel toe-in seing (between 1/32”
and 3/32”) and adjust, if necessary.
Failure to torque pivot hardware can result
ENG
WARRANTY
Terms and coverage in this warranty apply only to the United States and Canada.
Ridewell Suspensions warrants the suspension systems manufactured by it to be free of defects in material and workmanship. Warranty coverage applies only to suspensions that have been properly installed,
maintained and operated within the rated capacity and recommended application of the suspension. The
responsibility for warranty coverage is limited to the repair/replacement of suspension parts. The liability
for coverage of purchased components is limited to the original warranty coverage extended by the manufacturer of the purchased part.
All work under warranty must have prior wrien approval from the Ridewell warranty department. Ride-
well has the sole discretion and authority to approve or deny a claim and authorize the repair or replacement of suspension parts. All parts must be held until the warranty claim is closed.
Parts that need to be returned for warranty evaluation will be issued a Returned Materials Authorization
(RMA). Parts must be returned to Ridewell with the transportation charges pre paid. The transportation
charges will be reimbursed if the warranty claim is approved.
This non-transferable warranty is in lieu of all other expressed or implied warranties or representations,
including any implied warranties of merchantability or tness or any obligations on the part of Ridewell.
Ridewell will not be liable for any business interruptions, loss of prots, personal injury, any costs of travel
delays or for any other special, indirect, incidental or consequential losses, costs or damages.
Contact the Ridewell Warranty Dept. at 417.833.4565 - Ext. 135, for complete warranty information.
ENG
Page 12 233T-Trailer-13K-ISM-RevC-10-19-18
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