N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-33.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:20-33.5 - Commercial vehicle inspection: steering and suspension

(a) The suspension system shall consist of the basic elements originally provided by the motor vehicle manufacturer and shall be geometrically arranged in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. No suspension system component shall be replaced unless the replacement component meets or exceeds the quality and performance standards established by the vehicle manufacturer. The motor vehicle shall have a suspension system that allows movement between the unsprung axles and wheels and the chassis body and shall be equipped with a shock-absorbing device at each wheel location. The suspension system shall be capable of providing a minimum relative motion of plus or minus two inches. When any corner of the motor vehicle is depressed and released, the damping device shall stop the vertical body motion within two cycles. The use of spacer blocks between the front axle and leaf springs is prohibited.

(b) Starting with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position, the steering wheel shall be turned in one direction until there is a perceptible movement of a front wheel. When the steering wheel is turned in the other direction, a point on the steering wheel rim shall not move more than three inches before there is a perceptible return movement of the front wheel under observation. When this test is performed on motor vehicles which are equipped with power steering, the transmission shall be in "neutral" and the engine shall be running.

(c) With the front end of the motor vehicle lifted, the front and rear of a front tire shall be grasped and an attempt made to turn the tire and wheel assembly to the right and to the left. The free movement at the front or rear of the tire shall not exceed one-quarter inch. The top and bottom of a front tire shall then be grasped and moved in and out. The movement of the tire shall not exceed the manufacturer's specifications. Both front tires shall be tested in this manner.

(d) The steering wheel shall be turned through the limit of travel in both directions. There shall be no binding or jamming in the steering wheel mechanism.

(e) The steering wheel shall be a minimum of 13 inches in diameter.

(f) There shall be no wear or breakage of components of the steering or suspension system, vehicle frame or chassis that adversely affects the safe operation of the motor vehicle. There shall be no visible caster or camber.

(g) Shock absorbers shall be properly installed and in proper operating condition. Shock absorbers shall not exhibit oil on the shock absorber housing attributable to leakage by the seal.

(h) No portion of a motor vehicle shall extend below the bottom of the wheel rim line at maximum suspension deflection.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:20-33.5

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 810(a), effective 5/16/2016