TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction ____________________________ 1
1.1 Installer Responsibility _______________ 1
2. Before You Begin________________________ 1
2.1 Safety Explanations _________________ 2
2.2 Warning __________________________ 2
2.3 Identifying Your Model _______________ 2
3. Ride Height_____________________________ 3
3.1 Calculating Ride Height ______________ 3
4. Installation _____________________________ 4
4.1 Mounting the Suspension _____________ 4
4.2 Adjusting Maximum Turn Angle ________ 8
4.3 Adjusting Wheel Toe-in ______________ 9
5. Torque Requirements___________________ 10
5.1 Torque Guidelines _________________ 11
6. Air Pressure vs. Load Guide ______________ 13
SL2065 Series Pressure Chart___________ 13
7. Parts List _____________________________ 14
8. Service Kits ___________________________ 19
9. Quick-change Ride Height _______________ 21
10. Preventive MaintenanceError! Bookmark not defined.

W&C214
REV 03.01.2017
 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

1. Introduction
This publication is to acquaint and assist you in
installing and operating the Watson & Chalin 1.1 Installer Responsibility
Auxiliary Steerable Liftable Air Ride Suspension
Product Line and is intended for use only with The installer of the suspension system must:
this Product Line.
• Ensure that the vehicle functions properly
This manual includes installation and operating with the increased weight of an additional
information on Watson & Chalin model numbers: axle.

SL-2065 • Determine the correct location of the

suspension to provide the proper vehicle load
Watson & Chalin reserves the right to change its distribution as to not exceed the rated
products or manuals at any time. Contact Watson capacity of the components involved.
& Chalin at 1.800.445.0736 for information on
recent changes to products. • Ensure the installation of the correct brake
system components to guarantee proper
Defective components should be returned to braking performance. Brake installation must
Watson & Chalin with a pre-arranged Returned comply with FMVSS121 specifications.
Goods Authorization (RGA) number through the
warranty department. If the defect is in • Ensure that proper clearance exists between
compliance with warranty conditions, the the drive shaft and the auxiliary axle.
defective component may then be replaced.
• Ensure suspension operates within run
If the part is damaged in shipment, please range.
contact the freight company to file a claim. The
freight company is responsible for any damage to
components during shipment. 2. Before You Begin
IMPORTANT Before you begin to install the Watson & Chalin
The entire manual must be read and understood suspension system, you must:
before proceeding with installation or service of
any components. • Check specifications on suspension systems
to be sure that the correct suspension
system was chosen for the vehicle.
This manual should be used in conjunction with
corresponding drawings that come with Watson • Verify the vehicle frame width is within the
& Chalin suspensions upon delivery. allowable mounting range of the suspension
and that the vehicle crossmembers are
The vehicle manufacturer must approve any correctly positioned.
changes to the vehicle frame before the changes
are done. Cutting or altering the vehicle’s frame • Mark the location of the suspension side rails
is normally not permitted by the manufacturer and check for interferences with existing
and affects the manufacturer’s warranty bracketry and components.
coverage.
• Check for interference between the axle and
drive shaft.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

• Ensure suspension operates within the run

range.

2.3 Identifying Your Model

2.1 Safety Explanations
IMPORTANT
Watson & Chalin uses the following types of It is important that you know what model number
notes to warn against possible safety problems has been assigned to your assembly in case you
and to give information that helps to prevent ever need to contact Watson & Chalin.
damage to equipment.
Identification Plate
IMPORTANT
An important message indicates a procedure that Each suspension assembly has an identification
should be followed exactly. plate located on the left side rail assembly. This
is on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The plate
includes the model number, serial number and
capacity in pounds for the assembly. It is
A warning indicates hazards or unsafe practices important to record the model and serial number
that could result in severe personal injury or for future reference.
death, if the procedure is not followed exactly.

All safety statements should be read carefully to

prevent bodily injury, to assure that parts are
assembled properly and to retain the
manufacturer’s warranty.

2.2 Warning

Proper axle attachment required for safe

operation of the vehicle.

No alteration of any Watson & Chalin suspension

components is permitted without proper
authorization from qualified Watson & Chalin
personnel.

No welding of any suspension components is

permitted except when specified by Watson &
Chalin.
FIG – 1 Identification Plate

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

Watson & Chalin provides numerous different SL

3. Ride Height series suspension systems to accommodate
different vehicle ride heights and capacities.
Ride Height, also referred to as Run Height, is
the distance between the suspension mounting 3.1 Calculating Ride Height
surface, or the bottom of the vehicle frame and
the spindle center of the auxiliary lift able axle in Proper Ride Height is calculated with the
the lowered run position. It is one of the most following equation:
important dimensions to obtain and when set
properly, allows for the optimum amount of lift Ground to Bottom of
that the axle can achieve. Vehicle Frame (loaded) ______________

IMPORTANT Static Loaded Tire Radius – ______________

A correct installation requires that the suspension
ride height be within the range specified on the Ride Height = _______________
corresponding drawing when the vehicle is in its
loaded condition. ** The SL2065 series is equipped with the W&C
quick-change ride height system. If it is
determined above that a ride height change is
necessary and the resulting run height falls within
a designed allowable range, refer to the Quick-
change Ride Height section on page 21 for
details on changing spacers.

FIG – 2 Ride Height

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

4. Installation 4.1 Mounting the Suspension

The following instructions are for installing the Before mounting the suspension, you must:
components of the Watson & Chalin SL Series
Suspension systems. All model numbers in the • Confirm that the proper suspension and axle
series are installed using the same set of was chosen based on your company’s
instructions. Watson & Chalin assumes that the specifications.
correct auxiliary suspension and axle were
chosen based on the individual design criteria. • Ensure the chassis frame has the proper
crossmember reinforcement in the area
The suspension systems must be installed with where the auxiliary axle hanger/rail is
the proper amount of tire-to-ground clearance to located. See Figure 4.
ensure trouble free operation of the vehicle. If
there is too much ground clearance, the • If the vehicle frame was predrilled for
suspension will not carry its share of the load, mounting the SL series axle prior to
straining the other suspension components. purchase, be sure to align to and use these
When there is too little ground clearance or if the fastener positions.
suspension is overloaded, the vehicle will bottom
out while going over bumps and damage can be • Also remember to remove the associated
done to the suspension components or other bolts from the frame prior to axle alignment
components on the vehicle. and installation.

FIG – 3 Pusher and Tag Axle Alignment

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

FIG – 4 Chassis Crossmember Reinforcement

NOTE
Throughout the installation process you must
check frequently for suspension clearance
problems while mounting the suspension.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

To mount the suspension to the vehicle:

FIG – 5 Suspension Mounting Position

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Mark the approximate location of the NOTE

suspension side rail assemblies on the If, while raising the SL series suspension into
vehicle frame rails. place, the hangers get stuck on the frame
because they are too narrow, loosen the bolts on
3. Check for interference with any existing one side of the crossmember. This will allow the
brackets or mounting bolts. hangers to separate enough to move into
position. If you have a welded crossmember you
4. Locate the auxiliary axle mounting position. will not be able to loosen in this way.

5. From the centerline of the axle at the wheel 8. Using clamps, clamp the suspension rail to
center, mark the location of this axle the vehicle frame rail.
measurement on the outside of the vehicle
frame rail. IMPORTANT
Both the side and bottom mounting surfaces
6. Raise the back end of the frame using either must sit flush with the side and bottom of the
a lift, jack or driving the rear axles and tires vehicle frame rails or spacers, or the suspension
onto a lift. warranty is invalid. See Figure 6.

7. Raise the suspension into position using the

marked axle, front hanger rail and upper bag
plate center line as locators.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

FIG – 6 Frame Alignment

9. Mark the location of the mounting holes on 13. Drill remaining mounting holes per side rail.
the outside of both suspension frame rails. See Figure 7 or the supplied suspension
drawing for recommended fastener quantities
10. Inspect vehicle frame rails for any items that and locations.
may cause drilling obstructions.
14. Install the remaining bolts, washers and lock
nuts and tighten cap screws to proper torque.
See “Torque Requirements” on page 13 for
Welding, drilling or bolting through the bottom details.
flange of the suspension frame or vehicle rails
voids the manufacturer’s warranty. 15. Drill a minimum of two 13/16” diameter holes
through the upper air spring mounting
brackets and chassis frame.
NOTE
3/4” SAE Grade 8 UNF fasteners required to 16. Fasten each bag plate assembly with two ¾”
attach the SL2065 suspension to the vehicle SAE grade 8 UNF fine thread cap screws,
frame. flat washers and lock nuts as seen in figure
7.
11. Drill two 13/16” holes through each
suspension rail and vehicle frame rail. NOTE
Hangers must be parallel to one another to
12. Fasten each suspension side rail to the ensure proper operation.
vehicle frame using the appropriate
size/grade fastener specified above, flat
washer and lock nut. Use at least 2 bolts per
side.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

FIG – 7 Recommended Fastening Method

17. Attach crossmember to the suspension front b. Adjust the turn angle by adjusting the
hangers with supplied fasteners and tighten stop bolt in or out.
to specified torque values.
c. Tighten the jam nut to 50-75 lbs. /ft.
18. Remove the clamp from the vehicle frame
rails.

4.2 Adjusting Maximum Turn Angle

This section is used to check and adjust, if
necessary, the maximum turn angle of your
SL2065 suspension system in order to obtain
proper clearance.

To adjust the maximum Turn Angle:

1. Measure the current Turn Angle.

2. The maximum turn angle for SL2065 Series

model is normally set at the maximum 25º.
Some applications may require less turn
angle.
FIG – 8 Stop Bolt Location
3. If the turn angle needs to be adjusted, adjust
the stop bolt until the correct angle is
obtained on both sides.

4. To obtain the maximum Turn Angle: Do not turn the stop bolt so much that the bolt
a. Loosen the stop bolt jam nut as seen in end protrudes past the brake spider as this can
Figure 8. cause damage to other components.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

4.3 Adjusting Wheel Toe-in 7. Use the following calculation to determine the
Toe-in measurement.
Toe-in is the relationship of the distance between
the front and rear of the tires or the amount at Distance between back tires (R) __________
which the front wheels point inward. Toe-out is
the amount at which the tires point outward. Distance between front tires (F) –__________
When the front distance is less than the rear
distance, the wheels are in a “toe-in” condition. Toe-in must be “0.09” + or – “0.03”. = ________
Most tire wear is caused by incorrect toe settings.
Toe-in must be verified and adjusted, if required,
during suspension installation. NOTE
A positive result is considered Toe-in and a
To adjust wheel Toe-in: negative result is considered Toe-out.

1. Place the vehicle on a level surface.

8. If the Toe-in measurement is not at the
2. Lift the axle until tires are free to spin. specified distance:

3. Use paint or chalk to mark the horizontal • Loosen clamp bolts and nuts at each end of
center of tires around the complete outer the tie rod.
surface of the tire.
• Turn tie rod tube with a pipe wrench to adjust
4. Place the pointers of a trammel bar on the wheel Toe-in.
marks of each tire and rotate the tires making
sure a straight line has been marked. • Tighten clamp bolts to the proper torque.

5. Measure and record the distance at the back 9. Repeat step 1 through step 8 until correct
of the tires. Toe-in is obtained.

6. Measure and record the distance at the front

of the tires.

FIG – 9 Toe-in

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

5. Torque Requirements
Torque specifications listed in the following tables
are applied to nuts, but not bolts. All torque
requirements are for lubricated threads only. A
lubricated thread is defined as a bolted
connection that has some form of friction modifier
or lubricant applied to the thread surfaces, which
provides a lower torque requirement.

FIG – 10 Knuckle Component Torque Illustration

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

5.1 Torque Guidelines Torque Requirement Procedures

The following table shows the proper torque All fasteners should be re-torqued according to
requirements for the cap screws and nuts the following schedule.
described. Each type of cap screw and nut is
shown in the following Tables according to the • After 30 days
item number. • Every 6 months thereafter

Table 1

Item # Description Size Torque Range (lb.-ft.)

25 Backbone/Upper Kingpin Assembly Nut 7/8”-14 425
26 Tie-Rod End to Tie-Rod Arm Castle Nut 7/8”-14 160-300
28 Stabilizer Shock Nut 3/4”-16 200-250
32 ( Integrated Brake) Anchor Pin Nut 5/8”-18 175
32 ( Bolt-on Brake) Attachment Nut 3/4”-16 200 – 225
Draw Key Nut 7/16”-20 30-45
Grease Fitting 1/8” NPT 10
Cross Tube Clamp Nut 5/8”-11 60-80
Stop Screw Lock/Jam Nut 1/2”-13 50-75

NOTE
Torque values in Table 2 do not apply to air
springs or lower grade fasteners.

Table 2, Cap screw/bolt (Grade 8 UNF) Torque

Requirements **
Table 2
Cap screw/bolt Size 3/8” 1/2” 5/8” 3/4” 3/4" (Stabilizer Shock Stud) 7/8” 1” 1 1/8”
Torque minimum ft./lbs. 25 50 150 300 200 500 700 900
Torque maximum ft./lbs. 35 75 200 350 250 550 800 1000

**Torque values shown apply only to W&C supplied fasteners. If other fasteners are used, follow torque
specifications listed in vehicle manufacturer’s service manual.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

U-bolt Torque Instructions

To re-torque U-bolts: See Table 3

1. Partially tighten bolts #1 and #2 according to figure 11.

2. Partially tighten bolts #3 and #4.

Using the same sequence, torque to the proper torque as specified below.

FIG – 11 U-Bolt Torque Pattern

U-Bolt (Non-Plated Clean Lubricated Thread) Torque Requirements.

Table 3
UNF Grade 8 Size 3/8” 1/2” 5/8” 3/4” 7/8” 1” 1 1/8”
U Bolt minimum ft./lbs. 15 40 120 200 400 650 800
U Bolt maximum ft./lbs. 20 60 150 250 450 750 900

Airspring Torque Requirements.

Table 4

Size Description Max Torque Requirement (ft. /lbs.)

3/8” UNC Blind Nuts 50

1/2” UNC Bolt or Stud 25

3/4” UNC Stud 55

3/4” UNF Combo Stud 50

Airspring Air Fitting Torque Requirements.

Table 5

Size Max Torque Requirement (ft. /lbs.)

1/4” NPTF 50
1/2” NPTF 25
3/4” NPTF 55

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

6. Air Pressure vs. Load Guide

The following tables describe the proper air
pressure settings and run heights for each SL
series model number.

SL2065 Series Pressure Chart

Table 6
Indicates target Ride Height for this tabulation

6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 17000 18000 19000 20000 Output at
Ground
Model number Ride Height PSI required to achieve Output at Ground
8 18 27 35 44 52 61 65 70 74 78
SL2065-10 9.25 19 28 37 46 55 65 69 74 78 83
10.5 20 30 40 49 59 68 73 78 83 88
9 18 27 35 44 52 61 65 70 74 78
SL2065-11 10.25 19 28 37 46 55 65 69 74 78 83
11.5 20 30 40 49 59 68 73 78 83 88
10 18 27 35 44 52 61 65 70 74 78
SL2065-12 11.25 19 28 37 46 55 65 69 74 78 83
12.5 20 30 40 49 59 68 73 78 83 88
11 18 27 35 44 52 61 65 70 74 78
SL2065-13 12.25 19 28 37 46 55 65 69 74 78 83
13.5 20 30 40 49 59 68 73 78 83 88

Some capacities shown may not be best suited for the suspension based on too much brake force for the applied load. Therefore, braking capacity may
have to be downsized to accommodate.

Pressure requirements are approximations and will need to be calibrated on a weigh scale capable of handling the Output at Ground forces in the above
chart.

Weight of the axle, hubs and drums based on 385/65R22.5 tires, steel wheels, and cast hubs and drums ------------------------------1800

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

7. Parts List
The following section shows the exploded view of the SL2065 series lift axle. This view and
corresponding parts list in the following table is intended to help you identify parts and part numbers that
may need to be replaced.

FIG - 12 - SL2065 Exploded View

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

ITEM NO. QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

1 1 CHART 1 HANGER ASSEMBLY L.H.
2 1 CHART 1 HANGER ASSEMBLY R.H.
3 1 930274-10 ARM ASSY LH
4 1 930274-20 ARM ASSY RH
5 2 17832 TORQUE ROD
6 1 160131 AXLE ASSEMBLY
7 1 CHART 2 CROSSMEMBER
8 1 HPCM16093 CROSSMEMBER HARDWARE PACK
9 1 CHART UPPER BAG PLATE LH
10 1 CHART UPPER BAG PLATE RH
11 2 AS0222 AIR SPRING LOAD
12 1 CHART 3 LOWER BAG PLATE LH
13 1 CHART 3 LOWER BAG PLATE RH
14 1 HPLD2055 AIRBAG HARDWARE PACK (LOAD)
15 2 50193-01 LIFT BAG PLATE
16 2 AS0058C AIR SPRING LIFT (6897)
17 1 HPLT16085 LIFT BAG HARDWARE PACK
18 1 CHART 4 LIFT BAG PLUMBING KIT/HARDWARE
19 1 CHART 2 SL2055 COMMON PVT HDWE
20 1 HPPT16094 PIVOT CONNECTION PACK
011707-1 BACKBONE LH 20K (INT. BRAKE)
21 1
012137-1 BACKBONE LH 20K (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
011707-2 BACKBONE RH 20K (INT. BRAKE)
22 1
012137-2 BACKBONE RH 20K (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
009957 UPPER KINGPIN ASSY LH (INT. BRAKE)
23 1
011918-1 UPPER KINGPIN ASSY LH (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
009957 UPPER KINGPIN ASSY RH (INT. BRAKE)
24 1
011918-2 UPPER KINGPIN ASSY LH (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
1 HPKN20KF KNUCKLE HARDWARE KIT (INT. BRAKE)
25
2 T1822SGX THRUST BEARING (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
26 1 990188-06 TIE ROD ASSY
27 2 11418 SHOCK STEERING STABILIZER
28 1 HPSS2065 SL2065 STEER STABILIZER HARDWARE
29 1 006703-1L S-CAM LH (SHOWN) (INT. BRAKE ONLY)
30 1 006703-1R S-CAM RH (INT. BRAKE ONLY)
31 4 010113 BRAKE SHOE (INT. BRAKE ONLY)

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

HPBH20KF BRAKE HARDWARE KIT (INT. BRAKE)

32 1
HPBH20KF-01 BRAKE HARDWARE KIT (BOLT-ON BRAKE)
33 2 REF. ONLY HUB ASSEMBLY
34 2 REF. ONLY BRAKE DRUM
35 2 REF. ONLY SEAL
36 2 REF. ONLY INNER BEARING
37 2 REF. ONLY OUTER BEARING
38 2 REF. ONLY SPINDLE NUT
39 2 REF. ONLY HUB CAP
40 2 REF. ONLY BRAKE CHAMBER
41 2 REF. ONLY SLACK ADJUSTER
42 2 10050 TRAILING ARM BUSHING, FRONT
43 2 11938-91 TRAILING ARM BUSHING, REAR

16

FIG - 13 - SL2065 Hanger Configurations View

SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

CHART 1 - SL2065 Hanger Configurations Chart

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SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

CHART 2 - SL2065 Frame Width Chart

CHART 3 - SL2065 Side Rail Height Chart

CHART 4 - SL2065 Run Height Chart

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

8. Service Kits

Torque Rod Kit

SRK2055-1 – Torque Rod Kit. Contains parts for 2 torque rods.

QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

8 17010 WASHER FLAT .88X1.5
4 11457 NUT LOCK .88-14 GRC
4 17238-5 CAPSCREW .87 X 5.00
2 17832 TORQUE ROD 20K TT HOLLOW BALL P00-0230

SRK2055-1-01 – Torque Rod Kit. Contains parts for 1 torque rod.

QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

4 17010 WASHER FLAT .88X1.5
2 11457 NUT LOCK .88-14 GRC
2 17238-5 CAPSCREW .87 X 5.00
1 17832 TORQUE ROD 20K TT HOLLOW BALL P00-0230

Bushing Kit
SRK2055-2 – Trailing Arm Bushing Kit. Contains parts for 2 trailing arms.

QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

2 10050 TRAILING ARM BUSHING, FRONT
2 11938-91 TRAILING ARM BUSHING, REAR
4 11457 NUT LOCK .88-14 GRC
8 17010 WASHER FLAT .88X1.5
2 17238-8 CAPSCREW .87 X 8.00 UNF
2 17238-11.5 CAPSCREW .87 X 11.50 UNF
2 19721-05 DELRIN LINER 1.13X5.00"
12 11222-02 WASHER FLAT .91X4.25X.25

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

Kingpin Kits
SRK107 – (With kingpin) Contains parts for 1 side of axle.

QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

2 11448 GREASE FITTING
1 7X1002 DRAW KEY
1 143699-0062 NUT - LOCK PIN
2 R-004725 KING PIN BUSHING
2 R-002593 KING PIN SEAL
1 19690-006 KING PIN
3 19690-014 SHIM
1 T1822SGX THRUST BEARING

SRK107-01 – (Less kingpin) Contains parts for 1 side of axle

QTY PART NO. DESCRIPTION

2 11448 GREASE FITTING
1 7X1002 DRAW KEY
1 143699-0062 NUT - LOCK PIN
2 R-004725 KING PIN BUSHING
2 R-002593 KING PIN SEAL
3 19690-014 SHIM
1 T1822SGX THRUST BEARING

R-010300 – (With Kingpins) – Same as SRK107, only this kit contains upper/lower castings with
bushings pressed in. Contains parts for 1 complete axle.

R-010300-1 – (Less Kingpins) – Same as SRK107-01, only this kit contains upper/lower castings
with bushings pressed in. Contains parts for 1 complete axle.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

9. Quick-change Ride Height

The SL2065 suspension series is equipped with the W&C quick-change ride height system. The lower
bag plate spacers are easily removed to change to a different height spacer, which changes the run
height range of the suspension. The basic procedure is shown below.

Lift axle activation and movement may vary depending on the brand, configuration, and operating
condition of the lift axle control system and/or other factors. Read, understand, and comply with all
applicable operating instructions and safety information provided by the lift axle control system
manufacturer and vehicle manufacturer.

Ensure all personnel are clear of lift axle before and during vehicle loading and lift axle activation up or
down.

Exhaust all pressure in lift axle air springs and vehicle air system before working on or around lift axle.
Failure to do so can cause severe personal injury or death.

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

10. Preventive Maintenance

Daily/Pre-trip Operator Inspection
Daily or before each trip, inspect lift axle and all adjacent components for proper operating condition.
Identify and repair any loose or damaged components.

NOTE
Replace any safely decals that are faded, torn, missing, illegible, or otherwise damaged.
Contact Watson & Chalin to order replacement labels.

General Inspection
Following appropriate inspection procedures is important to help ensure the proper maintenance and
operation of the suspension system and component parts function to their highest efficiency.
Fasteners — Inspect for any loose or damaged fasteners on the entire lift axle suspension. Make sure all
fasteners are tightened to the specified torque. Refer to Torque Requirement Procedures if fasteners
are supplied by W&C. For non-W&C fasteners, refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Use a
calibrated torque wrench to check torque in a tightening direction. As soon as the fastener starts to
move, record the torque value. Correct the torque if necessary. Replace any worn or damaged
fasteners.
Air springs —Visually Inspect suspension for debris rubbing against air springs or chaffing. Clear debris
and/or replace as necessary.
Brake Components – Visually inspect for damage to any components and to ensure all mounting
fasteners are tight and properly aligned. Brake adjustment should be checked weekly. Brake
operational check interval and component inspection interval with drum removed should never exceed
3 months of service. All brake service should be performed according to the brake manufacturer’s
specifications or TMC Recommended Practices.
Air Plumbing and Components – Visually inspect for damage to any components, loose fasteners or
kinked or rubbing air lines.

Recommended Practices
Watson & Chalin, Mfg. encourages all maintenance professionals to refer to TMC Recommended
Practices (RP’s) that pertain to vehicle suspensions and their components. The following are some of
the referenced recommended practices (current revision designations not shown):
RP607 – Preventive Maintenance and Inspection of S-Cam Foundation Brakes
RP609 – Self-adjusting and Manual Brake Adjuster Removal, Installation, and Maintenance
RP618 – Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedures
RP622 – Wheel Seal and Bearing Removal, Installation and Maintenance
RP631 – Recommendations for Wheel-end Lubrication
RP640 – Alternate Wheel Bearing Adjustment Systems
RP645 – Tie Rod Inspection and Maintenance Procedure
RP651 – Steer Axle Maintenance Guidelines
RP652 – Service and Inspection of Air Disc Brakes

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 SL20K Self-Steering Axle and Suspension System Installation Manual

Recommended Maintenance Intervals

Note: The following intervals are recommended minimums based on harsh service applications
(Logging, oil field, construction, heavy haul, residential refuse). Severe applications will require more
aggressive maintenance intervals.

INITIAL INTERVALS AFTER INITIAL

COMPONENT PROCEDURE
BREAK-IN BREAK-IN
Check for excessive endplay at wheel-end
8,000 mi. or every 2 months,
Wheel Bearings (criteria is between 0.001” and 0.005”)
whichever comes first
adjust as required; grease or oil
10,000 mi. or monthly, Verify torque, inspect for leaking or
Tie Rod Ends
whichever comes first damaged boots; grease
10,000 mi. or 6 months,
Kingpin Bushings Check for wear; grease
5,000 mi. whichever comes first
Pivot Connections Verify torque
5,000 mi. or as needed,
whichever comes first Verify torque, Check for oil leaks and
Stabilizer shocks
adequate return
Check for wear and excessive movement,
During normal chassis
Brake Camshafts verify adjustments; grease. (ref.
lubrication or 3 months
and adjusters manufacturer’s documentation for service
whichever comes first.
specifics)

Recommended Lubrication Specifications

COMPONENT PROCEDURE
Kingpins NLGI-1 or NLGI-2 grease
Tie Rod Ends NLGI-1 or NLGI-2 grease
NLGI-1 or NLGI-2 grease; GL-5 gear lubricant; NLGI-00 Semi-fluid grease.
Wheel Bearings
(Reference original spec)
Brake Camshafts, anchor pins,
NLGI-1 or NLGI-2 grease
roller journals, and adjusters

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