Tandem

Question 1

What are the purposes of tandem axles?

Answer 1

Used to spread the load over a greater area

Equalises the distribution of vertical load

Ensures equal distribution of vertical loads

Question 2

What is the simplest form of interconnection in a tandem axle?

Answer 2

Walking beam

Connects the rear swinging shackle of the front spring to the front swinging shackle of the rear spring

Question 3

How does the balance beam work?

Answer 3

When front axle negotiates a bump, the beam pivots on the centre

Allows load to be equalised on each axle to limit the travel

Question 4

What is reactive suspension?

Answer 4

The spring deflection temporarily subjects one axle to more load which can lead to wheel spin

Question 5

What is non reactive suspension?

Answer 5

A pair of torque rods or torque reaction links are added

Question 6

How does the non reactive suspension work?

Answer 6

When accelerating or breaking, the links cause torque reactions of the rear spring to oppose the movement of the to the front spring

Balancing the spring

Question 7

What prevents the springs moving down on a non reactive suspension?

Answer 7

Linkage

Question 8

What do torque bars do?

Answer 8

Take breaking and driving torque