Semi-trailer suspension is an important part connecting the traveling device and the frame of

the semi-trailer. The supporting force, braking force, and driving force of the vehicle are all
transmitted through the suspension system. And the suspension can also reduce the impact of
harsh roads on the vehicle, play a shock absorption effect, and improve the ride comfort of the
vehicle. There are many types of semi-trailer suspensions. The common semi-trailer suspensions
include: leaf spring mechanical suspensions, air suspensions, and argo bogie suspensions. Their
respective characteristics are introduced as follows:
1. Leaf spring mechanical suspension
As shown in Figure 1. The leaf spring mechanical suspension takes the leaf spring as the elastic
element and also as the guide device. Its main components are: front hangers, middle hangers,
equalizers, rear hangers, leaf springs, fixed torque arms, adjustable torque arms, axle clamping
plates, lifting lugs, U-bolts, etc.
The main advantages of this suspension are low price, good reliability and convenient
maintenance. At present, more than 80% of semi trailers in China use leaf spring
mechanical suspensions.

Leaf spring mechanical suspensions can be subdivided into the following categories:
1) American type leaf spring mechanical suspension
The American type mechanical suspension is widely used all over the world. Usually for this
suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 11 tons, 13 tons, 16 tons and other tons. The
suspension can be matched with Φ127mm round beam and 150x150mm square beam axles.
According to the position of the axle relative to the leaf spring, it can be divided into overslung
suspension and underslung suspension. The suspension of the axle under the leaf spring is
called overslung suspension, and the suspension of the axle above the leaf spring is called
underslung suspension. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
The commonly used American leaf spring suspension has the following three series:
A. 68 series American type leaf spring suspension
As shown in Figure 4. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 11 tons, the
optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional
conventional leaf springs are 75x13-9L and 75x13-10L, the parabolic leaf spring is 75x22-3L. The
equalizer’s shaft sleeves and torque’s sleeves of the suspension are both tapered rubber sleeves.

B. 88 series American leaf spring suspension

As shown in Figure 5. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 13 tons, the
optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional
conventional leaf springs are 90x16-7L and 90x13-10L.

C. 86 series American type leaf spring suspension

Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 16 tons, the optional number of the
semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional conventional leaf spring is
90x16-9L. The suspension is designed by thickening the hangers on the basis of the 88 series
suspension. The outer diameter of the equalizer pins is Φ70mm, and the outer diameter of the
torque pins is Φ36mm. The appearance is the same as in Figure 5.
2) German type leaf spring suspension
As shown in Figure 6. The German type leaf spring suspension is widely used in Europe and
Africa, and can be matched with 150mm x 150mm square beam axles. The weight of product is
heavier than the that of the American type suspension. This suspension is not suitable for the
lightweight design requirements of Chinese semi-trailers. The wearing parts of the German
type suspension are removable and replaceable while The wearing parts of the American
type suspension are welded, which is relatively simple in maintenance, and it is convenient to
replace the wearing parts. The common German type suspension has the following two series:

A. BPW series German leaf spring suspension

As shown in Figure 7. The single axle of the suspension are designed to carry 12 tons, 14 tons,
16 tons. The optional semi-trailer axles are 1 axle, 2 axles, 3 axles and 4 axles. The optional
conventional leaf spring specifications are 100x12-12L, 100x12-14L and 100x14-12L, etc.
B. SAF series German leaf spring suspension
As shown in Figure 8. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 12 tons, 14
tons, 16 tons, the optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles, 3 axles and 4 axles,
and the optional conventional leaf springs are 100x12-12L, 100x12-14L and 100x14-12L, etc.

3) Casting type leaf spring suspension

Casting type suspension is widely used in Southeast Asian and Australian markets (such as the
Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia and other countries and regions) and some European
markets. The suspension can be match with Dia. 127mm round beam axles and 150mm x
150mm square beam axles. The common casting suspension has the following three series:
A. YTE series casting leaf spring suspension
As shown in Figure 9. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 12 tons, the
optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional
conventional leaf spring is 75x13-08L.

B. European series casting leaf spring suspension

As shown in Figure 10. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 13 tons, the
optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional
conventional leaf spring is 75x13x10L.

C. Reyco series casting leaf spring suspension

As shown in Figure 11. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 12 tons, the
optional number of the semi-trailer axles is 1 axle, 2 axles and 3 axles, and the optional
conventional leaf spring is 90x14-11L.

4) Bogie suspension(Single point suspension)

As shown in Figure 12. Bogie/boogie suspension is to change the common leaf spring front and
rear hangers into a single bracket platform. The leaf springs, axle assembly and braking system
are integrated into one unit. The installation of the suspension and the frame can be completed
through the bolt connection, making it more convenient to assemble and adjust the vehicle. The
suspension has strong adaptability and can meet the requirements of harsh road conditions. The
front and rear axles can achieve large swings, the tires can effectively land on the ground during
driving, and the load distribution is more uniform. The suspension is mainly used in heavy-duty
semi-trailers and trucks, and is used more in areas with poor road conditions.
The load capacity of single point suspension is 24 tons, 28 tons, 32 tons and 36 tons
respectively. The equipped axles can be German drum axles or German spoke axles.
here are several common type bogie/boogie suspensions as following:
A. High platform bogie suspension
As shown in Figure 13. High platform bogie suspension is the most widely used bogie
suspension, which is mainly used on heavy-duty two axle semi-trailers.

B. Double bracket bogie suspension

As shown in Figure 14. The double-bracket bogie suspension uses two small brackets to replace
the high platform installation panel. The balance shaft connects with the bracket at four points,
and the stress of the balance shaft is well improved. The balance shaft with smaller diameter can
be adopted, and the overall weight of the bogie suspension can be reduced.
C. Low platform bogie suspension
As shown in Figure 15. The suspension adopts two mounting brackets instead of the high
platform single point suspension mounting platform, which can effectively reduce the body
height of the semi-trailer. The vehicle has a lower center of gravity and better stability

5) Other type leaf spring suspension

Leaf spring suspensions in different regions of the world have their own characteristics.
According to their market characteristics, there are many other leaf spring suspensions.
For example, the South African leaf spring suspension widely used in southern Africa which can
be matched with Φ127mm round beam axles are available in overslung and underslung
installation, and the optional conventional leaf spring is 75x13-8L, as shown in Figure 16 and
Figure 17.
2. Air suspension
As shown in Figure 18. Air suspension uses air springs/air bags as elastic elements, air as elastic
medium, and the compressed air is filled into a sealed bag to realize its elastic purpose by using
the compressibility of gas.

The air suspension has variable stiffness, ideal elastic characteristics, good damping effect and
high vehicle comfort. The height of the frame can be adjusted within a certain range. The
disadvantage is that the cost is high and overload is prohibited. Air suspension can be divided
into lifting type and non lifting type. There are several types of air suspensions as follows:
1) Air linker type air suspension
As shown in Figure 19. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 9 tons, 11
tons and 13 tons. It can be matched with a Φ127mm round beam, Φ146mm round beam or a
150x150mm square beam of a semi trailer axle.
2)Beam type air suspension
As shown in Figure 20. Usually for this suspension, the capacity of the single axle is 9 tons, 11
tons and 13 tons. It can be matched with a Φ127mm, Φ146mm round beam or a 150mm x
150mm square beam of a semi trailer axle.

3) Large airbag lifting device

As shown in Figure 21. The device is suitable for leaf spring axle lifting when the vehicle with a
mechanical suspension is unloaded, which can reduce tire wear, fuel consumption and bearing
wear and prolong the service life of vehicle suspension. The lifting device has the advantages of
simple installation and low maintenance cost.
3. Argo bogie suspension
As shown in Figure 22. This suspension has a variety of combinations such as two-line four-
bridge, three-line six-bridge, etc.
The loading capacity is designed on demand, even up to hundreds of tons. It is mainly suitable
for special transportation vehicles for road transportation of low-speed and overweight goods.