# COMAR Title 11 — Department of Transportation

## Subtitle 22 — Motor Vehicle Administration —Preventive Maintenance Program

### Chapter 03 — Preventive Maintenance Standards for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles and Passenger Buses

#### Regulation .03 Suspension.

*COMAR 11.22.03.03*

A. Spring and Attachments. Unequal vehicle height, broken or  damaged spring leaves, spring shackles, bushings, center bolts, U-bolts, control arms, torque arms, torsion bars, or equalizers can affect vehicle steering, alignment, tracking, handling, and stability. With vehicle on a level surface, inspect:

B. Torsion Bar. All other suspension components shall be inspected the same as leaf spring suspension.

C. Coil Springs and Mountings. Visually inspect coil springs,  control arms, rear torque arms, axle strut (when equipped), and front and rear stabilizer bar (when equipped).

D. Rubber Load Cushions. All other suspension components shall be inspected the same as leaf spring suspension.

E. Tandem Axle Walking Beams.

F. Air Suspension (All Axles). Two procedures are required to inspect air suspension systems.

G. Air Suspension Nondriving Rear Axle. Inspection is conducted with normal air pressure in suspension system.

H. Shock Absorbers (if Equipped). Shock absorber inspection includes leakage, mounting, and all related attachments. When originally equipped with shock absorbers, inspect for:

I. Road Clearance.

J. Kingpins. Raise or jack the vehicle by the frame or suspension. Brakes should be applied to eliminate wheel bearing play.

K. Ball Joints. Inspect ball joints for vertical and horizontal movement, modifications, and damage.