Service Manual

for

INTEGRATED TRAILER SUSPENSION

25,000 lb. cap. W e l d - O n a n d B o l t - O n M o u n t i n g s

A b e t t e r
a l t e r n a t i v e

Ridewell Corporation  P.O. Box 4586  Springfield, MO 65808

800-641-4122 (417) 833-4565  Fax (417) 833-4560
www.ridewellcorp.comRidewell Corporation 
7/06

CONTENTS
Air Control Installation ........ 8 - 11

Parts Replacement ..........................12

Axle Alignment ...........................7

Preventive Maintenance ....................4

Basic Operation...................... 2 - 3

To r q u e R e q u i r e m e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Operational Inspection................3

Welding Guidelines..........................5-6

SUSPENSION IDENTIFICATION : Ridewell Suspensions are identified by a metal tag that indicates part
number, capacity and serial number. Consult your trailer manufacturer for your correct mounting height.
PARTS: For optimum suspension performance, order only Ridewell parts. Replacement parts for the
Ridelite Suspension are shown on page 11 of this manual.
SALES, SERVICE & WARRANTY: If you need assistance regarding this product, please contact us and we will
be glad to help you. Mailing Address
Shipping Address
Phones, Fax, email
Ridewell Corporation
P.O. Box 4586
Springfield, MO 65808

Ridewell Corporation
3715 E. Farm Rd. 94
Springfield, MO 65803

800-641-4122, (417) 833-4565

(417) 833-4560, fax
[email protected]

BASIC OPERATION
When properly maintained and operated within design limits, Ridewells Ridelite will provide many years of
trouble-free service. It has several unique features which keep maintenance and downtime to an absolute
minimum:
1.
2.
3.

A double-bonded, manual clamp-in pivot bushing

A patented, contoured weld-on axle seat that requires no U-bolts
A patent pending SPEED SETTM alignment feature that allows 1 adjustment
at hanger.
4. A self-contained shock absorber that allows precise installation and insures
proper shock and air spring tolerances

Air Springs & Height Control Valve

This air-ride suspension is designed to dampen the shocks transmitted from road surface to trailer frame
through the AIR SPRINGS. The HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE is used to maintain the proper ride height from air
spring to chassis (whether empty or loaded) by controlling the volume of air in the springs. Please check with
your trailer manufacturer for your suspensions ride height.
You may use either a single or dual (leveling) height control valve system on your trailer. This service manual
addresses the SINGLE VALVE SYSTEM which controls ride height only. If you require a dual or leveling valve
system on your trailer, please contact Ridewell Corporation for further details. A manual or automatic dump
valve may also be incorporated to exhaust air to prevent dock creep when loading or unloading.
2

IMPORTANT NOTE: The air springs used on the Ridelite Suspension have internal rubber bumpers
designed to carry the trailer load should air spring failure or sudden loss of air supply occur. Should an air
spring fail on a single height control valve system, then all of the air springs will deflate allowing the
suspension to operate on internal bumpers until repairs can be made. Should an air spring fail on a dual
height control or leveling valve system, the springs would deflate on one side only. Simply deflate the other
side by removing the vertical linkage rod from the valve and rotate the horizontal lever arm DOWN to fully
exhaust the springs.

Air Pressure & Brake Protection Valve

This air-ride suspension is dependent on air pressure from the trailer supply system. Air pressure must be
maintained above 65 P.S.I. before operation. A BRAKE PROTECTION VALVE MUST BE INSTALLED IN THE AIR
SYSTEM TO PREVENT AIR LOSS BELOW 65 P.S.I. AND TO INSURE SAFE AIR BRAKE PRESSURE IN THE
EVENT OF AIR LOSS IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM.

TO INSURE SAFE &

R E L I A B L E O P E R A T I O N OF Y O U R
VEHICLE,
WE RECOMMEND
THAT ALL NEW TRAILERS
RECEIVE THIS INSPECTION

OPERATIONAL
INSPECTION

1.

Inspect all welds or fasteners at hanger-to-frame connections.

2.

Inspect axle to lower beam weld. Axle should be snug in contoured axle seat and welded according to
guidelines on pages 5 & 6.

3.

Inspect axle alignment to kingpin. Forward axle should be 1/8 left to right relative to kingpin. Rear
axle, if equipped, should be in line with forward axle 1/16 axle center to axle center. Refer to axle
alignment procedure on page 7.

4.

Inspect automatic air control valve for proper installation. Valve should be mounted so linkage is free to
operate without interference. Check all linkage connections and air fittings on valve for tightness. Refer
to drawing on page 10.

5.

Inspect air springs. With unloaded trailer on level surface and supply air pressure in excess of 65 P.S.I.,
all air springs should be of equal pressure. Check for proper clearance around air spring: minimum 1.

6.

Inspect for proper mounting height obtained from your trailer manufacturer. If measurement is
incorrect, adjust height control valve until proper mounting height is achieved.

7.

Check all air connections for leaks and tighten if needed.

8.

Inspect air lines. They should be free from sharp objects and secured to prevent premature failure.

9.

Verify that pivot bolt and adjuster plate fasteners are at specified torque.
3

TORQUE R E QU IR E M E NT S

Design torque on all suspension fasteners

must be SET AND MAINTAINED BY INSTALLER

This torque label,

included in the carton of parts,
should be adhered to the
chassis above the suspension

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
Daily.....Visually inspect trailer to be sure it is level and that suspension ride height is correct.
Check for loose or broken parts on or around suspension to prevent any serious problems from occurring.

Every 30 Days....

Check clearances around all moving suspension parts, air springs, tires and
shock absorbers. Any signs of interference should be immediately corrected.
Visually inspect axle connection weld and bolt connections to make sure they are secure. Review and correct
any signs of wear.

Every 90 Days & with Annual Inspection.... Check items mentioned

above in DAILY & 30 DAY inspections.
Also inspect weld integrity at the following connections: suspension-to-axle, air spring-to-frame and hanger-to-frame.
All pivot and clamping connections such as the suspension pivot and the shock mounting must be inspected.
N OT IC E! ! R I D E W E L L C O R P O R A T I O N B E A R S N O R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y F O R S U S P E N S I O N S D A M A G E D B Y
ABUSE OR NEGLECT. IN ADDITION, ANY SUSPENSIONS DRIVEN TO COMPLETE DESTRUCTION WILL NOT BE
COVERED BY WARRANTY.
4

WELDING GUIDELINES
The following precautions and recommendations must be read and understood by qualified personnel prior
to weld installation of Ridewell Air-Ride Trailer Suspensions to trailer axles. Any welding procedures or
materials that do not clearly fall within these guidelines could compromise the integrity and safety of the
installation.

SECTION 1: WELDING METHODS, MATERIALS & PERSONNEL

A)

All welders and welding operators should be certified per A.W.S. (American Welding Society) D1.1
Section 5 Procedures or equal.

B)

Recommended welding methods are shielded metal arc (stick), gas metal arc (solid wire) or flux cored
arc (tubular wire) welding. Whatever electrode and method used must develop a minimum weld tensile
strength of 70,000 P.S.I. Refer to the electrode manufacturers recommendation for voltage, current
and shielding medium for the diameter electrode to be used so the best fusion and mechanical
properties can be obtained.

C)

All electrodes used should meet A.W.S. Section 5 Specifications and Classifications for welding carbon
and low alloy steels.

D)

If shielded metal arc electrodes (stick) are used, they must be new and unused, dry, free of
contaminants and come from a stock that has been purchased and stored per A.W.S. Section 4.5.2.,
Low Hydrogen Electrode Storage Specifications.

SECTION 2: WELD JOINT PREPARATION

A)

ALL GREASE, DIRT, PAINT, SLAG OR OTHER

CONTAMINANTS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE
WELD JOINT WITHOUT GOUGING THE AXLE TUBE.

B)

Insure the lower beam assembly fits the axle with a

weld root gap of 1/8 maximum.

SECTION 3: WELDING PROCEDURE

A)

Ground the welder to one of the attached axle parts such as the air chamber brackets, cam brackets,
or the brake spider. NEVER GROUND THE WELDER TO A WHEEL OR HUB AS THE SPINDLE BEARING
MAY SUSTAIN ARC DAMAGE.

B)

The axle assembly should be at a minimum temperature of 60 F (15 C) prior to welding. Preheating the weld zone to the axle manufacturers pre-heat temperature is recommended. This will
minimize the formation of martensitic or brittle metal structures in the fusion line or the heat affected
zone which may contribute to a premature fatigue failure in service.
5

C)

The joint to be welded should be positioned in the flat or horizontal position if possible.

D)

Multiple pass welding shall be used on the beam/axle connection using the following guidelines.
Required total weld size is 1/2 (12.7mm).

Multiple pass (recommended method, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW) weld starts and stops shall be performed as
outlined and shown below.

NOTE: All slag must be removed between passes. Backstep fill all craters. Each pass must be accomplished
in one or two segments. Never start or stop welds at the end of the weld joint. Start welds at least 1 from end
and backweld over your start. Welds must go to the ends of the axle seat and must not go beyond or around
the ends. Recommended electrode is E7018 if SMAW (stick) is used. Recommended electrode is E70T-1 or
E70S-1 if FCAW or GMAW welding is used.
IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to C-clamp axle to axle beam seat prior to welding. This will insure that
complete contact occurs between the axle housing and the beam seat.

SECTION 4: REPAIR WELDING

If the beam/axle weld is cracked or broken, the weld can only be repaired if the crack or break does not
extend into the axle tube. To repair the weld, grind or back gouge the weld/crack down to the base metal. If
the crack extends into the axle tube, or if any other area of the axle is cracked, the axle must be replaced.
Apply the repair weld according to the information in Sections 1-3 of this guideline.

SECTION 5:
WELDING PRECAUTIONS
B)
A)

All welds must be kept away from

the top and bottom of the axle
where maximum stresses occur. The
no weld zones are illustrated.
6

DO NOT TEST WELD THE ARC ON

ANY PART OF THE AXLE TUBE.
This can cause a material change
which can lead to a small crack
that may eventually grow and
affect the fatigue life of the axle.

AL IG NMENT
OF AXLE
The Ridelite is equipped
with the SPEED SETTM alignment
feature for simple,manual alignment
of axles. There is 1 of avaiilable
adjustment at the hangers.

For Tandem Axle

1.

Align the forward axle to center of kingpin (see A above), then

align rear axle to center of forward axle (see B above). The
measurement from left to right side of axle centers should not
exceed 1/16 difference.

2.

To align the axle, loosen the pivot bolt and adjuster plate lock
nuts.

3.

To move the axle, insert a 1/2 square shank breaker bar into
1/2 square adjuster plate hole and push or pull to align axle.

4.

After alignment is achieved, re-torque adjuster plate and pivot

bolt lock nuts to specified torque.

YOUR SUSPENSION WILL HAVE THIS LABEL

ABOVE THE PIVOT BOLT
SPEED SET TM ALIGNMENT FEATURE
NOTICE :
ALIGNMENT POI NTER
MUST BE AT 6 O' CLOCK
POSITION P RIOR TO ALIGNMENT. AFTER ALIGNMENT,
TORQUE ADJUSTMENT
PLATE NUT T O 55 - 60 FT. L B.
TORQUE PIVOT BOLT NUT T O
450 - 520 FT. L B.
DO NOT OVER
-TOR QUE !

6'clock
alignment
pointer

RIDEWELL CORPORATION SPRINGFIELD, MO U.S.A.

TM

Ridewells SPEED SET

Alignment Feature

HEIGHT
CONTROL VALVE
General Information
The Ridewell Height Control Valve (HCV) is a mechanical device
that automatically adds to, or exhausts, air from the air
suspension when changes in vehicle load are detected. The
HCV will respond to dynamic changes, but does so by limiting
air consumption for small changes in suspension height.

RIDEWELLS
HEIGHT & LEVELING
CONTROL VALVE
2 YEAR WARRANTY

The HCV is available in three configurations:

1.Non-dump (Figure 1).
2.Pressure dump (normally closed). Pilot pressure is
required to exhaust the suspension air springs (Figure 2).
3.Zero-pressure dump (normally open). Removing pilot
pressure exhausts the suspension air springs (Figure 2).
HCV ports use push-to-connect (PTC) fittings for 3/8 tubing.
Dual HCV mounting is allowed. The vehicle OEM should be
consulted if converting from a single to a dual HCV
configuration.
Various HCV and linkages kits are available. Contact
Ridewell or the OEM for selecting the correct kit.
The Ridewell HCV is interchangeable with most other
brands of valves.

Prior to Installation
Proper setup of the HCV is critical to the performance of the suspension system.
Incorrect installation or adjustment of the HCV may result in poor performance & premature wear, or
failure, of the suspension system. Please read all instructions & contact the OEM or Ridewell if any
questions arise regarding proper installation.
Adequate air supply is required for suspension performance. The OEM should specify air reservoir
requirements, as well as plumbing instructions for proper system operation. Figures 4 and 5 show generic
single & dual HCV plumbing arrangements.
Be sure that there are no obstructed air lines supplying the system.
A pressure protection valve (PPV) should be installed at the reservoir.
For best performance, the HCV should be installed to allow lever angles of 20 to 45 degrees for full
jounce & rebound conditions. Under no circumstances should the linkage system toggle
upon itself during suspension movement.
Air lines must be connected to the HCVs supply, suspension & dump ports. Proper torque of fasteners is
also important. See diagrams for port callouts and HCV torque specifications.
The exhaust port (rubber boot end) of the HCV must be installed at, or below horizontal.
The HCV has an alignment notch on the drive bearing cap, that when aligned with the centering hole,
centers the HCV. This assists in obtaining desired supension ride height during installation.

HEIGHT
CONTROL VALVE
Installation and Adjustment Instructions
Prepare the vehicle for installation by parking on a level surface and chocking the wheels to prevent
movement. Failure to follow acceptable safety precautions for supporting the weight and
preventing vehicle movement could result in serious injury.
The suspension/axle system of the vehicle frame should be blocked to the desired ride height.
Consult the suspension or vehicle OEM for the proper suspension ride height.
Determine the correct orientation of the lever to the drive cap. The alignment notch on the drive
bearing cap should be used to properly locate the drive cap with the lever placed in the cap slot - be
sure the lever rotates up to fill (FILL) and down to exhaust (EXH) direction as noted on the HCV
body. Assemble the lever to the drive mechanism with the 1/4 tapping screw. Torque to 50-55 in-lbs.
Prior to installation, be sure the HCV drive system rotates freely in both directions by moving the lever.
Install the HCV on the vehicle. Place two (2) t-bolts into the mounting slots and mount the HCV to
the vehicle frame or mounting bracket. Torque the 1/4-20 nuts to 60-80 in-lbs.
Assemble the vertical linkage to the HCV and lower mounting bracket as shown in Figure 3. The
vertical link is adjustable at the lower end - any excess rod length should be cut off. See suspension
configurations for typical linkage installations and their components. Torque 1/4 and 5/16 fasteners to
60-80 and 90-120 in-lbs. respectively.
The HCV should be in the center position prior to tightening the lower linkage connection (band clamp
on P connector).
Install air lines to the correct HCV ports, ensuring that air lines do not chafe on the other components.
90 degree PTC elbows that install in the HCV ports are available from Ridewell, if necessary, to
redirect air lines.
Air up the vehicle and check for leaks.
Safely remove the mounting height blocks.
Check for proper function of the HCV. Raise the suspension by manually rotating the lever 20 to 30
degrees in the FILL direction. Upon release of the lever, the HCV should exhaust and the
suspension should return to its pre-set mounting height. Rotate the lever toward the EXH position 20
to 30 degrees - the suspension should return to the pre-set mounting height as the HCV adds air to
the air springs. If this operation is backwards, the drive bearing cap will need to rotate 180 degrees
and the lever re-positioned.
Small adjustments may be necessary to achieve exact mounting height by adjusting the P connector
to the vertical link.
As a final check, be sure no linkage binding or interference is present at full jounce & rebound of the
suspension system. In cases where a steer axle is used, be sure the wheels do not interfere with the
HCV and linkage system when turned.

Maintenance

Routinely inspect for proper mounting height and re-adjust if necessary.

Inspect for air leaks.
Inspect for loose connections and re-torque fasteners as necessary.
Inspect for chafed air lines.

FIGURE 1
Non-Dump Valve Configuration
(Shown with straight lever)

FIGURE 3
Height Control Valve
Exploded View

Single & Dual Height Control

Plumbing Arrangements
FIGURE 4

FIGURE 2
Dump Valve Configurations
(Shown with offset lever)

FIGURE 5

10

Height Control Kit

Configurations

Symbol Identification
1 = Height Control Valve
2 = Lever
3 = Upper Pin Assembly
4 = Vertical Link
5 = P Connector
6 = Clamp
7 = Lower Pin Assembly
8 = Lower Bracket
9 = Upper Bracket

11

Parts Explosion

Suspension
Part No.

NOTE: Not all Ridelite models & part numbers are represented. Please
contact Ridewell for additional part number and service information.

Style

Hanger Assy Bushing/Beam Assy

LH/RH
LH/RH

2000114

weld-on 3260094/95

5970121/22

2000116

weld-on 3260098/99

5970124/25

2000314

bolt-on

3260092/93

5970121/22

2000316

bolt-on

3260096/97

5970124/25

Pivot Bushing Replacement

COLLAR

1. Raise and safely block trailer and axle. Remove tires. Remove shock from beam.
2. Deflate air springs and disconnect air control valve linkage between valve and axle.
Fig. A

3. Remove pivot nuts and bolts from hangers.

4. Rotate axle beams down and out of hangers. Remove aluminum cover plate from top of beam.

CUT HERE

5. Inspect metal holes and surfaces for unusual wear or damage. Repair or replace components as required.
6. Remove huck bolts from bushing clamp by cutting the fastener in half at the collar with a torch as illustrated in
Fig. A. Remove bushing. NOTE: Huck fasteners will be replaced by conventional bolts, nuts and washers included
in the service kit.
7. Insert new bushing assemblies into beam sleeves. Install new bolts, nuts and washers into clamps. Torque clamp
bolts to 190 ft. lbs. minimum while making sure bushing is centered in the beam sleeve. Make sure clamp face is
closed metal-to-metal at top of clamp edge to beam. Install new cover plate. You may torque the bolts safely to
280 ft. lbs. maximum.
8. Re-assemble beams to hangers, making sure the UHMW polyethylene bearing washer is on the inboard or shock
side of suspension before pushing beams back into hangers. NOTE: Your service kit contains new UHMW polyethylene washers.
9. Align hanger holes to bushing sleeves and install new pivot bolts into hangers. Assemble shock to beam.
10.Re-align axles to trailer using alignment procedure on page 7.
11.Assemble tires and wheels to axle.
12.Re-attach air control linkage from height control valve to axle and inflate air springs. Adjust to proper ride height.

12