ATRO | The Torque Rod Part 2

The Torque Rod Part 2 shows how to identify torque rod problems with visual clues for maintenance and inspection. ATRO torque rods solve heavy-truck suspension problems.
Bushing walkout is caused by misalignment, characterized by excessive rubber exposed on one side and often metal on metal on the opposite side. Bushing walkout can also be caused by not allowing lubricant for bushing installation to dissipate, or it could simply be a bond failure.
Bushing extrusion, also called deformation, is often caused by a condition known as "oil-soaked," which can happen when the rubber comes in prolonged contact with chemical agents. The rubber becomes soft and pliable and the weight of the truck extrudes it out the sides of the bushing. Extrusion can also be caused by exceeding the rating of the bushing. Overloading the suspension can actually push the rubber out of the bushing.
Torque rod corrosion can be the result of failed paint or powder coating, as well as exposure to caustic chemicals which attack the metal. If you see corrosion, it's definitely a safety hazard and the rod should be replaced.
Damaged grease seals in sealed ball-type bushings are caused by age and contact with foreign objects. Once that seal is broken, the last lubrication will cause a metal-on-metal situation.
Finding a bent rod usually means it's suffered a hard impact or it is an improper rod length. Broken torque rods, while rare, are caused by exceeding the load rating of the vehicle suspension. Broken transverse rods can be caused by misalignment.
Worn straddle pin mounting holes are caused by loose or over-tightened fasteners. Damage to the pin itself is usually due either to impact or severe misalignment, or out-of-round brackets due to improper bushing removal.
Bushing wind-up is caused by improper bushing angle. Look for radial cracks in the rubber. Bushing wind-up is the result of the bushing not being clocked to match the angle of the mounting bracket. This causes accelerated wear of the bushing due to preloaded rotational force. Bushing position challenges are eliminated with ATRO's bushings because they are designed to rotate. This relieves the stress inherent in bonded rubber while reducing stress on key components of the truck. This means easier and faster installation by eliminating the time and effort of figuring bushing clocking angles and rubber windup. ATRO's rotating bushing design also allows you to reduce inventory because it won't be necessary to stock same-length rods with different degrees of clocking angles.
Ordering ATRO torque rods is fast and easy. Once you have determined the bushing type and rod length, simply visit our website atrobushing.com (or use the links below). Click on "Torque Rod Finder," and enter your information.
All torque rods are not the same. The combination of ATRO's free-rotation bushing and our custom polyurethane formulas produce a superior product that outperforms rubber in every way. And, that's why ATRO can provide the industry's only three-year parts warranty and a two-year warranty on small-eye torque rods.
Replace your heavy truck suspension, torque rod, underhood/cab, and service parts with ATRO, and see how our polyurethane parts will make a big difference in the performance and productivity of your fleet.
ATRO WEBSITE LINKS
Use the links below to learn more about ATRO products.
We build heavy truck parts that will last longer and perform better.
ATRO Torque Rod Finder / Quickly Find the Rod That’s Right for You:
www.atrobushing.com/atro-torq...
ATRO Suspension Schematics and Suspension Parts Lists:
www.atrobushing.com/ProductLi...
ATRO Field Manual / Suspensions:
www.atrobushing.com/field-man...
ATRO All Products List:
www.atrobushing.com/ProductLi...
ATRO Support Documents:
www.atrobushing.com/tech-docs...
ATRO Home Page:
www.atrobushing.com/
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