Complete axle assembly

Description

Sespel axle assemblies use components from both international and Russian manufacturers. In-house axle production makes semitrailers more competitively priced and reduces reliance on external suppliers. Models differ according to the bearing, trailing arm, brake and presence of a shock absorber.

Advantages

• Lower price than imported alternatives
• Use of components manufactured in Russia
• Easy repair and maintenance
• Service life of at least 800,000 kilometres
• Simple design
• Consistently available from stock

Axle assembly design

• Axle beamA distinctive one-piece welded structure made in-house. Rounded arm-to-beam connections avoid pronounced stress concentrations. Suspension arm welds lie outside the deformation zone.
• Air springThe main elastic element of the air suspension, using compressed air as the spring medium
• Trailing armProvide a rigid connection between the axles and the vehicle frame/platform
• SpindleA high-strength forged spindle with a hardened bearing seat, enhanced wear resistance and corrosion resistance
• Shock absorberOptional; damps oscillations when travelling over uneven surfaces

Depending on the brake type, an axle assembly contains 27–51 components from leading manufacturers. For example, brake components are interchangeable with Russian-made KAMAZ parts. The following abbreviations identify the components used in an air suspension:

• TBTapered roller bearing
• BBBearing unit
• W0Welded trailing arm
• S1Forged single-leaf trailing arm
• S2Forged double-leaf trailing arm
• ABDrum brake
• ADDisc brake

Compatible components

PAAZ shock absorber

In-house trailing arm

Contitech air spring

SKF cartridge bearing

KAMAZ-6520 brake drum

Spindle

WABCO brake caliper

Air suspension without separate shock absorbers

A shock absorber suppresses free oscillations and absorbs running-gear impacts to maintain tyre contact with the road. Its piston moves back and forth, forcing oil through a small opening between chambers and converting mechanical energy into heat.

Hydraulic shock absorbers wear out and require replacement, often without the driver noticing until a critical situation. Faulty absorbers can cause loss of road grip even over minor unevenness. Comparative TÜV tests showed that a truck's braking distance increases by 28.3% when its shock absorbers are 50% worn.

This innovative suspension uses special air springs that act as both elastic elements and dampers. Each air spring has two interconnected air chambers. Resistance to air flow between them and the resulting pressure increase provide the damping previously supplied by shock absorbers. In July 2022, Sespel began producing a new tank semitrailer range with this suspension.

Advantages of air suspension without separate shock absorbers

• Lower total suspension lifecycle cost
• Reduced fore-and-aft forces transmitted to the trailer
• A more comfortable ride for drivers and extra protection for cargo and the semitrailer structure against road impacts

Testing showed that air suspension with this distinctive air spring design is as effective as conventional air suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers.