MAHA’s tips for axle play detector maintenance
Sticking to maintenance schedules of workshop equipment is always good practice, but what are the best tips when it comes to preserving the accuracy and effectiveness of axle play detectors? MAHA UK provides some pointers.
As a supplier of workshop equipment we firmly recommend a six-monthly maintenance inspection to ensure the correct function of an axle play detector. This can be flexible depending on the frequency of which the equipment is used, but a minimum of every 12 months is necessary to remain within DVSA specifications.
Any inspections and maintenance work should be undertaken by the supplier’s own experienced, trained and professional service engineers, or by licensed dealers or service partners. Failure to do so will be viewed as non-compliance and any existing manufacturer’s warranty will become null and void.
Value maintenance
That said, there are ‘housekeeping’ processes that operators should undertake to maintain functionality and longevity; for example, one of our recommendations is that equipment is periodically cleaned and treated with a care product – not with caustic cleaning agents, high pressure washers or steam jet cleaners – while paintwork damage should be repaired immediately to prevent corrosion.
Furthermore, operators need to relieve pressure to remove the test plates, so they can either lubricate guides with a grease gun or grease plastic sliding strips every 200 operating hours – or at least every three months! During this particular upkeep, operators should check that all guide rods are secure and tightened if necessary and check the oil level regularly – it must sit between the two easily-identifiable marks.
Every two years, the hydraulic oil should be changed – filling quantity and specifications should be found in the technical booklet supplied with the equipment; alternatively, a guide can be found by visiting www.maha.co.uk
Improve accuracy
Axle play detectors are designed to find defects and wear in steering components, wheel bearings, shock absorbers and suspension – whether that be through lateral or longitudinal movement on the test plates.
They can check all components that swivel, twist or pivot – in essence, it can check everything in one action, ensuring they’re working as they should be. Using an axle play detector is also quick and precise, as opposed to using a lever or pry bar, which our engineers have, unfortunately, witnessed inside some workshops.
If you’re looking for a suitable axle play detector, the MAHA LMS 20.0 has an inbuilt hydraulic drive that ensures a powerful and smooth movement of the test plates. An automatic mode, as well as other operating methods, means the aforementioned equipment is flexible, accommodating to the operator’s needs and it’s simple to use.
