Critical trailer torque rod checks.

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One unfortunate Patriot unit had an M860AI trailer torque rod. NSN 253U-0U-7979189, come apart. That caused the leaf spring in the suspension to come loose and the trailer's body to fall on the axle. That is extremely dangerous both to Soldiers and to Patriot components.

Do these torque rod checks to make sure your trailers arc safe.

Next, park the trailer on level ground, preferably on a hard surface, and put the outriggers down. Raise the trailer until its wheels are no more than 1/8 inch off the ground.

Look for separation between each rod's rubber and rod housing. Rust between the bushing bonding and the arm assembly is usually an indication that the bushing is going to fail.

Finally, eyeball the alignment of the torque rods. If you suspect any misalignment, replace the torque rod.

The procedure for replacing torque rods is in Para 4-52 of TM 9-2330-357-14&P (May 93).

If you find defective torque rods, submit a PQDR for each rod to: https://www.pdrep.csd.disa.mil

Keep the torque rods for at least 60 days or until released by TACOM.

A trailer with a defective torque rod can't be towed, but it can be used as a launcher or radar base.

Questions? Contact TACOM's Jim Howard at DSN 786-9428, (586) 282-9428, or email: james.c.howard74.civ@mail.mil

For more information, see TACOM Safety of Use Message 12-008: https://tulsa.taeom.army.mil/SAFETY/message.cfm?id=SOUM12-008.html

With the outriggers up and the trailer supported by its suspension, inspect both ends of each torque rod for separation of the rubber from the metal sleeve in the ball/bushing assembly and between the bushing sleeve and torque rod. If you spot any separation, that trailer is NMC until the defective torque rod is replaced.

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Pry on the torque rod's outer section with a crowbar while someone else watches the rubber bushing for movement. A flex of the rubber bushing from 1/2 to 3/4 inch is normal. More than that means the bushing is failing.

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Place the crowbar between the mounting bracket and torque rod and have someone check the torque rod rubber mounting for movement. If the torque rod returns to its original position when the bar is removed and there aren't any visible abnormalities (rubber separation, cracks or rust between the bushing and the housing), the torque rod is OK.

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