TM 9-2350-247-20-1
THEORY OF OPERATION Continued
0003 00
SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS
The suspension system supports the carrier and delivers engine power to the road. It allows the carrier to maneuver and be
stable. Suspension system components are the drive sprockets, tracks, idler wheels, track tension adjuster, road wheels, road
wheel arms, torsion bars, and shock absorbers.
The drive sprockets drive the tracks. The M548A1 drive sprockets are powered by left and right final drives from the
differential. The M548A3 drive sprockets are powered by left and right final drives from the transmission. The tracks consist
of two flexible chains of track shoes. The tracks ride on the drive sprockets and are guided by the road wheels and idler
wheels. The idler wheels can be adjusted to maintain correct track tension.
The tracks consist of track pads bolted to track shoes that are linked together by pins to form a continuous track. The tracks,
each driven by a track drive sprocket secured to the final drive, provide the surface on which the road wheels roll. Track
guides keep the track centered under the road wheels. A track tension adjuster at each track idler wheel is used to adjust track
tension. The track tension adjuster cylinders are filled with grease. Rubber bumpers cushion the road wheel arms when the
suspension bottoms out in rough terrain.
There are five pairs of road wheels per side. Track center guides fit between each pair of road wheels. Road wheels mount on
arms that are individually splined to the torsion bars. The torsion bars extend the width of the hull, are secured by torsion bar
anchors bolted to the hull, and act as springs to keep the road wheels on the ground and from hitting the bottom of the carrier.
0003 00-13