TM-9-2350-261-20-1
CARRIER, M113A2, M577A2, M1064, M1068, M1059 AND M901A1
TECHNICAL MANUAL; UNIT MAINTENANCE MANUAL - VOLUME 1 OF 4
TM-9-2350-261-20-1 - Page 79 of 346
TM 9-2350-261-20-1
THEORY OF OPERATION — Continued
0003 00
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The suspension system supports the carrier and delivers engine power to the road. It allows the carrier to maneuver and be
stable. Suspension system parts are the drive sprockets, tracks, idler wheels, track tension adjuster, road wheels, support arms,
torsion bars, and shock absorbers.
The drive sprockets drive the tracks. They are powered by left and right final drives from the differential. 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.
There are five pairs of road wheels per side. Track centerguides fit between each pair of road wheels. Road wheels and
torsion bars are connected to support arms. The torsion bars act as springs to keep the road wheels on the ground and from
hitting the bottom of the carrier.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system provides power for the carrier. The system operates on wet cell batteries and includes charging,
regulating, and monitoring equipment. The batteries provide a normal operating 24 volts with an amperage capability of 100
or 200 amps per hour (depending on the system installed).
The batteries supply the carrier with electricity when the engine is off. All electrical power is delivered through the
distribution box, except radio(s), personnel heater, and coolant heater. Electrical power flows from the batteries through the
distribution box, cables, and wiring assemblies to the electrical equipment. The hull is a ground for the electrical system.
The generator recharges the batteries and supplies electricity while the engine is running. The generator has 100 or 200 amps
per hour capability (depending on the system installed).
There are several electrical subsystems within the hull. Each subsystem contains at least one wiring assembly. Major
electrical subsystems and assemblies are:
Interior and Exterior Lights.
Exterior lights include blackout lights, stoplight, and headlights. Interior lights include dome
lights and panel lights.
Starting and Charging.
A generator with a regulator keeps the batteries charged to operating voltage. A starter with a built-in
solenoid is used to crank the engine for starting.
Ventilation and Heating.
Fresh air for the crew is provided by a vent aft of the cargo hatch. The M577A2 has a compartment
blower to exhaust air from inside the M577A2 into the power plant compartment. Heating is provided by a forced air heater.
Bilge Pumps.
Two pumps, one in the front and one in the rear of the carrier, remove any water that may have entered the
carrier.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Chemical Agent Automatic Alarm Kit. See Chapter 2, WP 0120 00 and WP 0773 00 through WP 0776 00.
Driver’s Windshield Kit. See WP 0624 00.
Engine Coolant Heater Kit. See WP 0635 00 through WP 0652 00.
Litter Kit. See WP 0658 00 through WP 0661 00.
Machine Gun Armor Shield Kit. See WP 0663 00 through WP 0669 00.
NBC Kit. See WP 0670 00 through WP 0690 00.
NBC Mounting Kit. See WP 0672 00.
Personnel Heater Kit. See WP 0597 00 through WP 0623 00.
0003 00-4
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