TM-9-2350-273-BD
M48/M60 SERIES TANK, COMBAT FULL-TRACKED 105-MM GUN
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATORS, ORGANIZATIONAL, DIRECT SUPPORT AND GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE; BATTLEFIELD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND REPAIR
TM-9-2350-273-BD - Page 120 of 288
TM 9-2350-273-BD
TRACK AND SUSPENSION
SECTION IV. Suspension Components
9-14. General.
a. When a roadwheel and arm assembly has been damaged or the hull is damaged so
that the roadwheel and arm won't work, it may be necessary to disable this assembly so
that it will not interfere with the operation of the track or other roadwheel positions.
This can be done by positioning the vehicle across a ditch narrow enough to permit the
front and rear roadwheels to support the weight of the vehicle, and deep enough to
permit the track to sag away from the defective roadwheel. If a ditch is not available,
a trench or hole can be dug. The roadwheel position can be disabled.
b. Idler, No. 1 and No. 6 roadwheel positions are essential for M48/M60 mobility. If
these positions are damaged, the vehicle cannot be operated and must be recovered.
9-15. POSITION 2, 3, 4, OR 5 MISSING OR DAMAGED.
General Information
a. These positions are interchangeable among themselves except that torsion bars have
a pretwist adaptable to one side only. The vehicle can operate with one, two or even
three of these missing. If three positions are unserviceable, they should not be adjacent
positions.
b. Inspect for broken or damaged parts and check for oil leaks, and signs of
overheating. Abnormal leakage may be tolerated.
It may be necessary to disassemble
the roadwheel position components to determine the problem. Do not disassemble
unless bearing or journal damage is suspected.
(1) Determine which suspension positions must be replaced or eliminated. Clear
damaged parts by removing, bending or tying up, so that there is nothing to interfere
with the function of the track or suspension. If necessary, remove parts with a cutting
torch.
(2) Using procedures in the maintenance manual, remove, replace, or interchange
the desired suspension elements.
More care must be used than in the routine procedure
to replace seals and gaskets,
because you have to re-use them. It should be expected
that there will be oil or grease leaks during this operation. Check oil level frequently.
(3) Re-assemble the track if it has been broken.
9-11
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