Industry alerts

Industry Alert: Risks associated with trunnion pin type suspension systems

Waka Kotahi has issued an Industry Alert for trunnion pin type suspension systems.

The Industry Alert provides information about the risks associated with repair or refurbishment of trunnion pin type rear suspension systems common to many heavy vehicles.

An incident where the trunnion pin was ejected from a heavy vehicle suspension causing fatal injuries was investigated by the Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST). The Police investigation and report in 2019 found that the incident was mainly caused by the trunnion pin breaking. In addition, the overhaul techniques and replacement parts used during a recent refurbishment of the truck’s rear suspension assembly were of concern.

The industry alert is aimed at heavy vehicle service providers and heavy vehicle operators to ensure all repairers of heavy vehicles are aware of this issue.

The key points of the alert

Service providers and vehicle operators should:

• understand the risks of reconditioning this type of trunnion pin suspension system
• only use Original Equipment (OE) trunnion pins and trunnion housings purchased from a reputable supplier for this type of suspension system
• ensure that these suspension units are repaired according to the manufacturer’s instructions by suitably qualified people.

Read our Industry Alert: Risks associated with trunnion pin type suspension systems [PDF, 650 KB]