Chassis
The M113 armored personnel carrier running gear is a critically important system that ensures vehicle movement on rough terrain and cross-country. The design includes a tracked propulsion system with five road wheels per side, torsion bar suspension, and track tension system. Running gear reliability directly affects vehicle mobility and ability to perform combat missions.
Tracks with rubber-metal joints provide low noise levels compared to all-metal designs. Wide track pads reduce ground pressure, improving cross-country capability on soft soils and swampy terrain. Torsion bar suspension of each wheel independently absorbs impacts when overcoming irregularities.
Interaction of the running gear with gearbox mechanisms and final drives requires precise coordination for optimal power transmission. The design is integrated with vehicle hull structural elements, ensuring system rigidity.
Main elements of M113 running gear
The running gear consists of several component groups, each performing specific functions. The most important elements include:
- Tracks with track pads, pins, and rubber pads for ground traction.
- Road wheels with bearings and seals to support vehicle weight.
- Suspension torsion bars that work in torsion under loads.
- Shock absorbers.
- Support rollers to prevent sagging of the upper track run.
- Drive sprockets with toothed rims for driving tracks from the transmission.
Shock absorbers are installed on the extreme road wheels to dampen oscillations during movement. Idler wheels with tensioning mechanisms are located in the front of the vehicle. The track belt consists of individual track pads connected by pins. Each track pad has lugs for engagement with the drive sprocket and a rubber pad to reduce noise.
Signs of running gear malfunctions
Intensive operation leads to wear of running gear components, manifested by characteristic symptoms. Increased noise during movement indicates wear of road wheel bearings or damage to track pads. Knocking in the suspension indicates cracks in torsion bars or shock absorber failure.
Uneven wear of track pad rubber pads occurs with incorrect track tension or wheel deformation. Too loose tension leads to track shedding during turns, while excessive tension creates additional bearing loads. Oil leakage from wheel seals indicates the need for their replacement.
Vibrations during movement may be caused by road wheel imbalance or worn bearings. Torsion bar deformation leads to changes in vehicle ground clearance and deterioration of ride smoothness. Transmission components also experience the impact of running gear malfunctions due to increased movement resistance.
Selection and ordering of running gear spare parts
Correct selection of running gear components requires knowledge of the armored personnel carrier modification and track system type. Catalog numbers help accurately identify necessary parts. Our specialists consult on spare parts selection based on malfunction description or photographs of worn elements.
When ordering, it is recommended to purchase a set of parts for simultaneous replacement of worn components on both sides of the vehicle. This ensures uniformity of suspension characteristics and prevents misalignment. The price for complete sets is usually more favorable compared to retail purchases.
You can order spare parts through the website with detailed specifications. For warehouse items, we organize urgent delivery throughout Ukraine. Large elements are transported by specialized transport with proper packaging.
Qualified support
Our company provides technical support for selecting and installing running gear spare parts. Engineer consultants will help determine the cause of malfunction and recommend the optimal set of parts for repair.
Running gear maintenance recommendations include:
- Daily checking of track tension before starting movement.
- Monitoring condition of track pad rubber pads weekly.
- Timely replacement of shock absorbers.
- Timely replacement of oil seals.
- Lubrication of road wheel bearings according to schedule. Bearing replacement if necessary.
- Checking wheel seal tightness and timely replacement in case of leaks.
- Inspection of torsion bars for cracks after intensive loads.
Our company provides a full range of spare parts for M113 running gear in Ukraine.