Maintenance Expenditure Limits

TB 9-2510-242-40

is 15 percent or less, remove all corrosion and old paint and treat and repaint the frame as originally specified. Frames

having more than 15 percent overall loss of material thickness are non-repairable, and should be scrapped.

(2) Localized corrosion deterioration in a frame is an indication of inadequate structural strength at a specific

location. Localized corrosion deterioration begins with excessive metal flexing, continues with cracking of the structure's

protective coating and admittance of moisture, and ends with the resulting corrosion damage. Localized corrosion

deterioration may occur as deep pits in a specific area, along the edges of structural shapes, and in bands or belts

around welded or bolted joints. Depending upon the degree of deterioration, repairs range from cleaning, treating, and

strengthening the stressed area to replacing a frame segment.

b. Local Damage. Local damage is complete fracture or cracks in frame members or joints. This also includes

localized damage caused by an accident. Cracks are less apparent to the eye as are serious deformations of the frame.

Close inspection is often required to find frame cracks, especially if the frame is dirty.

3-2 Maintenance Expenditure Limits

a. Permissible Repair Costs for Lunette Trailers and Semitrailers. There is a maximum limit on the total repair

cost for a damaged trailer; Normally, a damaged lunette trailer or semitrailer shall be not be repaired whenever its

estimated repair cost exceeds its maximum permissible repair cost.

b. Maximum Permissible Repair Cost Procedures.

Detailed procedures for calculating the maximum

permissible repair cost for lunette trailers and semitrailers are included in TB 43-0002-81, Maintenance Expenditure

Limits for Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, FSC Group 23, FSC Classes 2320, and 2330.

c. Estimated Repair Costs. Estimated repair costs can be calculated only after a damaged trailer has undergone

a technical inspection to determine the extent and types of.damage. The estimated repair cost also includes freight

charges. Procedures for calculating an estimated repair cost are also given in TB 43-0002-81.

d. Technical Inspections. Structural frame repairs technical inspections shall be performed only by persons

experienced with the structural frame repair and alignment procedures and shall be checked against trailer frame

technical drawings to ensure dimensional accuracy.

Section IV. FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND SKILLS

4-1 General. At present, there are no government or industrial standards relating to frame straightening. Some

companies have developed their own standards and a range of equipment and tools to accomplish frame straightening

economically and satisfactorily. Industrial standard (SAEJ875) outlines trailer axle alignment inspection checks and

limits. (See Appendix F).