{"id":1276,"date":"2026-06-05T00:30:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T00:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equipspecs.co.nz\/?page_id=1276"},"modified":"2026-06-05T00:30:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T00:30:48","slug":"axle-play-detectors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/equipspecs.co.nz\/index.php\/axle-play-detectors\/","title":{"rendered":"Axle Play Detectors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Axle play detectors, commonly referred to as shaker plates, are workshop diagnostic systems used to identify wear or looseness in steering and suspension components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using controlled hydraulic movement, the system simulates driving forces while the vehicle remains positioned over an inspection pit. This allows technicians to clearly observe movement in components such as ball joints, suspension bushes, king pins, steering linkages, and suspension mounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EquipSpecs supplies Ryme Worldwide axle play detectors for both light vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles, supporting accurate steering and suspension diagnostics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View our Light Vehicle Range<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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View our Heavy Vehicle Range<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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What Faults Can an Axle Play Detector Identify?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Axle play detectors help technicians identify steering and suspension faults that may be difficult to detect during a manual inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By remotely applying controlled movement to the wheels while the vehicle remains under load, technicians can quickly observe excessive movement, wear, or looseness in critical components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common faults detected include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Worn suspension bushes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • King pin wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Ball joint wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Steering linkage wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Track rod end movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Loose wheel bearings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Steering rack and steering component wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Control arm and stabiliser component wear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    How Axle Play Detectors Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Axle play detectors use an electro-hydraulic drive system to move heavy-duty steel plates in controlled directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once the vehicle is positioned on the plates, the technician is able to remotely activate the system. The plates then apply controlled forces to the wheels, simulating authentic operating conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Typical plate movements include:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Lateral movement<\/strong> \u2013 simulates cornering forces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Longitudinal movement<\/strong> \u2013 simulates braking and acceleration forces<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Cross movements<\/strong> \u2013 applies multi-directional stress to suspension and steering components<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      While the plates are operating, the technician can observe steering and suspension components from the inspection pit, making it possible to identify wear quickly and accurately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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