AL-KO Independent Rubber Suspension, Service or Adjustment?

There are no adjustments on Al-Ko torsion suspension assemblies. If the rubbers have delaminated, usually due to overloading, they can be replaced at Al-Ko in Dandenong, Vic.

Shaker.
Do you mean to say the way it is bolted on, doesn't allow for ANY adjustment of toe in?

That would make it the most useless suspension available if made that way and unsuitable for Australian use on rough roads/outback.
If the rubbers have deteriorated then new ones will too.

I am not a fan of Al Ko rubber suspension and would change it if I had a chance.

FWIW Vehicle Components build a lot of IS for vans and they recommend regular alignment checks.
I have IS on the camper trailer done by its Aussie manufacturer and their service schedule includes alignment checks.
Too many trailer owners trash their tyres as the price of learning this.

I gather Sigmund is trying to say that any IS axle can develop misalignment problems - and checks on wheel alignment are necessary to prevent excessive tyre wear problems.

A robust suspension system should be able to keep wheels/tyres in alignment under normal road conditions. However, overloading, excessive speed and deep potholes can stress components beyond their elastic limits and result in misaligned wheels/tyres.

It appears that trailer/van/camper wheel/tyre misalignment is actually quite prevalent, according to the amount of complaints on forums - more than one would expect.

Much of this would be due to manufacturers skimping on component sizing and running components at their rated load limit.
Then owners make it worse by adding unexpected additional weight, and travelling at excessive speed for the conditions.
One should always weigh ones rig when ready to hit the road, to ensure that you are legal and safe.

As far as the rubber torsion suspensions such as AL-KO go, they are reliant on the rubber components keeping their integrity to ensure correct alignment and operation.
Any decomposition or delamination of the rubber immediately results in a suspension that is becoming misaligned and not performing its job of suspension, damping, and aligning, properly.
As the rubber components of AL-KO suspensions are not easily inspected in-situ, it would be important to check the wheels/tyres on these suspensions on a regular basis, to ensure correct wheel/tyre alignment.

The AL-KO website is curiously lacking in any information relating to alignment problems with their suspensions.
They state that their axles, "(are) tested for toe-in and camber as well as load rated deflection, using state-of-the-art alignment technology".

However, there is no advice given as to what to watch for, as regards wear in their suspensions - nor any advice as to what to do, if a tyre on an AL-KO suspension is showing severe and unacceptable wear patterns.
I feel this is a major oversight on their behalf, and gives purchasers the impression that their suspensions last forever with no maintenance - which is untrue.

Cheers, Ron.