Side members

The side members are the main components of the truck frame and, together with the crossmembers, form the foundation of Scania’s chassis structure. Each truck frame requires two side members, which are manufactured in pairs and adapted to the customer’s needs.

The length of the side members varies between 6 and 12 metres, depending on the type of truck being produced. They are made from high-strength steel to meet the demands placed on Scania’s heavy vehicles.

The side members can be designed with double bends to allow extra space for batteries on the outside of the frame, or with single bends for vehicles with combustion engines. Each side member is unique and custom-made according to the vehicle specification and the customer’s requirements.

A side member contains a large number of holes. Most of them are arranged in so-called hole patterns and adapted to fit the crossmembers and other brackets that will be mounted on the frame. The holes are manufactured with very high precision to prevent stresses from being built into the frame when it is assembled with the other components. Within a hole group, the positional tolerance are tenths.

For trucks that will be used in tougher conditions, the side members can be reinforced. This is done by riveting two side members together, creating a stronger and more robust structure.

At Scania Luleå, side members are produced entirely according to the customer’s requirements, with high precision, flexibility and quality in every step.