Hendrickson Leaf Spring Assembly
Inspecting
(See Fig. 7)
1.
Inspect the spring hangers for wear of the spring
pin holes, cams, and the spring hanger legs.
2.
If equipped with the "RTE" or "UE" series, the
gap between the rear (No. 2) spring hanger and
the top spring leaf should measure at least 3/8
inch (9.5 mm) in an unloaded condition.
If the measurement is less than 3/8 inch (9.5
mm), install new rear (No. 3) extension hangers.
Lubricate the bolt threads with SAE 20 oil.
Tighten the 1/2–13 locknuts with hardened wash-
ers 85 lbf·ft (115 N·m).
3.
Inspect the spring leaves for cracks, gouges,
wear, or abnormal bends. The no. 1 main and
no. 2 wrapper spring leaves (the top two spring
leaves) may be individually replaced. If equipped
with the "RTE" or "UE" series suspension, the
nos. 1, 2, and 3 spring leaves (the top three
spring leaves) may be individually replaced. If a
spring leaf is damaged below these numbers in a
pack, replace the spring assembly. In addition,
replace both spring assemblies to ensure even
spring deflection.
Hendrickson Radius Rod Bushing
Checking
1.
Without detaching the torque arms, attempt to
move (by hand) each of the radius-rod ends up,
down, in, and out. If there is any movement, re-
place the torque arm.
2.
Inspect the rubber bushing ends. Replace the
torque arm if there are gaps between the rubber
bushing and the pin or the outer steel sleeve, if
either bushing end contacts a torque arm pin
mounting bolt, if there are cracks in the bushing,
or if part of the rubber bushing extends beyond
the outside diameter of the outer bushing sleeve.
Chalmers Suspension Inspecting
Chock the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. Place the transmission in neutral, and re-
lease the spring or driveline brakes before inspecting
the rear suspension.
Power wash the Chalmers rear suspension, or clean
it with a hard-bristle brush before performing a visual
inspection.
1.
Visually inspect the rubber bushings for cracks or
other damage.
Try to move the torque rod ends using your
hands only, and check for any free-play. If free-
play is felt, replace the torque rod end bushing.
Do not use a pry bar to check for free-play. Use
of a pry bar may lead to premature bushing re-
placement. See Group 32 of the
Business
Class
®
Trucks Service Manual
for replacement
instructions.
2.
If equipped with optional shock absorbers, check
for worn, broken, or damaged shock bushings,
heavy corrosion on the shock absorber body, or
fluid leaking from the shock absorber. Replace
the shock absorbers if any of these conditions
are found; see Group 32 of the
Business Class
®
Trucks Service Manual
.
3.
Lift the rear of the vehicle and support the frame
on jack stands to unload the suspension compo-
nents. The vehicle is lifted high enough when the
beam ends are off of the saddles. All jack stands
must be of sufficient strength and rigidity to
safely support the vehicle. Do not perform any
work on or around a vehicle that is supported
solely by a lifting device.
f320112a
05/27/93
1
2
3
4
A
A. Minimum gap of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
1.
Forward (no. 1) Spring Hanger
2.
Spring Eye Pin
3.
Rear (no. 2) Spring Hanger
4.
Rear (no. 3) Extension
Fig. 7, Unloaded RTE or UE Spring Suspension
Suspension
32
Business Class Trucks Maintenance Manual, July 1999
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