HA/HAS Series

NO: 17730-224
SUBJECT: Driveline Angularity Procedures
DATE: March, 1999 REVISION: C

CONTENTS
ITEM SUBJECT PAGE

1 Introduction “EDGE” ........................................................................ 2

2 Important Safety Notice .................................................................... 3

3 Frame Slope .................................................................................... 4

4 Axle/Suspension Angle Inspection ...................................................... 5

5 Driveline Inspection .......................................................................... 7

6 Setting Ride Height ........................................................................... 9

7 HI-Torque Shock Absorber ............................................................... 10

8 Air Plumbing Diagram .................................................................... 11

9 Tightening Torque Specification Chart ............................................... 12

TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 1 This publication is to acquaint and assist fleets, end users and maintenance personnel
INTRODUCTION EDGE to appropriately set up and maintain universal joint angularity with Hendrickson HAS
Series suspensions. Technical publications associated with this publication are
17730-197, 17730-212, 17730-222.
In the commercial trucking industry, drive train vibration is a major issue. Pinion
angles and suspension ride height can cause undesirable noise and vibration issues
as well as premature driveline component failures when not properly set. The only
affect that the suspension has on the driveline is setting the seat angles as developed
by the OEM. The suspension does not effect other vibration problems such as; engine
excited torsionals, driveline system resonance, rotating imbalance, drive shaft runout
and bearing looseness. Hendrickson has developed a system approach to accurately
control driveline angularity. This system promotes Efficient Driveline GEometry (EDGE).
The EDGE design features include.
■ Hi-Torque shock absorbers.
■ Optimal height control system.
■ Education for optimizing vehicle set up.

For acceptable reductions in U-joint vibration all three features listed above must
be applied.

Figure 1
HAS Tandem Straddle Pin Style
Transverse Rod

Frame Hanger Height Control Valve

Torque Rod

Air Spring

Hi-Torque Shocks

®
2
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 2 Proper service and repair is important to the safe and reliable operation of the tandem
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE suspension. The service procedures recommended by Hendrickson and described in
this technical publication are effective methods of performing maintenance.
There are various warnings and cautions that should be read carefully to minimize the
risk of personal injury and to assure that proper methods are used. Improper servicing
may damage the vehicle or render it unsafe in operation.

WARNING
HENDRICKSON SUSPENSION REMINDS USERS TO ADHERE TO THE PUBLISHED
!
CAPACITY RATINGS FOR THE SUSPENSIONS.
ADD-ON AXLE ATTACHMENTS AND OTHER LOAD TRANSFERRING DEVICES
CAN INCREASE THE SUSPENSION LOAD ABOVE THE RATED AND APPROVED
CAPACITIES WHICH COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE SUSPENSION AND
LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
DUMP TRUCK APPLICATIONS — WHEN THE BED OF THE TRUCK IS LIFTED IT IS
MANDATORY TO COMPLETELY EXHAUST THE AIR FROM THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
TO PROVIDE STABILITY ON AN UNEVEN TERRAIN. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
DO NOT MODIFY OR REWORK PARTS. DO NOT USE SUBSTITUTE PARTS. USE OF
A MODIFIED OR SUBSTITUTE PART IS NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE PART
MAY NOT MEET HENDRICKSON'S SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN
FAILURE OF THE PART, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH TO REMOVE ANY ATTACHING FASTENERS. THE
USE OF HEAT ON SUSPENSION COMPONENTS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
STRENGTH OF THESE PARTS. A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER MAY
RESULT IN THE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
EXERCISE EXTREME CARE WHEN HANDLING OR PERFORMING MAINTENANCE
IN THE AREA OF THE MAIN SUPPORT MEMBERS. DO NOT CONNECT ARC
WELDING GROUND LINE TO THE MAIN SUPPORT MEMBERS. DO NOT STRIKE
AN ARC WITH THE ELECTRODE ON THE MAIN SUPPORT MEMBERS. DO NOT
USE HEAT NEAR THE MAIN SUPPORT MEMBERS. DO NOT NICK OR GOUGE THE
MAIN SUPPORT MEMBERS. A MAIN SUPPORT MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN
SUBJECTED TO ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY FAIL, CAUSING LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
A MECHANIC USING A SERVICE PROCEDURE OR TOOL WHICH HAS NOT BEEN
RECOMMENDED BY HENDRICKSON MUST FIRST SATISFY HIMSELF THAT NEITHER
HIS SAFETY NOR THE VEHICLE’S SAFETY WILL BE JEOPARDIZED BY THE METHOD
OR TOOL SELECTED. INDIVIDUALS DEVIATING IN ANY MANNER FROM THE
INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED ASSUME ALL RISKS OF CONSEQUENTIAL PERSONAL
INJURY OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT INVOLVED.

®
3
TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 3 Drive axle pinion angles are established by the vehicle manufacturer. The suspension
FRAME SLOPE spring seats called out in Hendrickson Technical Publications 17730-197, 17730-212
and 17730-222 are cast and machined to specific angles to meet the vehicle manu-
facturer specified requirements. Because the main support members deflect slightly
under a full load, empty chassis axle angles measure about one degree less than
when the vehicle is fully loaded.
In most cases, the original vehicle manufacturer installs spring seats that are equal
thickness on both the forward drive and the rear drive axles. These equal thickness
spring seats are designed to have frames parallel to the ground which results in 0°
frame slope. The intent is to maintain identical (4¼" loaded and 43/8" unloaded)
main support member heights on the forward drive axle and the rear drive axle as
shown in Figure 2. Maintaining these identical heights assures equal loading on both
drive axles as well as correct axle pinion angles. Chassis frame slope in excess of
one degree may cause unequal loading between the two drive axles which may be
detrimental to vehicle ride. If this condition persists contact the vehicle manufacturer
for guidelines or proceed with the following recommendations:

Figure 2
Ride Height Loaded Bottom of Frame

= 4¼" Loaded Height

43/8" Unloaded Height
X
X
Main Support
Member Part No. Location

Bottom of Main Support Member

1. If the frame slopes downward and toward the cab the front drive axle will, in all
probability, weigh more than the rear drive axle.
2. If the frame slopes upward towards the cab the rear drive axle will be the heavier
of the two.
3. If the frame height at the tandem suspension is too low, it could be corrected by
adding spacer plates to all four corners of the tandem drive axles between the
main support members and the spring seats. Do not attempt to correct frame
slope by adding spacer plates on only one drive axle. The spacer plates can be
made from ½" x 3" x 7" low carbon steel with a 13/16" dia. hole drilled in the center
for dowel clearance. A maximum of two ½" shop made spacer plates between
each main support member and spring seat is permissible. Longer U bolts will be
required to accommodate spacer plates. Hendrickson has 1" and 1½" thick spac-
ers available as production items. A maximum of one 1" thick, or one 1½" thick
spacer is permissible.

®
4
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

4. If frame slope is excessive (greater than what can be corrected for with a 1½"
spacer) it should be corrected by the vehicle manufacturer.
5. If the frame height at the tandem suspension is too high, the spacers can be
removed (if so equipped), or the front steer axle suspension can be raised.
6. Do not make changes to the steering axle without prior approval and supervi-
sion of the O.E.M. as the steering geometry could be affected thus, causing
steering problems.

Subject 4 The following inspection procedure is recommended when axle angle adjustment is
AXLE/ SUSPENSION ANGLE required for the rear tandem axle using the HAS series suspension.
INSPECTION Inspections can be performed on an unloaded vehicle. Inspections on a loaded ve-
hicle can be difficult to schedule.
1. Free and center all suspension joints by slowly moving vehicle back and forth
several times without using the brakes. When coming to a complete stop make
sure the brakes are released. Chock front wheels.
2. Verify that the front steer and rear drive tires are inflated to normal operating pressure.
3. Using a Hendrickson height gauge, see Figure 3, (part number Loaded
45745-050, Unloaded 45745-106), measure the suspension height on the
forward and rear drive axles, as shown is Figures 2 and 3. If the vehicle is
equipped with equal thickness spring seats and the frame is level, all four main
support members should have the same loaded suspension height of 4.25" ± .12"
or 4.38" ± .12" unloaded. Again, this measurement is from the bottom of the
frame to the bottom of the main support member (spring) as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 3
Hendrickson Frame
Height Gauge

Main Support
Member
Top Pad

Height Gauge
U Bolt

Spring Seat Spacer

®
5
TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 4 4. If the frame slopes toward the cab, (positive (+) frame slope) the front drive
AXLE/ SUSPENSION ANGLE approval axle angle will be less compared to the vehicle manufacturer specified
INSPECTION (Cont.) angle. If the frame slopes away from the cab (negative (-) frame slope) the front
drive axle angle will be higher than the vehicle manufacturer specified angle. The
frame slope on empty vehicles equipped with equal thickness spring seat must
be ± 0.8º.
5. To correct frame slope, spacer plates can be added or removed on all four cor-
ners of both drive axles between the main support, as shown in Figure 5, or by
adding spacer(s) to the front steer axle. If spacer plates are added, longer U-bolts
will be required to accommodate the added spacer plates. Hendrickson has 1"
thick spacers (part number 48902-000) and 1½" thick spacers (part number
48903-000) available as production items. A maximum of one 1" thick, or one
1½" thick spacer is permissible. Do not make changes to the steering axle with-
out prior approval and supervision of the O.E.M. as the steering geometry could
be affected.
6. Record the measurements obtained from step 3 in the appropriate spaces pro-
vided on the Inspection Form (See Page 8).

NOTE If a Hendrickson height control valve assembly (part number 57977-000) is installed
on the rear drive axle, the ride height setting, as shown in Figure 3 should still be
measured at the forward drive axle.

Figure 4

X Positive

Z
Negative

4.25" ± .12" = Suspension Ride Height on Forward Axle

X ± Y< 2° = Minimum Cancellation Error
X or Y < 6° = Maximum Working Angle
Z < ± .2° = Loaded Condition
Z < ± .8° = Unloaded Condition

®
6
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 5 1. To measure driveline angles, the vehicle must be placed on a level floor.
DRIVELINE INSPECTION 2. Inspections can be performed on either loaded or unloaded vehicles.
3. The front steer and rear drive tires
must be inflated to normal operating Figure 5
pressure. Measurement of Axle Angles (A4 + A5)
4. Free and center all suspension joints
by slowly moving vehicle back and
forth several times without using the
brakes. When coming to a complete
stop make sure the brakes are re-
leased Chock the front wheels.
5. Using Figure 5 as a guide to deter-
mine the angles to be measured and
a digital inclinometer as the measur-
ing tool, measure the driveline angles
and record them in the appropriate
spaces on the Inspection Form (See
Page 8). Figure 5 shows the proper
method for using the inclinometer.
6. Using the driveline angles A4, A5,
and A6 that were recorded in the
Driveline Inspection Form and cal-
culate the interaxle cancellation. The
difference between the joint working angles (JWA) is the recorded result.
7. Hendrickson’s specification for good interaxle cancellation is <2º and joint work-
ing angles (JWA) <6º as shown Figure 6.

SERVICE HINT The change in axle wind-up is less severe on the forward axle output (J4) then the
rear axle input (J5). Optimum results occur when J4 is less then J5.

Figure 6
Joint working angles should not exceed 6°
Cancellation error should not exceed 2°

J4 4˚ 3˚
J5

A5
A4 A6

Forward Axle (A4 = 2.5°) I.A.S. (A5 = 6.5°) Rear Rear Axle (A6 = 9.5°)
(“JWA” J4 = ½A5 - A4½ = 4°) (“JWA” J5 = ½A5 – A6½ = 3°)

Cancellation Error = ½J4 - J5 ½= 1°

®
7
TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

DRIVELINE INSPECTION FORM

Vehicle Information

Vehicle Owner ____________________________________ Wheel Base ________________________________

Vehicle Make ______________________________________________ Drive Axle ________________________
Model ________________________________ Tandem Suspension/Kit No. _____________________________
VIN __________________________________ Tandem Spread _______________________________________
Build Date _____________________________ Mileage ____________________________________________
By ___________________________________ Engine H.P./Torque ____________________________________
Date _________________________________ Transmission Model/Speed ______________________________

Data Collection

Frame Slope ___________________________ Frame Height Front ____________________________________

Forward Drive Axle Height _________________ Frame Height Center ___________________________________
Rear Drive Axle Height ____________________ Frame Height Rear _____________________________________

Engine/Trans Angle A1 = _______________

1st Drive Shaft Angle A2 = _______________ J1 = ½A1-A2½= _________
Coupling Shaft Angle A3 = _______________ J2 = ½A2-A3½= _________ C= ½J1-J3½= ___________
Forward Drive Axle Angle A4 = _______________ J3 = ½A3-A4½= _________ C = ½J1-J3½= ___________
Inter-Axle Shaft Angle A5 = _______________ J4 = ½A4-A5½= _________
Rear Drive Axle Angle A6 = _______________ J5 = ½A5-A6½= _________ C= ½J4-J5½ = __________

A = Angle J = Joint Angle C = Cancellation Angle

®
8
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 6 1. The front steer and rear drive tires must be inflated to normal operating pressure.
SETTING RIDE HEIGHT 2. Free and center all suspension joints by slowly moving vehicle back and forth
several times without using the brakes. When coming to a complete stop make
sure the brakes are released Chock the front wheels.
3. Remove upper fasteners from the linkage located at the rubber grommet and free
leveling arm. See Figure 7.
4. Dump air from suspension system.
5. Refill suspension system air.
6. Measure (4¼" loaded or 43/8" unloaded) on the forward axle.
7. Center the locator on lever arm as shown in Figure 7.
8. Adjustment of the ride height control valve linkage can be achieved by loosening
the clamp at the bottom of the extension rod and repositioning the valve arm joint
vertically on the extension rod, as shown in Figure 7.
9. All four main support members should have the same height (loaded 4¼" or
43/8") unloaded as shown in Figure 2. A Hendrickson height gauge, (part num-
ber Loaded 45745-050, Unloaded 45745-106) is available from Hendrickson
to simplify establishing the 4¼" or 43/8" dimension as shown in Figure 3.
10. Attach upper fasteners, tightening torque 100-150 in. lbs. Tighten lower valve
arm clamp until securely fastened.

NOTE During cycle operation of the height control valve it is normal to experience a limited
amount of exhaust noise.

Figure 7
Height Control Valve
Part No. 57977-000

Center Locator
Leveling Arm
5
/16" Locknut
Tightening Torque
100-150 in. lbs.

Rubber
Grommet

Extension Rod

Valve Arm
Clamp

Adjustable
Valve Arm

®
9
TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 7 1. Frame rise, as shown in Figure 8, is caused by axle wheel torque input. This can
HI-TORQUE SHOCK be reduced by installing the Hendrickson Hi-Torque shock part number 57905-001
ABSORBER as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 8
Frame Rise
FRAME RISE

Figure 9

HI-TORQUE
SHOCK ABSORBER

COMPRESSED
RIDE HEIGHT
EXTENDED

®
10
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 8 Plumbing With NEW Height Control Valve

HAS AIR PLUMBING The new height control valve eliminates the need for a separate quick release
DIAGRAM dump valve (1996-Present).
Height Control Valve Part No. 57977-000
I/E – Intake/Exhaust
C1 – Delivery to Air Spring (Left Side)
C2 – Delivery to Air Spring (Right Side)

³/8" Air Line

S.A.E., D.O.T.
Approved

¼" Air Line

S.A.E., D.O.T.
Approved

EDGE
EFFICIENT
DRIVELINE
GEOMETRY

®
11
 TECHNICAL
PUBLICATION
17730-224

Subject 9
Hendrickson Torque
TIGHTENING TORQUE Description Part No.
Thread/Grade Ft./Lbs.
SPECIFICATION CHART
Spring Hanger to Vehicle Frame Furnished & Installed by
None *
Bolts, Nuts, & Washers Truck Manufacturer

U Bolt Locknut 50765-000 7/8"-14 UNF-2B Grade C 400-450

Torque Rod Bar Pin Locknut 47764-000 5/8"-11 UNC-2B Grade C 150-205

Spring Seat Stud 50918-000 5/8"-11 UNC-2A Grade 8 60-70

Rebound Bolt Locknut 49846-000 1/2"13 UNC-2B Grade C 50-70

Shock Absorber Locknut/Upper 49846-000 1/2"-13UNC-2B Grade C 50-70

Shock Absorber Locknut/Lower 49842-000 3/4"-10 UNC-2B Grade C 50-70

Cross Channel to MSM Locknut 49842-000 3/4"-10 UNC-2B Grade C 260-320

Air Spring to
17700-010 1/2"-13 UNC-2B Grade 5 20-30
Frame Hanger Locknut
Air Spring to
17700-010 1/2"-13 UNC-2B Grade 5 20-30
Cross Channel Locknut

Transverse Rod Locknut 29749-000 1 1/4"-12 UNF-3B Grade 5 175-225

Extension Arm Jam Nut 17491-019 5/16"-24 UNF-2B Grade 5 100-150 IN/LBS.

Extension Arm Locknut 48948-000 5/16"-24 UNF-2B Grade C 100-150 IN/LBS.

Securely
Valve Arm Clamp 58969-000
Fastened

All threads must be clean and lubricated with SAE 20 oil before assembly to obtain
the correct relationship of torque and fastener tension.
To obtain maximum service life from the suspension system, mounting bolts and
nuts should be checked at least once a year and tightened to specified torque.

IMPORTANT NOTE *Torque values listed above apply only if Hendrickson supplied fasteners are used. If
non-Hendrickson fasteners are used, follow torque specifications listed in vehicle
manufacturer’s service manual.

Truck Suspension Systems 630.910.2800 The Boler Company.

800 South Frontage Road Fax 630.910.2899 Copyright © 1999
No. 17730-224C 5M-3-99 Printed in the United States of America Woodridge, Illinois 60517-4904 USA www.hendrickson-intl.com All Rights Reserved.