EQUALIZING BEAM SUSPENSION (HENDRICKSON)DESCRIPTIONTandem drive axles require a special suspension whichpermits flexibility between the axles but still withstandsrugged usage with long service life. The equalizing beamtype suspension system described herein embodiesthese required characteristics. The types of Hendricksonequalizing beam suspensions used on Internationaltrucks are the leaf spring type and rubber load cushiontype.LEAF SPRING TYPEThe leaf spring type suspension (Figure 1) usessemielliptic leaf springs to cushion load and road shocks.The springs are mounted on saddle assemblies abovethe equalizer beams and are pivoted at the front end onspring pins and brackets. Rear ends of springs have norigid attachment to spring brackets, but are free to moveforward and backward to compensate for springdeflection.Figure 1 -- Equalizing Beam Suspension(Leaf Spring Type)The equalizing beams utilize the "lever" principle todistribute the load equally between axles and to reducethe effect of bumps and road irregularities. The torquerods permit complete absorption of torque, which is thetendency of the axles to turn backwards or forward ontheir axis due to starting or stopping inertia. The crosstube connecting the equalizing beams assures correctalignment of the tandem and prevents damaging loadtransfer.RUBBER CUSHION TYPEThis type of suspension system (Figure 2) uses rubbercushions in place of leaf springs to absorb load and roadshock. On these units, rubber cushions are mounted ona saddle assembly at each side. Positive mountingbetween frame brackets and the suspension unit issecured by four rubber-bushed drive pins, one each ofwhich passes through a rubber cushion.Figure 2 - Equalizing Beam Suspension (RubberCushion Type)Without load, the unit rides on the outer edge of the loadcushions. As the load increases, the crossbars of thecushions are progressively brought into contact to absorbthe additional load. Cushioning and alignment areaccomplished by the four drive pins encased in rubberbushings. The bushings permit the drive pins to move upand down in direct relation to movement of the loadcushions. See Figure 3.1 INTEGRAL DRIVE PIN WITH BRACKET2 NO LOAD POSITION3RUBBER CUSHIONS4 FULL LOAD POSITION6 RUBBER DRIVE PIN BUSHING7 BUSHING RETAINER CAP MT-2*03AFigure 3 - Sectional View. RubberCushion Type SuspensionCTS-4169 - Page 3
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