EQUALIZING BEAM SUSPENSION (HENDRICKSON) MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION All oscillating parts with the exception of spring pins and optional   bronze   center   bushings   are   rubber   bushed. Since  rubber  bushings  require  no  lubrication,  lubrication points    have    been    reduced    to    a    minimum.    Those suspensions   equipped   with   spring   pins   and/or   bronze bushings should be lubricated at the fittings provided. For lubrication   intervals,   refer   to   Operator’s   Manual.   For types of lubricants recommended, refer to LUBRICATION section CTS-4033. SERVICE Clean all dirt from suspension parts and inspect all parts carefully for cracks or damage. Inspect rubber bushings for  damage  or  deterioration.  If  the  vehicle  has  been  in service   for   a   long   time,   it   is   advisable   to   replace   all bushings. Most    repairs    to    the    suspension    system    consist    of replacing worn or damaged parts. The major item which will concern the serviceman is removal and replacement of the rubber bushings. While  the  bushings  have  long  life  and  replacement  will be    limited,    they    can    be    replaced    if    damaged    or deteriorated.   Special   service   tools   for   performing   this task  are  available,  and  though   recommended   are   not absolutely   necessary.   If   press   equipment   is   available, standard   steel   tubing   having   diameters   to   match   the bushing     sleeves     (metal     bands     surrounding     rubber bushings)  can  be  used  as  adapters  for  removing  and installing  the  bushings  (see  SPECIFICATIONS).  Press pressures  required  to  remove  the  bushing  and  sleeve assemblies will generally be between 31 and 45 Mg (35 and 50 tons). Special tool equipment is available which can be used to replace the equalizer beam bushings without completely removing the equalizer beam from the chassis. The  tool  can  also  be  used  to  replace  the  bushings  with the equalizer beams removed. Operating instructions are furnished with the equipment. However,’ the "CAUTION" notices  pertaining  to  equalizer  component  replacement provided in this service manual should be followed. WARNING    -    WHEN     REPLACING     EQUALIZER     BEAM BUSHINGS  ONLY  THE   PROCEDURES   OUTLINE   IN   THIS MANUAL SECTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED. WELDING, TORCHING, DRILLING, TAPPING OR ATTACHING MATERIAL TO THE EQUALIZER BEAM MUST NEVER    BE    PERFORMED    AS    SUCH    PRACTICE    CAN RESULT    IN    EQUALIZER    BEAM    FAILURE.    EQUALIZER BEAMS ARE CONSTRUCTED OF ALUMINUM OR NODULAR  IRON,  METALS  WHICH  CAN  EASILY  BECOME BRITTLE WITH HEAT AT QUITE LOW TEMPERATURES. WHEN   REPLACING   EQUALIZER   BEAM   BUSHINGS   THE EQUALIZER BEAMS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INSPECTED TO ASCERTAIN IF THEY HAVE BEEN HEATED,    IF    CAVITIES    HAVE     BEEN     PRODUCED     OR OTHERWISE  DAMAGED  BY  IMPROPER  SERVICING  AND IF     SO,     REPLACE     ANY     COMPONENTS     WHICH     ARE QUESTIONABLE. DISASSEMBLY Except  for  different  suspensions  (leaf  springs  or  rubber cushions)   and   slight   variations   in   size,   all   equalizing beam   suspension   systems    are    disassembled    in    the same     manner.     There     are     several     approaches     to servicing   the   suspension   system,   but   when   a   major overhaul  is  required,  the  complete  tandem  unit  can  be removed from the truck chassis. Torque arms, equalizer beams,    springs    and    other    parts,    however,    may    be removed separately as required. When complete removal  is  performed,  be  careful  disconnecting  torque rods,  springs  or  rubber  cushions  from  the  frame  since axle  assemblies  are  free  to  roll  or  pivot  at  the  equalizer beam   ends.   Use   jacks   and   other   equipment   to   block vehicle  securely.    This  will  prevent  harm  to  personnel and avoid damage to the unit. Suggested disassembly procedure is as follows: 1. Block tires on both axles. 2. Disconnect propeller shafts, inter-axle lock control  linkage  (or  piping),  and  brake  lines  from axles. 3. Remove the axle shafts from both rear axles. 4. Remove   the   four   saddle   caps   locking   center bushing of equalizer beams to saddle assemblies. 5. Disconnect   torque   rods   from   axle   housing   by loosening locknuts and driving the shaft from the bushing and the axle housing bracket. 6. Using overhead crane, raise truck frame sufficiently so that the lower part of saddle clears the    top    of    the    axle    housings.    Block    frame securely.    Block    axles    to    prevent    them    from pivoting on wheels. 7. Roll  axles  with  beams  attached  out  from  under vehicle. 8. Disconnect equalizer beams from axle housings. Bolt type beam end mounting, Figure 4. a. Remove equalizer beam end bolt. b. Drive     bushing     adapters     and     sleeve     (if     so equipped)    out    of    bushing    and    axle    housing brackets.   Adapters   are   notched   to   help   keep chisel     in     place     between     axle     bracket     and adapter.   Driving   chisel   first   one   side   then   the other side of adapter will wedge out adapter. c. After  the  first  adapter  is  removed,  the  opposite adapter    can    be    driven    out    with    an    impact hammer or heavy bar and hammer. CTS-4169 - Page 4