Equalizing Beam End Connection - ProGear Hendrickson HN FR Series Service Manual

17730-285
Pro Gear and Transmission • 906 W. Gore St. Orlando, FL 32805 • 1 (877) 776-4600 / (407) 872-1901 • parts@eprogear.com

EQUALIZING BEAM END CONNECTION

The equalizing beam end connection
for the HN FR is bar pin style with a
rubber bushing and alignment shims
as shown in Figure 6-1. An inspection
of the equalizing beam end connec-
tion is necessary when a vehicle is in
the shop for major repair work or every
six months, whichever comes first.
This equalizing beam end connection
requires that the fasteners are kept
tight to maintain the clamp load of
the axle bracket legs to the bar pin. All
bushing motion is accommodated by
rubber deflection. Tighten the equaliz-
ing beam 1" end fasteners to:
At the locknut to 450-600 foot
■
pounds torque, or
At the bolt head to 500-650
■
foot pounds
INSPECTION
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Visually inspect suspension components for
signs of movement or excessive wear.
a. Inspect alignment shims in equalizing
beam end for looseness. Lightly tap on
the alignment shims to see if they can
be moved.
b. Inspect equalizing beam end connec-
tion for signs of excessive wear or loose-
ness. An equalizing beam end connec-
tion, which is visibly cleaner than the
other connections, may indicate a loose connection.
c. Look for worn, frayed, or distorted rubber in the equalizing beam end bushing.
d. Look for the equalizing beam to be lower in the beam hanger.
e. The gap on each side of the visible rubber at the lower end of the end bushing is
normal and not an indication to replace the bushing, see Figure 6-2. Because all rub-
ber end bushings are in compression, with the load bearing on the top side, the lower
side of the rubber is slightly relieved, allowing the rubber to move inward, and a gap
appears.
f. Place a jack under each equalizing beam end as shown. Raise the jack to check for
movement in the connection or rubber components, see Figure 6-2.
IF BAR PIN MOVEMENT OR LOOSENESS IS NOTED IN THE EQUALIZING BEAM END HUB, DO NOT
OPERATE THE VEHICLE. REPLACE THE RUBBER END BUSHINGS AND ALL CONNECTING PARTS.
THE ABOVE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN COSTLY REPAIR, DOWNTIME, POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF
COMPONENTS, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR PERSONAL INJURY.
FIGURE 6-1
Axle Bracket
Supplied by vehicle
manufacturer
1" Bolt
Tightening Torque
500-650 ft. lbs.
1" Washer
Bar Pin
Bar Pin
Alignment
Shim
FIGURE 6-2
13
HN ® FR Series
1" Locknut
Tightening Torque
450-600 ft. lbs.
Axle Bracket
Supplied by
Vehicle
Manufacturer
Gap in rubber of
Bar Pin End Bushing
is normal
Preventive Maintenance