SB-17730-279-A Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

HJTECBNICAL

®PROCEDURE

PRIMAAX® EX I PRIMAAX® for

Mack Vehicles

SUBJECT: Service Instructions

LIT NO: 17730-279

DATE: April 2013

REVISION: B
lfti:Jli1]R11diidJ.j

Section 1
Introduction ........................ 2
Section 2
Product Description ................. 2
Section 3
Important Safety Notice .............. 4
Section 4
Special Tools ....................... 9
Section 5
Parts Lists . ........................ 12
Section 6
Preventive Maintenance . ............ 16

Areas of Inspection ................... 16

Hendrickson Recommended

Preventive Maintenance Intervals ........ 16

Component Inspection ................ 18

U-bolt Fasteners ..................... 19

Pivot Bushing and D-Pin

Bushing Inspection ................... 20

Transverse Torque Rods ................ 22

Longitudinal Torque Rods .............. 22

Shock Absorber ...................... 23

Air Fitting Inspection .................. 24
Section 7
Section 8
Component Replacement ........... 31

Fasteners .......................... 31

Height Control Valve .................. 31

Air Spring .......................... 31

Shock Absorber ...................... 33

Transverse Torque Rod ................. 33

Longitudinal Torque Rod ............... 34

Longitudinal Torque Rod Bushing ......... 35

Support Beam Assembly and Cross Tube ... 36

U-beam Assembly .................... 37

D-pin Bushing ....................... 40

QUIK-ALIGN Pivot Bushing .............. 45

Top Pad ............................ 46

Bottom Cap ......................... 48

Axle Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Frame Hanger ...................... 52
Section 9
Torque Specifications . .............. 54
Section 1O Troubleshooting Guide . ............. 58
Alignment & Adjustments ........... 25

Ride Height Adjustment ................ 25

Lateral Alignment .................... 25

Axle Pinion Angle .................... 26

Drive Axle Alignment Inspection Procedure . 26

Alignment Adjustment Instructions ....... 28

Pinion Angle Adjustment ............... 30
~HENDRICKSON

~ /P"O?"H ;pa.ms On Us®
PRIMAAX® EX I PRIMAAX® for Mack Vehicles
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SECTION 1
Introduction

This publication is intended to acquaint and assist maintenance personnel in the preventive

maintenance, seNice, repair and rebuild of the PRIMAAX® EX/ PRIMAAX® suspension systems as

installed on applicable Mack Vehicles.
NOTE
Use only Genuine rHHendrickson parts for servicing this suspension system.

It is important to read and understand the entire Technical Procedure publication prior to performing any maintenance, service, repair, or rebuild of this product. The information in this

publication contains parts lists, safety information, product specifications, features, proper maintenance, seNice, repair and rebuild instructions for the PRIMAAX EX I PRIMAAX Suspensions for

Mack vehicles.

Hendrickson reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products and

publications at any time. Contact Hendrickson Tech Services for information on the latest version of this manual at 1-866-755-5968 (toll-free U.S. and Canada), 630-910-2800 (outside U.S.

and Canada) or e-mail: techservices@hendrickson-intl.com.

The latest revision of this publication is also available online at

www.hendrickson-intl.com
SECTION 2
Product Description

PRIMAAX EX - MAAXimize the performance of vocational and heavy-haul vehicles with a

suspension engineered specifically for demanding on- and off- road conditions including, but

not limited to: truck, tractor, dump, front and rear discharge mixer, crane, refuse, drilling rig, logging, platform, specialty and vehicles equipped with outriggers*. With more than 95 years of

robust suspension design, Hendrickson delivers another premium suspension with PRIMAAX EX.

Rugged, dependable and extensively tested in challenging applications, PRIMAAX EX paves a

new road for suspension technology.
U.S. and foreign patents granted and/or pending.

Introduction
2
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PRIMAAX® EX I PRIMAAX® for Mack Vehicles
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•
•
•
•
•
•

•
Structural beams and cross tubes - Advanced structural beams utilize premium materials for high durability and reliability. Structural beams include integrated end caps that form

a solid connection with the square cross tube to form a rigid torsion system for improved

stability and control.

Unique suspension geometry - Optimized suspension geometry contributes to more than

twice the roll stability of competitive air suspensions, helps improve handling and roll stiffness

for expanded applications, and significantly controls suspension-induced driveline vibration.

Large volume air springs - Reduce noise, vibration and harshness to cab, chassis and

body equipment for reduced total vehicle maintenance.Also reduce air pressure required

to lift and support loads.

QUIK-ALIGN® - Hendrickson's proven QUIK-ALIGN axle alignment system helps save time

and money- offers a fast method to ensure proper alignment to reduce maintenance time

and help extend tire life.

D-pin axle connection and clamp group - Reduces stress input into the axle housing by

transferring the torsional loads to the integrated stabilizer system, which helps extend axle

and joint service life.

Heavy-duty shock absorbers - Positioned and tuned for optimum damping characteristics and also protect air springs from overextension.

Premium heavy-duty torque rods and bushings - The three-rod configuration reduces

axle stress, welding and complexity. Optimized configuration contributes to exceptional

handling. Premium rubber bushings increase service life and resistance to bushing walkout.
PRIMAAX® EX SPECIFICATIONS FOR MACK VEHICLES

Capacity

Axle Configuration

Site Travel Rating 1

Axle Travel 2
PAX 462

46,000 lbs.

Tandem

60,000 lbs.

7.0", 7.5"
PAX 692

69,000 lbs.

Tridem

90,000 lbs.

7.0", 7.5"
Ground Clearance

Lift Axles

Ride Heights3

Engine Torque Restrictions

Axle Spacing
9.25"

Approved

1O"

None

54"- 72.5"
9.25"

Approved

1O"

None

108"
l . Operators using vehicles equipped with liftable pusher or tag axles must not exceed published ratings. Ratings

are limited to no more than five percent of vehicle operation at a speed not to exceed five mph. Liftable pusher

or tag axles should be raised (or unloaded) to improve vehicle maneuverability in off-road use or when vehicle is

empty. Site travel ratings are consistent with specifications and must not be exceeded.
2. Axle travel may be limited by vehicle manufacturer; axle stop settings may restrict suspension's articulation.

3. For different ride height options, please contact Hendrickson, your vehicle manufacturer or authorized vehicle

dealer for further information.
* Some vehicle configurations, such as vehicles equipped with outriggers, may require alternate suspension air valving. Contact vehicle manufacturer or

Hendrickson for more information.

17730-279
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Product Description
PRIMAAX® EX I PRIMAAX® for Mack Vehicles
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SECTION 3
Important Safety Notice

Proper maintenance, service and repair are important to the reliable operation of the suspension. The procedures recommended by Hendrickson and described in this technical publication

are methods of performing such maintenance, service and repair.

The warnings and cautions should be read carefully to help prevent personal injury and to

assure that proper methods are used. Improper maintenance, service or repair may damage

the vehicle, cause personal injury, render the vehicle unsafe in operation, or void manufacturer's warranty.

Failure to follow the safety precautions in this manual can result in personal injury and/or property damage. Carefully read and understand all safety related information within this publication,

on all decals and all such materials provided by the vehicle manufacturer before conducting

any maintenance, service or repair.
• EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORDS

Hazard "Signal Words" (Danger •Warning • Caution) appear in various locations throughout

this publication. Information accented by one of these signal words must be observed to help

minimize the risk of personal injury to service personnel, or possibility of improper service methods which may damage the vehicle or render it unsafe.

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury

hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury

or death.
m
The following definitions indicate the use of these signal words as they appear throughout the

publication.
A
DANGER
A WARNING

A CAUTION
INDICATES AN IMMINENTLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, WILL RESULT IN

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

INDICATES A POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS

INJURY OR DEATH.

INDICATES A POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, MAY RESULT IN MINOR

OR MODERATE INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
NOTE
An operating procedure, practice condition, etc. which is essential to emphasize.
SERVICE HINT
A helpful suggestion, which will make the servicing being performed a little easier and/or faster.

Also note that particular service operations may require the use of special tools designed for

specific purposes. These special tools can be found in the Special Tools Section of this publication.

The torque symbol alerts you to tighten fasteners to a specified torque value. Refer to Torque

Specifications Section of this publication.
Important Safety Notice
4
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• SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A
WARNING
FASTENERS

DISCARD USED FASTENERS. ALWAYS USE NEW FASTENERS TO COMPLETE A REPAIR. FAILURE TO

DO SO COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PART OR MATING PARTS, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL,

PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

LOOSE OR OVER TORQUED FASTENERS CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF VEHICLE

CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY. MAINTAIN CORRECT TORQUE

VALUE AT ALL TIMES. CHECK TORQUE VALUES ON A REGULAR BASIS AS SPECIFIED, USING A

TORQUE WRENCH THAT IS REGULARLY CALIBRATED. TORQUE VALUES SPECIFIED IN THIS TECHNICAL

PUBLICATION ARE FOR HENDRICKSON SUPPLIED FASTENERS ONLY. IF NON HENDRICKSON

FASTENERS ARE USED, FOLLOW TORQUE SPECIFICATION LISTED IN THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER'S

SERVICE MANUAL.
A
WARNING
QUIK-ALIGN FASTENERS

DISCARD USED QUIK-ALIGN FASTENERS.ALWAYS USE NEW QUIK-ALIGN FASTENERS TO COMPLETE A

REPAIR. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PART. OR MATING COMPONENTS, LOSS

OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

DO NOT ASSEMBLE QUIK-ALIGN JOINT WITHOUT THE PROPER FASTENERS. USE ONLY H-COATED

FASTENERS TO SUSTAIN PROPER CLAMP FORCE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE

CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY AND VOID WARRANTY. ENSURE THAT THE

QUIK-ALIGN FASTENER'S TORQUE VALUES ARE SUSTAINED AS RECOMMENDED IN THE TORQUE

SPECIFICATIONS SECTION OF THIS PUBLICATION. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE

CONTROL RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
A
WARNING
LOAD CAPACITY

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