TECHNICAL
Procedure

Trailer Suspension Systems


SUBJECT: Preventive Maintenance Guide
Flood Service Requirements
LIT NO: L578 
DATE: September 2017
REVISION: E

INTRODUCTION

This document recommends inspection areas and
lubrication points on Hendrickson Trailer suspensions
and components. Table 1 recommends inspection points
and intervals for suspension components and systems.
Table 2 recommends inspection and service after IDLE
TIME or exposure to FLOOD. A list of relative literature is
also included. The information in this document applies
to Hendrickson products only.
For inspection and lubrication of vendor component
products installed by Hendrickson, refer to VENDOR
LITERATURE on page 3.
NOTE: Concepts and Functions is now included in
literature T15001.

PERIODIC INSPECTION SCHEDULE

The Hendrickson Trailer air suspension requires very
little attention (Table 1). Using the information in this
publication and other Hendrickson publications will
ensure maximum air suspension component life.
IMPORTANT: This document includes minimal
inspection requirements for normal
on-highway applications. For trailers
subjected to some off-road, abnormally
rough or extreme conditions, inspection
and lubrication should be adjusted
to ensure maximum suspension
performance and integrity.
NOTE: The frequency at which inspections are
recommended is based on an average trailer
usage of 100,000 miles (160,000 km) per
year. Higher usage would require more frequent
inspections.

LUBRICATION POINTS AND FREQUENCY

There are few areas requiring lubrication for
Hendrickson suspensions and axles. For literature
providing lubrication details, refer to relative
HENDRICKSON PUBLICATIONS, VENDOR LITERATURE and
TMC on page 3.
The only Hendrickson components requiring lubrication
are S-cam spider bushing and support bearing journal
or cam tube. Each requires NLGI #2 EP chassis lubricant
and should be replenished MONTHLY. Always apply
grease until fresh lubricant appears at purge point.

CONTACT HENDRICKSON

Methods of contacting Hendrickson Trailer Technical
Services include:
EMAIL
For Hendrickson Trailer Technical Services, use the
following e-mail address:
HTTS@Hendrickson-intl.com
PHONE
Contact Hendrickson Trailer Technical Services directly in
United States or Canada at 866-RIDEAIR (743‑3247).
From the voice menu, select Technical Services/
Warranty.
WARNING: Always wear proper eye protection
and other required PPE (personal
protective equipment) when
performing vehicle maintenance,
repair or service. Follow federal,
state and local safety regulations as
appropriate.

Air springs
V
Axle connections (welds & U-bolts, if equipped)
V
Bolts
V
4
MAXX22T™ ADB
• Pad wear
V/P
• Rotor condition, separation cracks & excessive
V/P
or abnormal wear
• Damage to adjuster, guide pin & piston boots
V/P
• Presence/Condition of adjuster & guide pin caps V/P
Brakes - Air disc
Brakes - Drum
• Brake chamber, pushrod, & overall condition
V/P/L 4
• S-cam & Cam Tube
V/P/L 4
• Slack adjuster
V/P/L 4
Obvious signs of wear, damage or change in
V
4
condition of suspension & axle components
Pivot connections

V

• Bushing tube spacers
• TRI‑FUNCTIONAL Bushing
Ride height
Self-steer axle
• Tie rod ends
• Kingpin bushing, lock straight pivot arms
• Lock straight air spring & chamber
Shock absorbers
Shock mounting brackets & bolts
Slider
TIREMAAX® TIS (Tire inflation system)
• Indicator lamp operation (not constantly on)
• Tires (low) / Listen for air leaks
• Check Tire Pressure
• Tire hose connections (damaged or loose)
• Test lamp operation
• Complete system integrity check
Welds (all)
Wheel-end component inspection 5 A 6 B 6
• Lube level 8 and colorization
X
• Lubricant leaks (hubcaps &
X
X
wheel seals)
• Smooth and quiet rotation
X
X
• WEM status

V/P
P

2
3

4
5
6
7

8

9

X
X

C

ANNUALLY

QUARTERLY

4
4
4

L974

4
4
47

4
4
4
4
4
4

V/L

4

4

4
4
4

4

4

Contact vendor 7 or see TMC on page 3.
Drum Brake Maintenance Procedures
Refer to fleet requirements for more details. Also
see TMC on page 3.

Contact vendor 7
Primary Fixed Suspension Information
Slider Suspension Information
Pivot Bushing Inspection / Replacement
Information
Bushing Tube Spacer Inspection / Replacement
Procedure
B106 Pivot Bushing Inspection Procedures
L459 Checking Trailer RH, see L388 RH Settings
T62001 Self-steer Axle Maintenance Procedures
T60001 Decal: Self-steer Axle Lubrication

4
4

4

4 4
4

Air Springs
Alignment Procedures
Torque Specifications
Installation and Maintenance Procedures
Also inspect during brake and wheel-end
service.

L1073
L1074
L1071
L1072
L750

4

V
V
V/P
V/P
V/P
V/P
V

TITLE OR COMMENTS 3, 4

4
4

Shock Absorber Inspection Procedures
INTRAAX® Shock Mount Assembly Procedure
Slider Suspension Information
TIREMAAX® EC TIS Installation, Service and
Troubleshooting Procedures
L995 TIREMAAX® CP TIS Installation, Service and
T51002 Troubleshooting Procedures
TIREMAAX® CP and PRO Tire Inflation System
Installation, Service and Troubleshooting
L551
L635
L1074
L818

4
L64

Weld Procedures, also see L1073 & L1074

Various L496 (std) 8, L776 (HUS), T72001 (HNP),

6

X

V

X

P

X

V

4

X

X
9

V
P

4

9

(Applicable when equipped with HUS®3)

1

4

4

V/P/L 4
V/P/L 4
V/P 4
V
V
V/P

LIT. NO.
L1155
L579
B31