RT™ • RTE™ Steel Leaf Spring
Rear Suspension
SUBJECT: Service Instructions
LIT NO: 17730-070
DATE: December 2017
REVISION: H
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 8

Section 2

Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 3

Important Safety Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Section 4

Special Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Section 5

Parts Lists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

#1 Forward Spring Hangers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Section 6

Preventive Maintenance

#2 Rear Spring Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Hendrickson Recommended
Inspection Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

RTE #3 Rear Extended Leaf Spring Hangers. 46
Top Pad Bolt Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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

Equalizing Beam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Leaf Spring Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Rubber Center Bushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Spring Hangers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Bronze Center Bushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Spring Eye Bushing and Pin. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Bar Pin End Bushings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Spring Eye Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adapter Style End Bushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Beam End Axle Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

RT 65K • 70K Tightening Torque Procedure. . 63

Equalizing Beam End Connection. . . . . . . . 22

Longitudinal Torque Rods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Bar Pin End Bushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Transverse Torque Rods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Bar Pin Shims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ULTRA ROD • ULTRA ROD PLUS Torque Rod
Bushings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Leaf Spring Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Spring Eye Bushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Saddle Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Rubber Center Bushing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

XTRB Torque Rod Bushings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Bronze Center Bushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Cross Tube Equipped with Rubber Bushings. 71

Longitudinal and Transverse Torque Rods . . 27

Cross Tube Equipped with Bronze Bushings. 73

Axle Stop Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Section 7

Component Replacement

Saddle Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Section 9

Cross Tube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Section 10 Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Alignment & Adjustments
Axle Pinion Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Drive Axle Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lateral Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Bar Pin with Shims Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Torque Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

RT™ • RTE™
SECTION 1

Introduction
This publication is intended to acquaint and assist maintenance personnel in the preventive
maintenance, service, repair and rebuild of the RT™ • RTE™ walking beam rear suspension
systems.
NOTE

Use only Genuine Hendrickson 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, service, repair and rebuild instructions for the RT • RTE Suspensions.
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
Figure 2-1

Introduction

2

17730-070

RT™ • RTE™
The RT•RTE steel leaf spring suspension systems are versatile suspensions known for durability
in demanding on- and off-highway applications. The enhanced design gives the suspension
superior durability, stability and off-highway maneuverability.
■■

Hendrickson Rods — Heavy-duty forgings reduce weight, yet improve durability over conventional rods. Optional transverse rods improve cornering by controlling lateral forces

■■

Spring pack — Genuine Hendrickson springs are made from high-strength steel and are
heat treated and shot peened for exceptional fatigue life

■■

Extended Leaf Springs — Extended leaf spring design of the RTE provides a smooth, comfortable ride when empty or lightly loaded

■■

No. 1 Spring Hanger — Helps absorb the forces of braking and acceleration, while providing longer hanger and spring eye bushing life

■■

No. 2 Spring Hanger — Cam and leg areas receive a special flame hardening treatment
that increases durability and extends life

■■

No. 3 Spring Hanger — Serves as the primary load point for the lengthened RTE spring
pack in unloaded conditions

■■

Equalizing beam — Distributes load equally between both axles for improved traction and
lowers the center of gravity to increase stability plus establishes a solid axle connection for
improved handling

■■

Bar pin end connection — Rugged axle connection extends bushing life and allows easy
axle alignment

■■

Saddle — Engineered to increase durability without adding weight. High stress concentration areas such as chair back and legs are fortified for strength and durability

■■

Shock Absorbers — Provide additional driver comfort. Available as production or aftermarket options

RT Suspension — uses leaf springs to cushion road shocks. The springs are mounted on saddle
assemblies above the equalizing beams and are connected at the front ends to spring hangers
with spring eye pins through the spring eyes. The rear ends of the springs have no rigid attachment to the spring hangers and they are free to move forward and backward to accommodate
spring deflection.
RTE Suspension — The extended leaf spring design of the RTE suspension provides a smoother,
more comfortable ride when empty or lightly loaded and uncompromised stability when fully
loaded. The upper leaves of the RTE extend past the No. 2 spring hanger to the No. 3 hanger. In
the empty or lightly loaded condition, the extended spring leaves do not make contact with the
No. 2 hanger. The resulting longer effective spring length produces a softer ride for greater driver
comfort and equipment protection. When load is added, the extended leaves deflect and make
contact with the No. 2 hanger. This shortens the effective spring length to match that of the RT
spring assembly for a more stable ride.

17730-070

3

Product Description

RT™ • RTE™
SPECIFICATIONS
Suspension
Capacity1 (lbs.)

Installed
Weight2 (lbs.)

Gross Vehicle Weight
Approval3 (lbs.)

Gross Combination
Weight Approval (lbs.)

Site Travel
Rating4 (lbs.)

RT Suspensions
34,000

1,199

60,000

125,000

46,000

40,000

1,207

73,000

160,000

55,000

46,000

1,301

190,000

60,000

50,000

1,418

52,000

1,443

65,000
70,000

Varies

80,000

225,000

65,000

245,000
85,000

260,000

75,000

RTE Suspensions
34,000

1,253

60,000

125,000

46,000

40,000

1,242

73,000

160,000

55,000

46,000

1,338

190,000

60,000

50,000

1,465

225,000

65,000

80,000

1. Contact Hendrickson for availability of additional capacities and axle spacing.
2. Installed weight includes complete suspension, torque rods, axle brackets and frame brackets at 54 inch axle spacing.
Capacities over 65K vary, contact Hendrickson engineering for more information.
3. Contact Hendrickson for applications that may exceed Gross Vehicle Weight approval rating.
Figure 2-2

4. Site Travel Rating – operations 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 only be raised (or unloaded) to improve vehicle maneuverability
in off-road use or when vehicle is empty. Site ratings are consistent with published
axle manufacturer’s limitations. Axle and suspension site travel specifications must
not be exceeded.

RT Suspension
Figure 2-3

5. Transverse rods are standard with axle spacing of 60 inches or more and on
46,000 to 70,000 pound capacity suspensions with rubber center bushings, refer
to Hendrickson publication 59310‑004 and 59310-058 for more information.
6. Heavy-duty equalizing beam option available at 46,000 pound capacity.
Aftermarket shock absorbers available, contact Hendrickson for details.

Product Description

4

RTE Suspension

17730-070

RT™ • RTE™
SECTION 3

Important Safety Notice
Proper maintenance, service, and repair are important for 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.
This technical publication 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 it 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 in 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.
Additional Notes or Service Hints are utilized to emphasize areas of procedural importance and
provide suggestions for ease of repair. The following definitions indicate the use of these signal
words as they appear throughout the publication.
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, COULD RESULT IN DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Indicates A POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, MAY RESULT IN MINOR OR
MODERATE INJURY.

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.

17730-070

5

Important Safety Notice

RT™ • RTE™
■■ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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, Adverse Vehicle Handling,
PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
LOOSE OR OVER TORQUED FASTENERS CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, Adverse Vehicle
Handling, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY. MAINTAIN CORRECT TORQUE VALUE
AT ALL TIMES. CHECK TORQUE VALUES ON A REGULAR BASIS AS SPECIFIED, USING A REGULARLY
CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH. 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.
LOAD CAPACITY
ADHERE TO THE PUBLISHED CAPACITY RATINGS FOR THE SUSPENSION. ADD-ON AXLE ATTACHMENTS
AND OTHER LOAD TRANSFERRING DEVICES CAN INCREASE THE SUSPENSION LOAD ABOVE ITS
RATED AND APPROVED CAPACITIES, WHICH CAN RESULT IN COMPONENT DAMAGE AND Adverse
Vehicle Handling, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
ALUMINUM COMPONENTS (IF EQUIPPED)
ALUMINUM COMPONENTS are DESIGNED TO BE LIGHTWEIGHT OPTIONS WHERE WEIGHT
REDUCTION IS DESIRABLE. THEIR USE are to be CONFINED TO APPLICATIONS WHERE THE RATED
CAPACITY OF THE SUSPENSION WILL NOT BE EXCEEDED. FAILURE TO LIMIT ALUMINUM COMPONENT
APPLICATIONS TO RATED CAPACITY COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE COMPONENT
AND Adverse Vehicle Handling, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
ALUMINUM COMPONENTS SUCH AS equalizing beams CAN BE DAMAGED by PROLONGED
EXPOSURE TO SALT, OR TO ACID WHICH IS SOMETIMES USED TO REMOVE CONCRETE. CONTINUED
EXPOSURE COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THESE PARTS AND Adverse Vehicle Handling,
POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
ALUMINUM COMPONENTS CAN ALSO BE DAMAGED BY CONTACT WITH HARD OBJECTS WHICH GOUGE
THESE PARTS.THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THESE PARTS WHICH MAY RESULT IN
Adverse Vehicle Handling AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Support the vehicle prior to servicing
PLACE THE VEHICLE ON A LEVEL FLOOR AND CHOCK THE WHEELS TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM
MOVING OR ROLLING. DO NOT WORK AROUND OR UNDER A RAISED VEHICLE SUPPORTED BY ONLY
A FLOOR JACK OR OTHER LIFTING DEVICE. ALWAYS SUPPORT A RAISED VEHICLE WITH RIGID SAFETY
STANDS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
Procedure and tools
A TECHNICIAN USING A SERVICE PROCEDURE OR TOOL WHICH HAS NOT BEEN RECOM­MENDED
BY HENDRICKSON MUST FIRST SATISFY HIMSELF THAT NEITHER HIS SAFETY NOR THE VEHICLE'S
SAFETY WILL BE JEOPARDIZED BY THE METHOD OR TOOL SELECTED. INDIVIDUALS DEVIATING IN
ANY MANNER FROM THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WILL ASSUME ALL RISKS OF CONSEQUENTIAL
PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT INVOLVED.
Longitudinal Torque Rods and/or Transverse torque Rods (if equipped)
RT•RTE SUSPENSIONS INCORPORATE Torque RODS FOR VEHICLE STABILITY. IF THESE COMPONENTS
ARE DISCONNECTED OR ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED. FAILURE
TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING, POSSIBLE TIRE CONTACT WITH THE FRAME,
PREMATURE COMPONENT DAMAGE, OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
ALWAYS WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION AND OTHER REQUIRED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT TO HELP PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY WHEN PERFORMING VEHICLE MAINTE­NANCE,
REPAIR OR SERVICE.

Important Safety Notice

6

17730-070

RT™ • RTE™
MODIFYING COMPONENTS
DO NOT MODIFY OR REWORK PARTS WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM HENDRICKSON. DO NOT
SUBSTITUTE REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS NOT AUTHORIZED BY HENDRICKSON. USE OF MODIFIED,
REWORKED, SUBSTITUTE OR REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AUTHORIZED BY HENDRICKSON MAY NOT
MEET HENDRICKSON’S SPECIFICATIONS, AND CAN RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PART, Adverse
Vehicle Handling, POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND WILL VOID ANY
APPLICABLE WARRANTIES. USE ONLY HENDRICKSON AUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Leaf Spring assembly
A Leaf SPRING ASSEMBLY THAT HAS A MISSING, CRACKED OR DAMAGED LEAF or spring clip WILL
REQUIRE COMPLETE Leaf SPRING ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT AND A THOROUGH INSPECTION OF
THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION. IF ANY suspension COMPONENT APPEARS DAMAGED, REPLACEMENT
IS REQUIRED. FAILURE TO REPLACE ANY DAMAGED COMPONENTS CAN CAUSE Adverse Vehicle
Handling, POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE AND WILL VOID ANY
APPLICABLE WARRANTIES.
SADDLE CONNECTION
A SADDLE IS ATTACHED TO THE CENTER BUSHINGS OF EACH equalizing beam WITH TWO (2)
SADDLE CAPS. EACH SADDLE CAP USES TWO (2) studs TO CLAMP THE CENTER BUSHING INNER
METAL TO THE SADDLE. A SADDLE CAP MUST BE INSTALLED SO THAT THERE IS AN EVEN GAP BETWEEN
THE SADDLE CAPS AND THE BASE OF THE SADDLE legs, as shown in figure 3-1. IF each saddle
cap is NOT INSTALLED EVENLY THE SADDLE legs COULD BECOME DEFORMED, RESULTING IN BENT
BOLTS OR DAMAGED SADDLE legs.
Figure 3-1

EXCHANGING SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
DO NOT EXCHANGE OR SWAP COMPONENTS (SUCH AS EQUALIZING BEAMS, SPRINGS, FRAME
HANGERS, ETC.) FROM ONE HENDRICKSON SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY TO ANOTHER, ESPECIALLY WHEN
THE ORIGIN, APPLICATION, OPERATION, LOADING, SERVICE, MAINTENANCE AND/OR REPAIR HISTORIES
OF SUCH COMPONENTS ARE NOT KNOWN. EXCHANGING OR SWAPPING SUCH COMPONENTS CAN
CAUSE PREMATURE COMPONENT FAILURE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING,
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, AND WILL VOID ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTIES.
Equalizing beam end connection and saddle cap fasteners
DO NOT ASSEMBLE beam end connection WITHOUT PROPER FASTENERS. Hendrickson
recommends the use of Hendrickson FASTENERS TO sustain PROPER CLAMP FORCE. FAILURE
TO DO SO CAN CAUSE Adverse Vehicle Handling, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Ensure that beam end connection and saddle cap fastener torque values are
sustained as recommended in the Torque specifications section of this publication.
Failure to so can cause Adverse Vehicle Handling resulting in personal injury or
property damage.
If beam end bushing movement or looseness is noted in the equalizing beam end
hub, do not operate the vehicle. Replace the end bushings and all connecting parts.
The above condition can result in costly repair, downtime, possible separation of
components, Adverse Vehicle Handling, property damage, or personal injury.
17730-070

7

Important Safety Notice

RT™ • RTE™
Improper jacking method
IMPROPER JACKING METHODS CAN CAUSE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE which CAN CAUSE Adverse
Vehicle Handling, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY AND WILL VOID
HENDRICKSON’S WARRANTY.
Figure 3-2

■■

■■

DO NOT USE THE SUSPENSION CROSS TUBE, bar pin axle brackets AS A JACKING POINT,
Refer to vehicle manufacturer for proper jacking instructions.
ACCEPTABLE LIFTING POINTS FOR A VEHICLE AT THE RATED LOAD INCLUDE BUT are NOT
LIMITED TO: THE AXLE, equalizing beam AND THE VEHICLE FRAME RAIL. REFER TO THE
VEHICLE MANUFACTURER FOR PROPER JACKING INSTRUCTIONS.

PARTS CLEANING
SOLVENT CLEANERS CAN BE FLAMMABLE, POISONOUS, AND CAUSE BURNS. TO HELP AVOID
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS
AND GUIDELINES AND THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

WEAR PROPER EYE PROTECTION.
WEAR CLOTHING THAT PROTECTS YOUR SKIN.
WORK IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA.
DO NOT USE GASOLINE OR FLAMMABLE SOLVENTS THAT CAN EXPLODE.
HOT SOLUTION TANKS OR ALKALINE SOLUTIONS MUST BE USED CORRECTLY. ­FOLLOW THE
MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES CAREFULLY TO HELP
PREVENT PERSONAL ACCIDENT OR INJURY.
DO NOT USE HOT SOLU­TION TANKS OR WATER AND ALKALINE SOLUTIONS TO CLEAN GROUND OR
POLISHED PARTS. DOING SO WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE PARTS AND VOID WARRANTY.

Torch/Welding
DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH TO REMOVE ANY FASTENERS. THE USE OF HEAT ON SUSPENSION
COMPONENTS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THESE PARTS. A COMPONENT DAMAGED
IN THIS MANNER can RESULT IN Adverse Vehicle Handling AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
EXERCISE EXTREME CARE WHEN HANDLING OR PERFORMING MAINTENANCE IN THE AREA OF THE
equalizing beam. DO NOT CONNECT ARC WELDING GROUND LINE TO THE equalizing beam. DO
NOT STRIKE AN ARC WITH THE ELECTRODE ON THE equalizing beam AND AXLE. DO NOT USE HEAT
NEAR THE equalizing beam ASSEMBLY. DO NOT NICK OR GOUGE THE equalizing beam. SUCH
IMPROPER ACTIONS CAN DAMAGE THE equalizing beam ASSEMBLY, AND CAN CAUSE Adverse
Vehicle Handling AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Important Safety Notice

8