Bar Pin
Shim
1" Bolt,Tightening Torque
575 ± 75 ft. lbs (780 ± 102 Nm)

ASSEMBLY
1. Position the equalizing beams under the axles with floor jacks.
SERVICE HINT

Ensure the equalizing beam’s center bushing end plug is located on the outboard side of the
equalizing beam, see Figure 8‑17.
2. Install the cross tube into the center bushings of both equalizing beams.

SERVICE HINT

Increasing or decreasing the pinion angle may help align the axle bracket and the equalizing
beam end bushings.
THE WEIGHT OF THE EQUALIZING BEAM ASSEMBLY IS APPROXIMATELY 290 TO 315 POUNDS (131 TO
141 KILOGRAMS). CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY OR DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS.

3. Using the floor jacks, slowly raise both equalizing beams and cross tube as an assembly into
the axle brackets. Ensure each equalizing beam end bushing correctly engages its respective
axle bracket.
4. Adapter Style End Bushing 60K • 70K – Proceed to Step 6.
5. Bar Pin Style End Bushing 46K • 52K– Install bar pin shims in the same orientation and
location as noted prior to disassembly, see Figure 8-18.
6. Install new equalizing beam end fasteners into both beams. Tighten the equalizing beam end
fasteners to:
■■

Adapter Style End Bushing –

■■

Bar Pin Style End Bushing –
■■

at the locknuts

■■

at the bolt head

125 + 90° rotation or 700 ± 50 foot pounds torque.

525 ± 75 foot pounds or
575 ± 75 foot pounds torque

7. Remove the frame supports.
8. Lower the frame of the vehicle while engaging and centering the saddles on the equalizing
beam’s center bushings, see Figure 8-19.

Component Replacement

42

17730-301

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
FIGURE 8-19
Bar Pin Style

Adapter Style
0 mm to 3.5 mm

0 mm to 3.5 mm
Saddle

Saddle
Cross Tube

Cross Tube

End Plug

End Plug

Center Bushing

A SADDLE ASSEMBLY IS ATTACHED TO THE CENTER BUSHING OF EACH EQUALIZING BEAM WITH TWO
(2) SADDLE CAPS. EACH SADDLE CAP USES TWO (2) BOLTS TO CLAMP THE CENTER BUSHING INNER
METAL TO THE SADDLE. EACH SADDLE CAP MUST BE INSTALLED SO THAT THERE IS AN EVEN GAP
BETWEEN THE SADDLE CAP AND THE BASE OF THE SADDLE LEGS AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 8-20. IF EACH
SADDLE CAP IS NOT INSTALLED EVENLY, THE SADDLE LEGS COULD BECOME DEFORMED, RESULTING
IN BENT BOLTS OR DAMAGED SADDLES.
FIGURE 8-20

Saddle

Saddle Cap Locknut
M16,Tightening Torque M20,Tightening Torque
558 ± 32 ft. lbs.
200 ± 20 ft. lbs.
(757 ± 43 Nm)
(270 ± 30 Nm)

Maintain an
even gap
between
the saddle and
the saddle cap
Equalizing
Beam
Saddle Cap

Center Bushing

FIGURE 8-21

NOTE

Tightening the saddle cap fasteners properly will help prevent wear of mating
components, such as the beam center bushing, saddle, and saddle cap.
9. While tightening the saddle cap fasteners at the bolt head, maintain an
even gap between the saddle and saddle cap, see Figure 8-20.
10. Install the saddle cap fasteners and tighten evenly in several steps and
proper sequence to achieve uniform bolt tension, see Figure 8-21:
■■

46K • 52K Capacity –

200 ± 20 foot pounds torque

■■

60K • 70K Capacity –

558 ± 32 foot pounds torque

11. Install the tires.
12. Remove supports from the axles and lower the vehicle onto the ground.
13. Remove the wheel chocks.

17730-301

43

Component Replacement

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
EQUALIZING BEAM CENTER BUSHING
You will need
■■ Vertical shop press with a capacity of at least 100 Tons (90 metric tones).
■■ Center bushing tools – Receiving Tool Part No. 66086-112, Installation Tool Part No. 66086‑107

and Removal Tool Part No. 66086-110, see Special Tools Section of this publication.
FIGURE 8-22

DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove the equalizing beam assembly
from the vehicle. Follow the equalizing
beam disassembly procedure in this
section.
DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH TO REMOVE
ANY FASTENERS OR BUSHINGS. THE USE
OF HEAT ON SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF
THESE PARTS. A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN
THIS MANNER CAN RESULT IN THE ADVERSE
VEHICLE HANDLING AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

2. Place the equalizing beam assembly in
a shop press with the center hub firmly
supported on the receiving tool or on the
press, see Figure 8-22.

Center Bushing
Removal Tool
Part No. 66086-110

Equalizing Beam Assembly
Center Bushing
Receiving Tool
Part No. 66086-112

3. Install the center bushing removal tool,
ensure it is centered on the center
bushing.
4. Push directly on center bushing removal tool until the center bushing is pressed out of the
equalizing beam bore, see Figure 8-22.
5. Inspect the beam bore.

INSPECTION
After removing the center bushing, thoroughly inspect the beam bore. If damaged, replace
with a new equalizing beam. DO NOT attempt to re-bush or use an equalizing beam that has
been damaged.
FAILURE TO REPLACE AN EQUALIZING BEAM THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED FROM BUSHING REMOVAL
CAN RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THAT BEAM, LEADING TO ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

When installing new center bushings the following steps will minimize the chance of damaging
a new bushing:
1. Clean the bore of the equalizing beam with emery cloth or ball hone, removing any nicks or
metal buildup from bushing removal.
2. Measure the inside diameter of the equalizing beam center bore. The specification for the
inside diameter of the equalizing beam center bore on a new ULTIMAAX equalizing beam is
3.886" ± 0.003" (98.7 mm ± 0.1 mm), calculate the mean of any two measurements 90°
apart in the same plane, see Figure 8-23. If the mean is NOT within the specified range, replacement of the equalizing beam is required.
NOTE

Component Replacement

Always use the bushing outer metal for pressing operations. Pressing on the bushings inner metal
may damage the bushing and require bushing replacement.
44

17730-301

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
FIGURE 8-23

FIGURE 8-24

Lead in Chamfer Edge
in Equalizing Beam
Center Bushing Bore
Inside diameter of the equalizing beam center
bore on a new ULTIMAAX equalizing beam is
3.886" ± 0.003" (98.7 mm ± 0.1 mm)

FIGURE 8-25

ASSEMBLY
1. The equalizing beam bore may have a more substantial
lead in chamfer at one end of the bore than the other,
see Figure 8-24. Take advantage of the larger chamfer by
pressing in the new bushing from this end.
2. Place the equalizing beam in a shop press on the receiving tool or press. Support the beam squarely at the center
bore area to avoid distortion of the beam bore or bending
of the beam.
3. Lubricate the equalizing beam bore and the equalizing
beam center bushing outer metal sleeve with an NLGI#2
– EP (Extreme Pressure) grease, see Figure 8-25.
NOTE

The center bushing must be square with the equalizing beam
hub before pressing the center bushing into the beam. Center
bushings pressed in at an angle will damage the center
bushing and the equalizing beam, see Figure 8-26.
FIGURE 8-26
Center Bushing
Outer Metal Sleeve

Equalizing Beam

C
L

Press the center bushing until the
center bushing outer metal sleeve is
centered in the equalizing beam end hub.

C
L

End Hub

FIGURE 8-27

CENTER BUSHING Two Hole Design
ULTIMAAX 46K • 52K • 60K
Void

Void

CL
Second Locating
Bottom Hole
must be on bottom

17730-301

CENTER BUSHING Circlip Design
ULTIMAAX 70K
Void

Void

Horizontal Centerline
Verify the voids are
perpendicular to the
horizontal centerline

CL
Center Hole
Circlip

Center Hole

45

Component Replacement

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
ALWAYS USE THE CENTER BUSHING OUTER METAL FOR PRESSING OPERATIONS. PRESSING ON THE
CENTER BUSHING’S INNER METAL WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CENTER BUSHING AND REQUIRE
CENTER BUSHING REPLACEMENT.

NOTE

The ULTIMAAX center bushing has voids that must be positioned horizontally front and back, see
Figure 8-27.
4. Install the center bushing installation tool, Part no. 66086-107, making sure the voids are positioned horizontally front and back and press in the new center bushing until the outer metal
sleeve is centered in the equalizing beam bore, see Figures 8-26 through 8-29.
5. Wipe off excess grease from around the installed center bushing.
6. Install the equalizing beam assembly to the vehicle. Follow the equalizing beam installation
procedure in this section.
FIGURE 8-28

FIGURE 8-29

Center Bushing
Installation Tool

Center Hole
Bottom Hole
Center Bushing
Center Hole
Bottom Hole

Center Bushing
Installation Tool
Center Bushing
Outer Metal

Equalizing Beam
Center Hub

Verify both the center
hole and second
locator bottom hole
align properly

Center Bushing
Equalizing
Beam
Center Bushing Hollow End

Component Replacement

46

17730-301

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
BAR PIN STYLE END BUSHINGS – ULTIMAAX 46K•52K
You will need:
■■ A shop press with a capacity of at least 100 tons
■■ End bushing service kit, refer to the Parts List Section of this publication.
■■ End bushing tools – Receiving Tool Part No. 66086-111, Installation Tool Part No. 66086‑106

and Removal Tool Part No. 66086-109, see Special Tools Section of this publication.

DISASSEMBLY
WHEN REMOVING AND INSTALLING BUSHINGS IN THE EQUALIZING BEAMS, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES
OUTLINED IN THIS PUBLICATION. DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH TO REMOVE THE BUSHING OUTER
METALS PRESSED IN THE BEAM BORES OR FASTENERS. WELDING, TORCHING OR ATTACHING MATERIAL
TO THE EQUALIZING BEAM MUST NEVER BE PERFORMED. THE USE OF HEAT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT
THE STRENGTH OF THE EQUALIZING BEAMS AND CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE EQUALIZING BEAM
ASSEMBLY, ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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.

NOTE

Hendrickson recommends the use of Grade 8 bolts, hardened washers, and Class C locknuts.
Hardened washers are not necessary when flange head fasteners are used.

NOTE

Whenever an equalizing beam is removed for repair or inspection of the equalizing beam end
connection reveals movement, measure the distance between the axle bracket legs for correct
width. Refer to Axle Bracket in Preventive Maintenance Section of this publication for measurement
location and dimensions. An axle bracket outside of the measurement range must be repaired or
replaced. Consult the vehicle manufacturer for inspection, component repair and replacement
instructions.
1. Remove equalizing beam assembly from vehicle as detailed in the equalizing beam disassembly instructions in this section.
FIGURE 8-30

2. Place the equalizing beam in the shop press with the
beam end hub squarely supported on the receiving
tool (Part No. 66086-111) or press bed.
3. Prior to removal, mark the orientation of the bar pin
flats on the equalizing beam with a paint stick, see
Figure 8-30.

Bar Pin
Flat
Inner
Metal

4. Support the beam end hub with it centered on the
receiving tool. Be sure the equalizing beam is squarely
supported on the press bed for safe­ty.
5. Press on the end bushing inner metal, see Figure 8-30,
of the end bushing until the inner metal is flush with
the top of the equalizing beam end hub.This will move
the bushing rubber away from the outer metal of the
bushing so the removal tool (Part No. 66086-109)
can be installed.

Mark the location of the bar pin flats
with a paint stick on the equalizing
beam end hub

6. Center the bushing removal tool directly on the bushing’s outer metal and press the bushing out of the equalizing beam end hub.

17730-301

47

Component Replacement

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
INSPECTION
After removing the bar pin end bushings, thoroughly inspect the beam bores. If the equalizing
beam is damaged from end bushing removal, replacement of the equalizing beam is required,
replace with a new equalizing beam. DO NOT attempt re-bush or use an equalizing beam that
has been damaged.
FAILURE TO REPLACE AN EQUALIZING BEAM THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED FROM BUSHING REMOVAL
CAN RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THAT BEAM, ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

1. Clean the bores of the equalizing beams with emery cloth or ball hone, removing any nicks or
metal buildup from bushing removal.
2. Measure the equalizing beam end hub bore inner
diameter.The Hendrickson specification for the equalizing beam end hub bore diameter is 4.621" ± 0.004"
(117.38 mm ± 0.10 mm), and is taken as the mean
of any two readings 90° apart in the same plane, see
Figure 8-31. If it is NOT within the specified range,
replacement is required.

ASSEMBLY
NOTE

FIGURE 8-31
Equalizing Beam
End Hub Bore Diameter

Equalizing
Beam

4.617" / 4.625"
(117.28 mm / 117.48 mm)

Always use the bushing outer metal for pressing operations. Pressing on the bushings inner metal
may damage the bushing and require bushing replacement.
FIGURE 8-32

1. The equalizing beam bore may
have a more substantial lead in
chamfer at one end of the bore
than the other. Take advantage of
the larger chamfer by pressing in
the new end bushing from this end.
2. Lubricate the equalizing beam
end hub inside bore and the bar
pin end bushing outer sleeve with
a NLGI #2 – EP (Extreme Pressure)
grease.

End Bushing
Installation Tool
Part No.
66086-106

3. Place the equalizing beam in
a shop press with the end hub,
End Bushing
squarely supported on the receivReceiving Tool
ing tool, see Figure 8-32.
Part No.
4. Position and align the end bush66086-111
ing to the mark made before
removal as shown in Figure 8-30.
NOTE

Equalizing
Beam

The end bushing must be square with
the equalizing beam end hub before pressing the end bushing into the beam. End bushings
pressed in at an angle will damage the end bushing and the equalizing beam.
CARE MUST BE TAKEN DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BUSHING. DO NOT PUSH ON THE INNER
METAL OF THE BUSHING, DOING SO WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BUSHING AND VOID WARRANTY.

NOTE

Component Replacement

Always use the bushing outer metal for pressing operations. Pressing on the bushings inner metal
may damage the bushing and require bushing replacement.

48

17730-301

ULTIMAAX® for Kenworth Vehicles
5. Place the end bushing installation tool on the end hub.
6. The through hole in the tool can help align the bar pin flats due to lack of visibility. Place a bolt
with enough length to go through the tool and the bar pin hole, see Figure 8-33.
7. With the tools align, press in the end bushing, see Figure 8-32.
8. The end bushing must be centered within the hub of the equalizing beam, see Figure 8-34.
9. Install the equalizing beam assembly into vehicle as detailed in equalizing beam assembly
in this section.
FIGURE 8-33

FIGURE 8-34
Equalizing Beam
End Hub

Bar Pin

66086-106
End Bushing Installation Tool

Outer metal is
centered in the
equalizing beam
end hub

Through hole can be used to
help align the bar pin ats due
to lack of visibility.
Place a bolt through the tool
and bar pin hole.

ADAPTER STYLE END BUSHING – ULTIMAAX 60K•70K
FIGURE 8-35

You will need:
■■ A shop press with a capacity of at least 100

tons

■■ Air hammer / chisel / Bent chisel, see

Figure 8-35

■■ Hendrickson Part No. 66086-101 (OTC Part

No. 1763), see Special Tools Section of this
publication

DISASSEMBLY
NOTE

It is recommended that a penetrating oil be applied to all beam end connections.
1. Remove the cotter pins, slotted nuts and end bushing adapter tube, see Figure 8-36.
2. The beam end adapters have two chisel recesses located in their flanges as shown in
Figure 8-37.
3. Locate the recess for the chisel, rotate the adapter if necessary. Place the air hammer/chisel
in the recess.
4. If the adapter does not turn, use a hammer to rap the outside of the axle bracket legs around
the adapter area and repeat with the air hammer chisel.
FIGURE 8-36