5. Remove the QUIK-ALIGN fasteners and collars, see Figure 8-33. Discard the fasteners. The
collars may be reused if they are not damaged.
6. Remove the lift air spring.
7. Remove the fasteners that attach the frame hanger to the vehicle per the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
8. Remove the frame hanger.
9. Inspect mounting surface for any damage or wear.
10. Inspect the QUIK-ALIGN bushing for wear or damage, replace as necessary, refer to the
Preventative Maintenance section in this publication.

ASSEMBLY
1. Slide the new frame hanger over the axle beam assembly QUIK-ALIGN bushing.
2. Install the new fasteners that attach the frame hanger to the vehicle and tighten per the
vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
3. Install the M16 frame hanger fasteners that attach to the cross member and tighten per the
vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
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,
ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
DO NOT ASSEMBLE QUIK-ALIGN JOINT WITHOUT THE PROPER FASTENERS. USE ONLY QUIK-ALIGN
FASTENERS TO SUSTAIN PROPER CLAMP FORCE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE ADVERSE VEHICLE
HANDLING, 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 ADVERSE VEHICLE
HANDLING RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

NOTE

Use a new QUIK-ALIGN kit (see the Parts List Section of this publication) for any axle alignment
or disassembly of the QUIK-ALIGN connection. This will help ensure that the proper clamp load is
applied to the connection and help prevent the joint to slip in service.
4. Install the QUIK-ALIGN collars and the new mounting hardware that attach the axle beam
assembly to the frame hanger, see Figure 8-33. Verify that the nose of each QUIK-ALIGN collar
is installed correctly into TRI-FUNCTIONAL bushing sleeve, and the flanged side is flat against
the frame hanger face within the alignment guides.
5. Snug QUIK-ALIGN locknuts to

50 to 100 foot pounds torque, DO NOT tighten at this time.

6. Install lift air spring.
7. See additional Air Spring Cautions and Warnings in the Important Safety Notice section of
this publication prior to deflating or inflating the air system.
8. Connect the air line to the air spring, see vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Install wheel ends and tires.

Component Replacement

38

17730-309

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles
10. Inflate the suspension by connecting the height control valve linkage to the height control
valve arm, see vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Remove the frame supports.
12. Remove the wheel chocks.
NOTE

Axle alignment and QUIK-ALIGN final torque is necessary anytime the axle beam assembly is
removed.
13. Check the alignment and adjust if necessary. See Alignment & Adjustments section of this
publication.
14. Once the correct axle alignment is achieved, use a QUIK-ALIGN socket tool and a calibrated
torque wrench to tighten the shear round head bolts to shear ( 550 foot pounds torque).

CROSS MEMBER
DO NOT USE THE CROSS MEMBER FOR JACKING OR AS A SUPPORT POINT FOR SERVICING THE
VEHICLE.
IMPROPER JACKING AND SUPPORT METHODS WILL VOID HENDRICKSON’S WARRANTY AND CAN CAUSE
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE THAT RESULT IN ADVERSE VEHICLE HANDLING, SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH. REFER TO THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER FOR PROPER JACKING AND SUPPORT METHODS.

DISASSEMBLY
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Support the frame with safety stands.
3. Disconnect the height control valve's leveling valve arm(s) from the rubber grommet per
vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
PRIOR TO AND DURING DEFLATION AND INFLATION OF THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM, ENSURE THAT ALL
PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT ARE CLEAR FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND AROUND THE SERVICE
AREA, FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

4. See additional Air Spring Cautions and Warnings in the Important Safety Notice section of
this publication prior to deflating or inflating the air system.
FIGURE 8-34

5. Lower the height control valve arm(s) to
exhaust the air in the
air springs and deflate
the suspension, see
vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions.
6. Verify that the air springs
are deflated.
7. Remove the axle beam
assemblies as shown in
this section.
8. R e m o v e t h e f r a m e
hanger fasteners that
connect to the cross
member per vehicle
manufacturer’s instructions, see Figure 8-34.

17730-309

39

Component Replacement

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles
ASSEMBLY
1. Position the cross member against the frame hanger.
2. Install the cross member fasteners through the frame hanger, then through the cross member. Verify the fastener heads are on the inside of the frame hanger.
3. Tighten the cross member fasteners per vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Attach axle beam assemblies as shown in this section.
PRIOR TO AND DURING DEFLATION AND INFLATION OF THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM, ENSURE THAT ALL
PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT ARE CLEAR FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND AROUND THE SERVICE
AREA, FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

5. See additional Air Spring Cautions and Warnings in the Important Safety Notice section of
this publication prior to deflating or inflating the air system.
6. Inflate the suspension slowly and verify that the air spring bladder inflates uniformly without
binding per vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Reconnect the height control linkage assembly to the height control valve arm.
8. Remove the frame supports.
9. Remove the wheel chocks.

Component Replacement

40

17730-309

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles
SECTION 9

Troubleshooting Guide
OPTIMAAX for Freightliner Vehicles
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
CONDITION
Vibration or
shimmy of front
axle during
operation
Excessive wear
on tires or uneven
tire tread wear
Suspension has
harsh or bumpy
ride
Vehicle leans

Vehicle wanders

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTION

Wheels and / or tires out of balance

Balance or replace wheels and / or tires

Worn shock absorbers

Replace shock absorbers

Broken engine mount

Replace engine mount

Tires have incorrect air pressure

Adjust tire pressure to manufacturer’s specification.

Tires out of balance

Balance or replace tires

Incorrect tandem axle alignment

Align tandem axles

Air spring not inflated

Check air supply to air spring, repair as necessary

Air spring ride height out of specification

Adjust the ride height to proper specification per the vehicle
manufacturer

Ride height incorrect

Adjust ride height to specification per the vehicle manufacturer

Air spring(s) are not inflated

Repair source of air pressure loss

Excessive weight bias

Contact the vehicle manufacturer or Hendrickson Tech Services

Fifth wheel not greased

Grease the fifth wheel

Rear ride height out of adjustment

Adjust ride height to specification per the vehicle manufacturer

Front ride height out of adjustment
Not getting the
desired load on
the axle

Unit not getting
the correct lift
Unit has vertical
hop

Axle Shimmy

17730-309

Not having proper air pressure to the ride bags

Refer to Hendrickson literature number 17730-310

Air control system not properly installed

Check plumbing of air system, refer to vehicle manufacturer

Mounted too high

a. Larger tire

Incorrect ride height specification

b. Change axle seat height

Lift air springs not getting proper air pressure

Refer to Hendrickson literature number 17730-310

Interference with chassis, drive line or other
components

Inspect for interference

Unit not installed properly

Check installation with factory installation drawing

Not running sufficient load

Increase air pressure

Unbalanced tires

Balance tires

Axle bolt connection loose

Re-torque to factory torque values, see Torque Specification
section in this publication

Pivot bolt connection loose

Re-torque to factory torque values, see Torque Specification section
in this publication

Axle out of alignment

Re-align axle

Tires different size on each side

Use same size tires

Tires unbalanced

Balance tires

Air pressure in tires different from side to side

Equalize air pressure

41

Troubleshooting Guide

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles
SECTION 10

Torque Specifications

Torque Specifications

Hendrickson recommended torque values
provided in Foot Pounds and in Newton Meters

42

17730-309

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles

OPTIMAAX for Freightliner Vehicles
HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
NO. COMPONENT

FASTENER

TORQUE VALUE

QUANTITY

SIZE

In foot pounds

In Nm

1.

Frame Hanger to Cross Member

4

M16

*

*

2.

QUIK-ALIGN TRI-FUNCTIONAL Bolt

2

78

⁄"

**550

**745

3.

Lift Air Spring to Frame Hanger

2

¾"

45 ± 5

60 ± 7

4.

Lift Air Spring to Axle Beam Assembly

4

38

⁄ "-16 UNF

18 ± 2

24 ± 3

5.

Ride Air Spring to Axle Beam Assembly

2

½"-13 UNC

30 ± 5

41 ± 7

6

Upper Shock Absorber Locknut

2

¾"

188 ± 12

255 ± 16

7

Lower Shock Absorber Locknut

2

5⁄8"

170 ± 10

231 ± 14

8

S-cam U-bolt Nut

4

5⁄16"-18

25 ± 5

34 ± 7

9

S-cam Flange Nut

4

25 ± 5

34 ± 7

UNC

M8

NOTE: Torque values listed above apply only if Hendrickson supplied fasteners are used. If non Hendrickson fasteners
are used, follow torque specifications listed in the vehicle manufacturer’s service manual.
* Huck fasteners and frame mount hardware are not supplied by Hendrickson. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer for
torque specifications.
** Torque to shear.

17730-309

43

Torque Specifications

OPTIMAAX® for Freightliner Vehicles
SECTION 11

Reference Material
This technical publication covers Hendrickson’s recommended p­ rocedures for our parts / products.
Other components play a major role in overall ­performance and Hendrickson recommends you
follow the specific vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for care and maintenance. Some recommended procedures have been developed by The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)
and Hendrickson supports these recommendations. We have compiled a list of these below.

TMC
To obtain copies of the following RP’s, video’s, or charts, contact TMC at:
TMC / ATA
2200 Mill Road
Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-838-1763
website: tmc.truckline.com
online ordering: www.truckline.com/store

IMPORTANT REFERENCES
TMC RP 214B

Tire / Wheel End Balance and Runout

TMC RP 216

Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide

TMC RP 219A

Radial Tire Wear Conditions and Causes

TMC RP 222A

User’s Guide To Wheels and Rims

TMC RP 230

Tire Test Procedures for Tread wear, Serviceability, and Fuel Economy

TMC RP 514

Pre-Alignment Inspection

TMC RP 618

Wheel Bearing Adjustment Procedure

TMC RP 620B

Front End Alignment Steering Geometry

TMC RP 708A

Trailer Axle Alignment

TMC RP 642

Guidelines For Total Vehicle Alignment

TMC RP 644

Wheel End Conditions Analysis Guide

TMC RP 645

Tie Rod End Inspection and Maintenance Procedure

VIDEOS
TMC T0326

Wheel End Maintenance

TMC T0372

Tire Pre-Trip Inspection Guidelines

OTHER
TMC T0400

Wheel bearing Adjustment Procedure Wall Chart

www.hendrickson-intl.com

Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems
800 South Frontage Road
Woodridge, IL 60517-4904 USA

1.866.755.5968 (Toll-free U.S. and Canada)
1.630.910.2800 (Outside U.S. and Canada)
Fax 1.630.910.2899

“HENDRICKSON”, the “H” logo and other Hendrickson
marks designated with the “®” symbol are registered
trademarks of Hendrickson USA, L.L.C. in the
United States and certain other countries.
17730-309 Rev A 11-18

Information contained in this literature was accurate at the time of publication. Product changes may have been made after the copyright date that are not reflected.
© 2018 Hendrickson USA, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved

Printed in United States of America