This week I finished up a Hendrickson Walking beam rebush job on an international truck. There was a lot to this project since the axles had to be disconnected from the truck. This was a whole new experience for me since I have never had a set of axles off a truck and since I'm pretty sure none of the suspension has been off this truck since it was built in 1987 everything would be the much more rusted together. I would say for the most part it all come apart a lot easier than I expected, except for the beam end caps on the front axle which were a real pain in the ads to get out.
Frame of the truck on jack stands
removing tires and brakes
saddle caps unbolted
Saddle caps unfolded, getting ready to unbolt beams from axles and remove end caps
beams disconnected from the truck and on the ground. The axles are supported by jack stand, drivelines and torque rods are still in place
end caps after removal. All end caps and bolts will be replaced
worn out leaf spring pin and bushing
old leaf spring pins and bushings
New bushings installed in leaf springs
beams back from getting bushings pressed in and going on the truck
end caps installed. New grade 8 bolts will be torqued to 240 Ft/lbs with the axles in position
beams connected to axle. The center beam is getting lifted up to the truck and the saddle caps are getting installed. Saddle caps get torqued to 250 Ft/lbs with the truck on the ground and the axles in position.
beams installed and truck on the ground. All lifting for this for this project was done with a 12 ton bottle jack and then the addition of a 6 ton near the end, used to align the axles side to side
Hans, I cannot ever remember a student doing this level of suspension work at this stage of their education. The important elements of safety and thoroughness are indicative high quality work in less than optimum working conditions.
ReplyDeleteWell done.