Hendrickson RT2 and RTE2 Series

cen mm 32.01.000

  1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brakes, and chock the front tires.
    Raise the rear of the vehicle until the rear wheels are suspended in the air, then support the vehicle with safety stands.
  2. Check the torque of the number-one spring hanger (double-lock-bolt design) lock bolt nuts. If a loose connection has caused pin hole wear, replace the hanger.
  3. Inspect the pin hole in the outboard leg of the number-one spring hanger (draw-key design) for wear or elongation.

    4. Warning: Wear at this point requires hanger replacement, or premature fracture of the spring hanger pin may occur, with possible separation of components and loss of vehicle control. This could result in serious personal injury or property damage.

  4. Inspect the cam surface of the number-two spring hanger for wear due to operating mileage. Also, inspect the outside legs for wear, which can be caused by worn spring eye bushings.

    5. Note: RTE2 (extended-leaf-spring) suspensions require a minimum gap of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) between the cam surface of the number-two spring hanger and the top of the main leaf in the unloaded condition. See Fig.. If this gap is less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm), the extended-leaf portion of the spring will not perform satisfactorily for an empty ride.

  5. Inspect the cam surface on the number-three spring hanger (extended-leaf-springs only) for wear. Excessive wear will reduce the gap available at the number-two spring hanger. See the previous note.

    1. Minimum gap of 3/8" (9.5 mm).

    2. Forward (no. 1) Spring Hanger

    3. Spring Eye Pin

    4. Rear (no. 2) Spring Hanger

    5. Rear (no. 3) Extension

    Fig. 1, RTE Suspension (unloaded)

    1. Frame Bracket

    2. Leaf Spring

    3. Wood Block

    4. Pry Bar

    Fig. 2, Hendrickson RT2 and RTE2 Series Frame Bracket Inspection

  6. Place a block of wood on the leaf spring. See Fig.. Place a pry bar on the block of wood and insert the end of the pry bar under the frame hanger. Attempt to lift the frame hanger, as shown in Fig.. Also, with an empty chassis and the brakes applied, attempt to rock the chassis back and forth while observing the spring eye. In either case, if 1/8 inch or more of movement is observed, the bushing and pin should be replaced. This also could indicate that a broken spring eye and spring are connected to the spring hanger through the wrapper eye of the second leaf. In this case, the main leaf or the complete spring should be replaced immediately.
Note:
Parent topic: Suspension of the Rear Check
Document Number: 0000122031
Manual Publication Date: 2025-02-11
Topic Publication Date: 2024-06-04