ATRO Parts | Hendrickson RS Suspension

ATRO offers a full line of long-lasting polyurethane replacement parts for the Hendrickson RS suspension systems. We made this video to show you key points in identifying these suspensions, along with details for maintenance, and specs for ATRO parts.
The Hendrickson walking beam suspensions have been the industry standard for heavy-duty vocational trucks for over 85 years. This suspension incorporates two walking beams, officially called equalizing beams, on each side of the truck that pivot on center bushings. A cross tube rides between the two center bushings. It connects the beams and restricts side movement of the axles during turns. An end plug is welded on the outboard end of the center bushings to contain the cross tube.
The superiority of ATRO's polyurethane over rubber is only part of the ATRO Difference. With ATRO's free-rotating bushings in the end beams, the bushing windup experienced and rubber bushings is eliminated, resulting in longer life, reduced stress on other components, and overall improved suspension performance.
The RS features four large rubber or polyurethane load cushions above the saddle assembly. ATRO's load pads are made of our proprietary low-rebound material to absorb shock and limit its transfer to the frame. To accomplish this with rubber, the OE traditionally offers different part numbers of varying hardness specific to the application. These are usually color-coded. In contrast, ATRO's one part number will perform reliably in any application.
The rubber cushions of any durometer are susceptible to chemical attack. The RS suspension is frequently found on ready-mix trucks, but this application is very corrosive on the cushions. The suspensions are often sprayed with diluted hydrochloric acid to eat away the lime, but this causes the cushions to dry out. They take a significant compression set and become very hard. ATRO's polyurethane pads are resistant to chemical attack and continue to absorb the shock.
Hendrickson suspensions can be specified for most OE makes, so the variation in torque rod lengths is extensive. ATRO has options for all lengths, including two-piece welded rods, complete rod replacement, or torque rod bushing replacement. An important note: do not mix ATRO with rubber. It is acceptable to mix ATRO bar pin end bushings with OE bronze centers. However, bronze centers require grease, while ATRO's do not.
ATRO's center bushings do require the use of thrust washers. If there is any gap more than one-eighth of an inch between the saddle and the center bushing, it must be filled with thrust washers. These are necessary because ATRO's center is not bonded to the inner pin. During turns, misalignment occurs within the bushing by allowing the inner sleeve to slip laterally. This allows for the same three-inch walk a rubber bushing allows, except that it's not at the expense of the polyurethane.
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