Hendrickson info@hendrickson.com
New from Hendrickson is the AIRTEK front air suspension and steer axle package, initially availble only on Freightliner Century Class, Columbia, and Coronado trucks. It’s claimed to resolve the engineering paradox that says you can’t have both ride comfort and stability at the same time. Previous designs required stabilizers and reinforced structures that made the suspension prohibitively heavy. Hendrickson says AIRTEK improves roll stability by more than 20% compared to other best-in class systems. STEERTEK, the patent-pending axle beam, is said to resist vertical and longitudinal loads more effectively than traditional axle beams, reducing changes in camber and toe. The result is reduced bump steer, wheel kick, vibration, and other undesirable steering reactions. The patented single leaf spring shares loads equally with the air springs.

Hendrickson says the AIRTEK module is over 100 pounds lighter than other best-in-class axle and suspension systems. Unique knuckle packaging delivers a 50-degree wheel cut and eliminates the need for kingpin removal during bearing service. The quick “snap” feature and “push-to-connect” air-supply design also provide fast and easy installation and removal of the air springs.