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Fleet and owner operators
specify air-ride trailer suspensions for many reasons, including
smooth ride regardless of payload, minimising cargo damage, load
equalisation and flexibility to haul a wide variety of freight. To
realise these benefits, the trailer suspension must be set at i
proper ride height.
Ride height is defined as the
measurement from the suspension-mounting surface (the bottom of
trailer frame) to the centre of the axle (Figure 1). Air-ride
suspensions are designed to operate at specific ride heights.
Maintaining a suspension’s proper ride height remains a critical
element of air-ride trailer performance. The heart and soul of any
air-ride suspension system is i height control valve. The height
control valve maintains the trailer at i designed ride height by
automatically adding and exhausting air to the trailer’s suspension
to compensate for changes in the trailer’s load.
Operating an air suspension at
an incorrect ride height can create improper load equalisation, reduce
ride quality, damage cargo/vehicle and result in premature suspension
and component wear. Air-ride suspensions set too high will cause
shocks to be fully extended, resulting in damage. A suspension with a
ride height set too low experiences a harsh ride due to the constant
thumping against the air spring bumpers.
When inexperienced mechanics
tamper with height control valves and ride height settings, premature
component wear may occur. To operate properly, suspensions must be set
to their specific designed ride height. While poor ride, premature
component wear or appearance might be signs of improper height
settings, avoid changing ride height until a careful measurement is
taken. This is the only way to be assured of proper ride height
settings. The correct ride height will allow for proper amount of
suspension travel, keeping your trailer performing at peak operating
efficiency.
| The
Hendrickson Advantage |
To maintain
a truck/trailer operating at peak performance, Hendrickson Asia
Pacific has developed a universal HEIGHT CONTROL VALVE. You will see
and feel the difference in your vehicle’s performance with this
superior valve.
To achieve
maximum cargo protection, trailer life and suspension benefits, the
trailer’s suspension must be set at i designed ride height. In
combination with optimised flow output for high fill and exhaust
rates, keeping air consumption at a minimum is also an essential
consideration. With all the air-volume demands of modern brake systems
and ancillary devices, air is at a premium on the trailer. Any
unnecessary air consumption only results in excessive wear on the
compressor and diminishes fuel economy.
The
Hendrickson height control valve provided twice the airflow of
comparable sized valves for quicker air-up , better response after
dump and faster exhaust, as well as offering greater stability during
loading and unloading. with fewer moving par, large bearing surface
areas and multiple seals, our valve offers more resistance tot he side
loading and misalignment issues often experienced in the field (Figure
2). The tuned flow curve minimises air consumption while improving the
overall suspension system response.
Original
equipment on all INTRAAX trailer air suspension systems and many truck
and tractor suspensions, this valve has a proven record of reliability
in both on-highway and off-road environments.
Hendrickson
also offers i height control valve in an Aftermarket Kit that
included hardware for installation on virtually all truck, and trailer
air-ride suspensions regardless of manufacturer, model or year.
Available through OEMs or from heavy-duty par and services dealers,
you only need to stock one valve to meet all air-suspension height
control valve needs.
Today’s
Fleet managers and owner operators look for low-maintenance and
long-life components to keep their equipment on the road and out of
the shop. Hendrickson’s height control valve keep air-ride trucks,
tractors and trailers working at peak performance.
Note: For
additional information on Hendrickson suspension systems, height
control valves and checking ride height, refer to the following
Hendrickson publications:
• L668- Non-Delay Height Control Valve Installation Procedures
• L388- Ride Height Settings
• L459- Checking Trailer Ride Height
• L690- Hendrickson Height Control Valve (Non-Delay)
• L575- Height Control Valve Application Tables
• L638- Ride Height Gauge
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