Maxxpower Front Air Suspension
Maxxpower Front Air Suspension
Maxxpower Front Air Suspension
Model: ProStar®
Model: LoneStar®
Unit Code: 03AZD and 03AZG
S03015
10/12/2009
S03015
Copyright © 10/12/2009 Navistar, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DESCRIPTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1. AIR SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.2. HEIGHT CONTROL VALVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.3. AIR SPRINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.4. SHOCK ABSORBERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1.5. TORQUE RODS AND SWAY BAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
1.6. TRANSVERSE TORQUE ROD AND CROSSMEMBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4. SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4.1. RIDE HEIGHT DIMENSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
4.2. CASTER SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
TORQUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
S03015
DESCRIPTION
1. DESCRIPTION
NOTE – The original design of the MaxxPower™ front air suspension, feature code 03AZD, incorporated
the sway bar and air spring design shown in figure 1. The integrated sway bar assembly and new air
spring, identified in figure 2, were incorporated into the front suspension as a design improvement. For
feature code 03AZD, be sure to identify which design is on the vehicle prior to starting any work on the
front suspension.
The MaxxPower™ front air suspension (Feature Code 03AZD and 03AZG) provides smooth, shock and
vibration-free ride with a preset constant ride height.
The MaxxPower™ front air suspension adjusts to load changes automatically, providing a "low rate" suspension
with a light or no-load condition, and a "higher rate" suspension with heavier loads. The major components of
the MaxxPower™ front air suspension system (Feature Code 03AZD and 03AZG) are as follows.
The air is supplied to the dual height control valves from the air dryer. A T-fitting, mounted on the front side of
the transverse crossmember, splits the air line into two air lines that direct the air to the supply port on each
of the dual ride height control valves. Single air lines are connected to each front air spring to supply and
exhaust air from the air springs.
The MaxxPower™ front air suspension is equipped with dual height control valves that, when properly
adjusted, provide and maintain the correct ride height on each side of the vehicle.
The height control valves are mounted on the front of the transverse crossmember, one on each side. The
height control valves have a valve lever connected to the axle assembly with a height control rod. This valve
lever is sensitive to frame height and provides automatic filling or exhausting of the air springs to maintain
the correct vehicle ride height.
NOTE – Both height control valves are the same part that are mounted in opposite directions on the
transverse crossmember. The difference in the two height control valves is the valve levers, and how
the valve levers are mounted on the height control rods.
The quick “snap-on mount” and “push-to-connect” air supply fitting provide fast and easy removal and
installation of the air springs.
NOTE – The original air spring utilized on the MaxxPower™ front air suspension is shown in figure 5
and the new designed air spring is shown in figure 6. Which air spring is on the vehicle can easily be
identified by looking at the bottom of the air spring. When viewing the bottom of the new air spring,
identified in figure 6, the air spring piston will be visible.
Feature code 03AZD has dual torque rods that are mounted between the front mega brackets and axle
brackets on each side of the vehicle. The torque rods provide stability by minimizing axle movement caused by
road bumps and the resulting load transfer during braking.
The sway bar mounts to the lower torsion bars with two sway bar clamps on each side. The sway bar helps
reduce vehicle lean during cornering and stabilizes the chassis against sway.
Feature code 03AZG is equipped with a integrated sway bar assembly that combine the torque rods and the
sway bar into one assembly and mount between the front mega brackets and axle brackets on each side of the
vehicle. The integrated sway bar assembly provides stability by minimizing axle movement caused by road
bumps and the resulting load transfer during braking.
The sway bar and lower torsion bars are one assembly and mount at the mega bracket and axle mount
bracket. The sway bar helps reduce vehicle lean during cornering and stabilizes the chassis against sway.
The transverse crossmember is used to mount the transverse torque rod behind the front axle. A plastic shield
has been installed on the left side of the transverse crossmember to protect the starter and wiring.
The transverse torque rod is an integral component of the MaxxPower™ front air suspension that enhances
handling during cornering and helps maintain lateral axle position.
To prevent vehicle damage, personal injury, or possible death, park the vehicle on a flat,
level surface. Make sure the engine ignition is in the off position and the transmission is
in neutral or in the park position if the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission.
Set the parking brake, chock the wheels, and disconnect the batteries at the negative
terminal before doing any service procedures on the engine or vehicle.
WARNING
A jack must never be used alone to support a vehicle while under chassis service is
being performed. The jack may lower and serious personal injury could result. Always
support vehicle with floor stands. Failure to observe this warning may cause property
damage, personal injury, or death.
CAUTION
Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts
and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the
same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a
replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as
specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
NOTE – Before performing any work on the MaxxPower™ front air suspension components, be sure to
perform these basic procedures:
NOTE – Steering axle assembly service and maintenance instructions are covered by the Hendrickson
STEERTEK service manual. Go to http://www.hendrickson-intl.com for this Service Manual.
2. Remove bolt, washer, nut, and height control rod from the valve lever.
3. Rotate the valve lever on the height control valve to EXH (exhaust) position to drain air from system.
5. Remove three mount nuts from the height control valve and the transverse crossmember.
2. Install three nuts on the height control valve (Figure 11, Items 1 and 4). Torque nuts to 60 to 80 lbf-in (7
to 9 N•m).
3. Connect two air lines to the height control valve (Figure 11, Items 1 and 2).
4. Secure the height control rod to the valve lever with the bolt, washer, and nut (Figure 10). Torque bolt to
60 to 80 lbf-in (7 to 9 N•m).
5. Check ride height and adjust as needed (refer to CHECKING RIDE HEIGHT).
NOTE – Even if the air spring has a leak and is deflated, the air must still be exhausted from the system.
1. Follow these steps to exhaust air from the vehicle and suspension system:
a. Drain air from vehicle reservoirs.
b. Remove bolt, washer, nut, and height control rod from the valve lever (Figure 9).
c. Rotate the valve lever on the height control valve to EXH (exhaust) position to drain air from system
(Figure 9).
2. Remove bolt and nut from bottom of shock absorber and axle mount bracket.
WARNING
A jack must never be used alone to support a vehicle while under chassis service is
being performed. The jack may lower and serious personal injury could result. Always
support vehicle with floor stands. Failure to observe this warning may cause property
damage, personal injury, or death.
5. Raise the frame of the vehicle to remove load from the suspension and position frame stands to support
the vehicle.
6. Remove the air spring by placing a pry bar between the air spring and the axle mount bracket. Pry the
air spring up to release the snap-on mount from the axle mount bracket. It may be necessary to pry on
several sides of the air spring to free the snap-on mount.
1. There are four locking clips on the bottom snap-on mount of the air spring. Two of these locking clips
can be broken and the air spring will still be serviceable as the weight of the vehicle will maintain the air
spring in the proper seat on the axle mount bracket.
2. Secure the air spring snap-on mount to the axle mount bracket making sure that the top of the air spring is
properly aligned with the top mount bracket (Figure 13).
3. Lower the frame of the vehicle far enough to align the air spring on the top mount bracket (Figure 13,
Items 1 and 2).
4. Install two washers and mount nut on the air spring (Figure 12, Items 3, 4, and 5). Torque mount nut to
45 to 55 lbf-lb (61 to 75 N•m).
5. Install air fitting on air spring and connect air line (Figure 12, Items 1, 2, and 5).
NOTE – When installing the bottom mount bolt for the shock, be sure to attach the support bracket for
the height control rod. A hole is provided in the axle casting for the support bracket tab to mount.
6. Position the shock absorber on the axle mount bracket and install the bolt and nut (Figure 12). Torque bolt
to 250 to 300 lbf-ft (339 to 407 N•m).
7. Secure the height control rod to the valve lever with the bolt, washer, and nut (Figure 10). Torque bolt to 90
to 100 lbf-in (10 to 12 N•m).
9. Build system air pressure to governor cutout pressure and check for air leaks.
10. Check ride height and adjust as needed (refer to CHECKING RIDE HEIGHT).
1. Follow these steps to exhaust air from the vehicle and suspension system:
a. Drain air from vehicle reservoirs.
b. Remove bolt, washer, nut, and height control rod from the valve lever (Figure 9).
c. Rotate the valve lever on the height control valve to EXH (exhaust) position to drain air from system
(Figure 9).
2. Remove the bottom mount bolt and nut from the shock absorber and axle mount bracket.
3. Remove the top mount bolt and nut from the shock absorber and frame mount bracket.
1. Position the shock absorber on the frame mount bracket and install the top mount bolt and nut (Figure
16). Do not tighten at this time.
NOTE – When installing the bottom mount bolt for the shock, be sure to attach the support bracket for
the height control rod (Figure 14).
2. Position the shock absorber on the axle mount bracket and install the bottom mount bolt and nut (Figure
16). Torque bolt to 250 to 300 lbf-ft (339 to 407 N•m).
3. Torque the top mount bolt to 195 to 240 lbf-ft (265 to 325 N•m).
NOTE – It is recommended the vehicle be unloaded prior to performing this procedure. Vehicle must be
at approximate air spring height.
1. Remove four nuts, bolts, and sway bar clamps from the left lower torque rod and sway bar.
2. Remove four nuts, bolts, and sway bar clamps from the right lower torque rod and sway bar.
CAUTION
Failure to align the sway bar on the torque rod rear weld beads properly will allow the
sway bar to contact the mega brackets.
1. With the aid of an assistant, align the sway bar on the lower torque rods.
2. Install two rear sway bar clamps, bolts, and nuts on the left lower torque rod and sway bar making sure to
align the rear sway bar clamps on the rear weld bead. Do not tighten bolts at this time.
3. Install two rear sway bar clamps, bolts, and nuts on the right lower torque rod and sway bar making sure to
align the rear sway bar clamps on the rear weld bead. Do not tighten bolts at this time.
4. Install two remaining sway bar clamps, bolts, and nuts on the left lower torque rod and sway bar (Figure
18). Do not tighten bolts at this time.
5. Install two remaining sway bar clamps, bolts, and nuts on the right lower torque rod and sway bar (Figure
18). Do not tighten bolts at this time.
NOTE – When properly installed, a gap will be present along both the bottom and top of each sway bar
clamp.
a. Install two sway bar clamps on each side of sway bar and install two bolts and nuts on each
sway bar clamp.
b. Tighten all bolts, making sure that a gap is shown at top and bottom of each sway bar clamp.
c. Torque each sway bar clamp by first torquing the bottom bolt and then the top. Torque bolts to
80 to 100 lbf-ft (108 to 135 N•m).
NOTE – It is recommended the vehicle be unloaded prior to performing this procedure. Vehicle must be
at approximate air spring height.
1. Remove two nuts from right side of sway bar at axle mount bracket.
2. Remove two nuts and bolts from right side of sway bar at mega bracket
NOTE – Left side of sway bar mounting hardware is located the same as the right side of sway bar.
3. Remove two nuts from left side of sway bar at axle mount bracket.
4. Remove two nuts and bolts from left side of sway bar at mega bracket
1. With the aid of an assistant, align the integrated sway bar assembly in position.
2. Secure the integrated sway bar assembly to the axle mount bracket studs with four washers and locknuts
(Figure 20). Torque locknuts to 170 to 185 lbf-ft (230 to 251 N•m).
3. Install four bolts and nuts on sway bar at the mega brackets (Figure 20). Torque bolts to 195 to 240
lbf-ft (265 to 325 N•m).
4. Check axle caster and adjust as needed. (Refer to FRONT AXLE CASTER.)
NOTE – The lower torque rods must be replaced one at a time. This will keep the axle from rotating out
of position.
NOTE – It is recommended the vehicle be unloaded prior to performing this procedure. Vehicle must be
at approximate air spring height.
NOTE – Place a reference mark on the torque rod, at the rear of the sway bar, to aid in alignment of the
sway bar during installation procedures.
1. Remove four nuts, bolts, and sway bar clamps from the lower torque rod (Figure 16).
2. Remove two locknuts and washers from the lower torque rod and two axle mount bracket studs.
3. Remove two bolts and nuts from the mega bracket and lower torque rod.
4. To remove the lower torque rod, slide the lower torque rod off the two axle mount bracket studs.
CAUTION
When tightening bolts on torque rod to specifications, the vehicle must be at proper ride
height to avoid introducing unnecessary stress on the torque rod bushings.
1. Slide the lower torque rod onto the two axle mount bracket studs (Figure 21, Items 1 and 5).
2. Install two bolts and nuts on the mega bracket and lower torque rod (Figure 21). Torque bolts to 195 to
240 lbf-ft (265 to 325 N•m).
3. Secure the lower torque rod to the axle mount bracket studs with two washers and locknuts (Figure 21).
Torque locknuts to 170 to 185 lbf-ft (230 to 251 N•m).
4. Secure the sway bar to the lower torque rod with two sway bar clamps, bolts and nuts (Figure 17). Do
not tighten bolts at this time.
NOTE – When properly installed, a gap will be present along both the bottom and top of each sway bar
clamp.
5. Follow these steps to secure the sway bar clamps (Figure 19):
a. Install two sway bar clamps on each side of sway bar and install two bolts and nuts on each
sway bar clamp.
b. Tighten all bolts, making sure that a gap is shown at top and bottom of each sway bar clamp.
c. Torque each sway bar clamp by first torquing the bottom bolt and then the top. Torque bolts to
80 to 100 lbf-ft (108 to 135 N•m).
6. Check axle caster and adjust as needed (refer to FRONT AXLE CASTER).
NOTE – The removal procedures described below refer to the upper torque rod for feature code 03AZD,
feature code 03AZG removal procedures are performed in the same manor.
1. NUTS 4. BOLTS
2. UPPER TORQUE ROD 5. AXLE MOUNT BRACKET
3. MEGA BRACKET
Figure 22 Upper Torque Rod
NOTE – The upper torque rods must be replaced one at a time. This will keep the axle from rotating out
of position.
NOTE – It is recommended the vehicle be unloaded prior to performing this procedure. Vehicle must be
at approximate air spring height.
1. Remove bolt and nut from the mega bracket and upper torque rod.
2. Remove bolt and nut from the axle mount bracket and upper torque rod.
CAUTION
When tightening bolts on torque rod to specifications, the vehicle must be at proper ride
height to avoid introducing unnecessary stress on the torque rod bushings.
NOTE – The installation procedures described below refer to the upper torque rod for feature code
03AZD, feature code 03AZG installation procedures are performed in the same manor.
1. Align the upper torque rod on the axle mount bracket and the mega bracket (Figure 22, Items 2, 3, and 5).
2. Install bolt and nut to secure the upper torque rod to the axle mount bracket (Figure 22). Torque bolt
to 300 to 370 lbf-ft (407 to 502 N•m).
3. Install bolt and nut to secure the upper torque rod to the mega bracket (Figure 22). Torque bolt to 300 to
370 lbf-ft (407 to 502 N•m).
4. Check axle caster and adjust as needed (refer to FRONT AXLE CASTER).
NOTE – It is recommended the vehicle be unloaded prior to performing this procedure. Vehicle must be
at approximate air spring height.
1. Remove the locknut from the axle mount bracket and transverse torque rod.
2. Disconnect the transverse torque rod from the axle mount bracket.
3. Remove two bolts and nuts from the transverse torque rod and transverse crossmember.
2. Secure the transverse torque rod to the transverse crossmember with two bolts and nuts (Figure 24, Items
1, 3, and 5). Torque bolts to 195 to 240 lbf-ft (265 to 325 N•m).
3. Install the locknut on the axle mount bracket and transverse torque rod (Figure 23). Torque locknut to
225 lbf-ft (305 N•m). Tap the end of the transverse torque rod with a soft-faced mallet and re-torque
locknut to 225 lbf-ft (305 N•m).
4. Let the air pressure build to governor cut-out pressure, which should occur between 115 and 130 psi (793
and 896 kPa), and shut off the engine.
NOTE – The MaxxPower™ front air suspension is equipped with a ride height control valve on each side.
Be sure to perform steps 5 through 8 on both sides of the MaxxPower™ front air suspension.
NOTE – It is very important that the height control valve be cycled completely before and after any ride
height adjustments. Cycling of the height control valve will help make the adjustment more accurate.
5. Remove bolt, washer, nut, and height control rod from the valve lever.
6. Dump air from air spring by rotating the valve lever to the EXH (exhaust) position.
7. Connect the height control rod to the valve lever with the bolt, washer, and nut. Torque bolt to 60 to 80
lbf-in (7 to 9 N•m). Allow the suspension to fill to ride height.
NOTE – Figure 27 shows the original air bag and figure 28 shows the new air bag design. The new air
bag can easily be identified by the piston on the bottom of the air bag.
8. Measure the ride height from the air spring upper bead plate to the lower flange as shown in Figures
27 and 28.
9. The measurement you obtain should fall within the Target Air Spring Height shown in the RIDE HEIGHT
DIMENSIONS table. If the measurement does not fall within the value shown on the table, the height
control valve will need to be adjusted.
CAUTION
Do not loosen valve lever screw so far as to disengage the valve lever from the ride height
valve.
NOTE – It is very important that the height control valve be cycled completely before and after any ride
height adjustments. Cycling of the height control valve will help make the adjustment more accurate.
NOTE – It is required that the system be brought to proper ride height by filling the system using the
ride height control valve, not by exhausting the system to proper ride height.
2. Check the ride height measurement by dropping the suspension and allowing the height control valve
to air up to ride height.
Caster is the amount in degrees the top of the kingpin is tilted toward the front or rear of the truck, as viewed
from the side of the truck. The caster angle can range from a positive angle to a negative angle and this
angle is measured in degrees.
• Positive caster is the tilting of the top of the king pin toward the rear of the truck.
• Negative, or sometimes called reverse caster, is the tilting of the top of the king pin toward the front
of the truck.
Proper caster is important for directional stability and return-ability. Too much positive caster can cause
shimmy, excessive steering effort, and is normally a vehicle performance and handling consideration. Uneven
positive caster may create a steering pull toward the side with the lower caster. This attribute may be used
to compensate for crowned roads. The correct amount of caster helps to keep the front wheels in the
straight-ahead position. When in a turn, caster acts as a lever, assisting the driver to return the front wheels
to the straight-ahead position.
Caster specifications are based on vehicle design load, which will usually result in a level frame. If the frame
is not level when alignment checks are made, this must be considered in determining whether the caster
setting is correct.
With the vehicle on a smooth, level surface, frame angle should be measured with a bubble protractor placed
on the frame rail. The degree of tilt from the level frame position is the angle that must be used in determining
a correct caster setting. Positive frame angle is defined as forward tilt (front end down) and negative angle as
tilt to rear (front end height).
NOTE – The degree of tilt from the level frame position is the angle that must be used in determining
a correct caster setting. Positive frame angle is defined as forward tilt (front end down) and negative
angle as tilt to rear (front end up or high).
The measured frame angle should be added to, or subtracted from, as required, the specified level frame
caster setting to obtain the caster that should actually be measured on the vehicle.
As an example, if the specified caster setting is a positive 1° and it is found that the vehicle has a positive 1°
frame angle, then the measured caster should be 0° ± ½°. This would result in the desired 1° ±½° caster angle
when the chassis settled to level frame under load.
Checking Caster
NOTE – Prior to checking caster, confirm that the vehicle is at its proper ride height on the rear
suspension (if applicable). The rear ride height must be correct to achieve proper caster.
NOTE – Keep in mind that if the caster is changed, the toe adjustment must be checked after completing
the caster adjustment.
1. Jack up the front of the vehicle, at the frame, and support the vehicle.
2. Loosen but do not remove two locknuts from the rear of the sway bar and two axle mount bracket studs.
3. Using a pry bar, pry the sway bar forward and install the appropriate shim between the sway bar and
the axle mount bracket.
4. Tighten the two locknuts on the sway bar and axle mount bracket. Torque locknuts to 170 to 185 lbf-ft
(230 to 251 N•m).
NOTE – Depending on what feature code vehicle being serviced is, increasing caster will require
loosening either the lower torque rod for feature code 03AZD or the sway bar for feature codes 03AZD
and 03AZG.
NOTE – Keep in mind that if the caster is changed, the toe adjustment must be checked after completing
the caster adjustment.
1. Jack up the front of the vehicle, at the frame, and support the vehicle.
2. Loosen two bolts and nuts at the mega bracket and sway bar/lower torque rod.
3. Using a pry bar, pry the sway bar/lower torque rod forward and install the appropriate shim between the
sway bar/lower torque rod and the mega bracket on both bolts.
4. Tighten the two bolts and nuts on the sway bar/lower torque rod and mega bracket. Torque nuts to 195 to
240 lbf-ft (265 to 325 N•m).
4. SPECIFICATIONS
4.1. RIDE HEIGHT DIMENSIONS
Table 1 Ride Height Specifications
* Indicates specification with new integrated sway bar and air bag design shown in Figure 2.
Caster Specification
Left Side Right Side
4½° to 6° 5° to 6½°
NOTE – Right side must be equal to or greater than the left-side, but not to exceed 1° greater.
TORQUE
Table 4 Torque Chart
Figure 21 (Item 2) Lower Torque Rod Front Mount Bolts 195 to 240 lbf-ft 265 to 325
Figure 22 (Item 4) Upper Torque Rod Mount Bolts 300 to 370 lbf-ft 407 to 502
Figure 23 (Item 1) Transverse Torque Rod Left Side Mount Locknut 225 lbf-ft 305
Figure 24 (Item 3) Transverse Torque Rod Right Side Mount Bolts 195 to 240 lbf-ft 265 to 325