Hendrickson International has announced that Freightliner Trucks will offer the Airtek integrated front axle and air suspension on Freightliner's Classic XL model. Freightliner currently offers Airtek on its Century Class S/T, Columbia, and Coronado models.
Airtek improves vehicle ride, handling, and maintenance. Testing demonstrates improvements of up to 30% in ride and 64% in roll stability compared with traditional steel spring and I-beam axle front suspensions.
This suspension is 90 pounds lighter than Freightliner's standard leaf-and-a-half spring front suspension and I-beam axle. Rubber suspension bushings eliminate lubrication requirements while the two-piece knuckle design simplifies serviceability. Airtek also reduces noise, vibration, and harshness.
Airtek is currently available on Freightliner vehicles in a 12,000-lb capacity with both 4.25" and 5.50" drop axles offered.