Hendrickson Specialty Auxiliary Axle Systems has been named a 2012 Automotive News PACE Award winner. Hendrickson says the award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.
Hendrickson Specialty Auxiliary Axle Systems was recognized for its Compliant Tie Rod (CTR) and Dampening System with PerfecTrak technology. The original concept was a result of listening to customer feedback during vocational fleet councils conducted by Hendrickson.
“This prestigious award exemplifies Hendrickson’s commitment to innovation and providing quality [and] value to its customers,” says Gary Gerstenslager, Hendrickson president and CEO.
Mike Gottschalk, general manager of the Specialty Auxiliary Axle Systems Division, adds, “Hendrickson Specialty Auxiliary Axle Systems is honored that the CTR system won the PACE Award. This is a true reflection of our on-going commitment to provide quality and innovation to the truck and trailer industry.”
Hendrickson says the new CTR addresses three issues: Reducing tie rod failures due to bent crossbars; simplifying the steering dampener; and increasing the system durability. The company says other benefits of the CTR include:
- Less tie rod replacements as the leaf spring crossbar can absorb object strikes and returns back to its original state.
- No lubrication required on natural rubber tie rod ends because ball and seat style on traditional tie rod ends required regular greasing.
- Reduced shock replacements with optimized dampener without coil which allows for substantially increased life cycle use.
- Toe setting can be adjusted on one side of tie rod assembly as opposed to having to adjust both sides on the traditional rods.
- Built in return mechanism is gained from the flexibility of spring steel tie rod working in series with the rubber bushing allowing consistent movement.
- Vehicle control improved because impact on one tire does not affect the motion/movement on the other tire.
