Introduction
2
17730-310
OPTIMAAX
®
Lift Axle System Air Controller Module for Freightliner
SECTION 1
Introduction
This publication is intended to acquaint and assist maintenance personnel in the preventive
maintenance, service, repair and rebuild of the air controller module for Hendrickson’s OPTIMAAX
®
Lift Axle System for Freightliner vehicles .
NOTE
Use only Hendrickson genuine parts for servicing this system .
Alteration of the OPTIMAAX system air controller module is not permitted .
It is important to read and understand the entire Technical Procedure publication prior to instal-
lation or performing any maintenance, service, repair, or rebuild of this product . The information
in this publication contains parts lists, safety information, product specifications, features, proper
maintenance, service, repair and rebuild instructions for the OPTIMAAX system air controller .
Hendrickson reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products and publications
at any time . Contact Hendrickson Truck Tech Services for information on the latest version of this
manual at 1-866-755-5968 (toll-free U .S . and Canada), 1-630-910-2800 (outside U .S . and
Canada) or e-mail: truckparts@hendrickson-intl .com .
SECTION 2
Product Description
Hendrickson’s OPTIMAAX system is a 6 × 2 solution to help fleets save fuel cost, tire wear and
weight with comparable handling to 6 × 4 tandem axle configurations . Operating as a liftable
axle in the forward tandem position, this system provides versatility for fleets with variable loads .
The OPTIMAAX system air controller monitors air pressure in the drive axle suspension, and calcu-
lates axle load based on air pressure levels . When load reaches a set threshold (programmed by
Hendrickson, where the limiting factor is typically steer axle load) the OPTIMAAX lift axle automati-
cally deploys . The OPTIMAAX system air controller module includes the air controller manifold,
electronic control unit (ECU), and the wiring harness (supplied by Freightliner) .
Proprietary program logic controls lift axle movement, load transfer and braking functions .
■
Fully automated controls
— Eliminates driver intervention versus conventional 6 x 2 manual
control systems . Automates axle lowering and lifting by sensing load capacities .
■
Optimized traction and handling
— Lifted axle position provides increased traction by
increasing drive axle load . Improved traction when backing under trailers in soft soil or wet
conditions versus traditional 6 x 2 configuration . Maintains vehicle handling characteristics by
keeping the drive axle behind the fifth wheel .
