½" x 4½"
Hex Bolt

Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly
You will need:
■■

Axle Collar Driver, refer to the Special Tools section of this Publication.

Disassembly
1. Place the vehicle on a level floor.
2. Chock the wheels.
3. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle with frame stands.
4. Suspend the front axle to remove the load from leaf spring assembly.
5. Remove the tires for greater access.
6. Support the axle with a floor jack.
7. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting fasteners and discard.

Component Replacement

32

17730-311

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
8. Loosen the front hanger bottom cap fasteners on both leaf springs, see Figure 9-3, DO NOT
remove at this time.
9. Remove the lower rear shackles fasteners from both leaf springs assemblies, see Figure 9-3.
10. Partially remove the axle collar bolts with a couple of threads engaged.
11. Strike the bolt heads with a hammer to dislodge and drive out the rear collars.
Figure 9-3

Figure 9-4

Figure 9-5

Axle
Collar Driver

Threaded Clamp
Figure 9-6

Figure 9-7

Non-threaded
collar removed

Strike from the Rear of the axle
to remove non-threaded collar
17730-311

33

Component Replacement

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
12. Install the collar bushing driver from the rear of the axle, see Figure 9-5.
13. Strike the bushing driver to dislodge and drive out the front axle collars, Figure 9-6, until the
front bushing collars are clear from the axle, see Figure 9-7.
14. Lower the axle until there is enough clearance to remove the leaf spring assembly from the axle.
15. Remove the hanger bottom cap fasteners and bottom caps on the leaf spring being removed.
16. Remove the leaf spring and clamp group assembly from the axle.

Assembly
WHEN placing the leaf spring and clamp group assembly IN A VISE IT IS NECESSARY TO
PROTECT THE MACHINED SURFACES FROM gouges OR MARRING by using brass jaws (soft
jaws) see figure 9-8. FAILURE TO DO SO can CAUSE PREMATURE PART damage, DAMAGE TO
THE leaf spring and clamp group assembly, LOSS OF WARRANTY, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL,
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Figure 9-8

SERVICE HINT

It is acceptable to mount the leaf spring and
clamp group components in a soft jaw vise
when performing the tightening procedure.

1" Hex Bolt

1. Secure the leaf spring and clamp group
assembly in a suitable holding device, such
as a soft jaw vice, see Figure 9-8.
2. Ensure the clamp group hex bolts are tightened to 600 ± 20 foot pounds torque in
the proper pattern to achieve uniform bolt
tension, see Figures 9-9 and 9‑10.

Soft Jaws

Figure 9-9

Vice

Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly
Figure 9-10

figure 9-11

3. Install the new axle seat liner under the
axle seat (liner ear snap to side of axle
seat), see Figure 9-11.
THE WEIGHT OF THE leaf SPRING AND
CLAMP GROUP ASSEMBLY IS APPROXIMATELY
230 pounds. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AT
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TO PREVENT
P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y O R D A M A G E TO
COMPONENTS.

Leaf Spring
Assembly

Axle Seat
Axle Seat Liner
1"x 6½" Hex
Cap Screw

Component Replacement

34

1" Hex Bolt

Axle Seat Liner
Ear Snap to
the Axle Seat
Axle Collar

17730-311

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
4. Install the new leaf spring and clamp group assembly (approximate weight 230 pounds) on
the axle. Ensure the axle seat liner holes are lined up with the axle seat and axle holes, see
Figures 9-3.
Figure 9-12

5. Install the non‑threaded collar at the front
of the axle and the threaded collars at the
rear of the axle going into the axle seat,
axle seat liner and axle. Tap into place with
a mallet.

1" Clamp Group Hex Bolt
Tightening Torque at
the Bolt Head
600 ± 20 ft. lbs.

6. Install the new axle collar fasteners with
the bolt head located on the front side of
the axle.

IMPORTANT
Ensure that Clamp
Group Assembly
is properly aligned

7. Tighten both sides, left and right of the
axle collar bolts in four stages, stage
one 100 foot pounds, stage two 350 foot
pounds, stage three 700 foot pounds
and the fourth and final 800 ± 20 foot
pounds torque, see Figure 9-12.

1" Axle Collar Bolt
Tightening Torque
800 ± 20 ft. lbs.

8. Install the axle assembly into the front
hanger and rear shackle assembly.
9. Install the spring hanger clamps, front
hanger bottom cap and fasteners. Tighten fasteners to

80 ± 8 foot pounds torque.

10. Install the rear shackles and fasteners and tighten fasteners to

80 ± 8 foot pounds torque.

11. Raise the axle and the leaf spring clamp group assembly.
12. Install the lower shock bolt shock eye locknuts and tighten to

188 ± 13 foot pounds torque.

13. Raise the vehicle.
14. Remove the frame supports and load the front axle with the vehicle weight.
15. Install tires per the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
16. Remove the wheel chocks.
Figure 9-13

Clamp Group Components
The clamp group instructions can be used
to replace the different components in the
clamp group, such as the leaf spring, axle
seat or top pad.

Disassembly
1. Remove the Leaf Spring and Clamp
Group Assembly per instructions in this
section.
2. Prior to removal of hex bolts, refer to
Table 9-1 to determine if hex bolts are
equipped with washers or not to aid in
assembly.
3. Remove and discard the four 1" hex
bolts.
4. Remove the top pad.
5. Remove and discard all plastic leaf
spring liners.
17730-311

35

Component Replacement

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
6. Remove the leaf spring assembly and leaf spring spacer.
7. Prior to removal of caster wedge, note the location and orientation, see Figure 9-13. Remove
the caster wedge.
8. Prior to removal of spring spacer, note the location and orientation, see Figure 9-13. Remove
the spring spacer.
9. Inspect all clamp group components for any damage, replace as necessary.

Assembly
1. Install caster wedge in same location and orientation as removed, see Figure 9-13.
2. Install the leaf spring onto the spring spacer.
3. Install new spring liner onto leaf spring assembly.
4. Install the top pad on top of leaf spring liner.
Use 1" flat washers (Part No. 22962-051) ONLY as specified in Table 9-1(Leaf Spring
and Clamp Group Assembly). The table lists different configurations for this assembly.
For certain configurations the clamp group requires the use of 1" flat washers (Part
No. 22962-051) with the specified 1" hex bolt length, but not in other configuration
specifications in table 9-1 can result in improper clamp force in the leaf spring and
clamp group assembly, improper seating and component damage, which can cause loss
of vehicle control, adverse vehicle handling, property damage and personal injury.

5. Install the hex bolts and washers as noted prior to disassembly (refer to Table 9-1) into the
holes on the top pad, see Figure 9-13, and hand tighten. DO NOT tighten to torque at this time.
Table 9-1
*Leaf Spring & Clamp Group Assembly for Rosenbauer Vehicles only.

Capacity

Leaf Spring &
Ride
Clamp Group
Clamp Group
Height
Service Kit
Assembly
8"

18K

20K

24K

80141-101

1" Hex Bolt

Leaf Spring
Assembly

34013-278

9.82"

80141-102

34013-256

8"

80141-201

34013-278

9.5"

80141-202

34013-279

8"

80141-001

34013-254

9"

80141-002

34013-255

82378-000

82379-000

82380-000

Length

Part No.

7"

64107-002

1" Flat Washer
Spring Spacer
(Use only as
specified) Thickness Part No.
Not Required

---

---

1"

79814-000

0.82"

80298-000

---

---

1"

79814-000

0.5"

80223-000

9"

64107-003

22962-051

7"

64107-002

Not Required

8.5"

64107-006

Not Required

7.5"

64107-000

22962-051

---

---

8.5"

64107-006

22962-051

1"

79814-000

*Refer to the specific Parts List publication for your vehicle available online at www.hendrickson-intl.com.

WHEN placing the leaf spring and clamp group assembly IN A VISE IT IS NECESSARY TO
PROTECT THE MACHINED SURFACES FROM gouges OR MARRING by using brass jaws (soft
Jaws) see figure 9-14. FAILURE TO DO SO can CAUSE PREMATURE PART damage, DAMAGE TO
THE leaf spring and clamp group assembly, LOSS OF WARRANTY, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL,
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

SERVICE HINT

It is acceptable to mount the leaf spring and clamp group components in a soft jaw vise when
performing the tightening procedure.
6. Secure the leaf spring and clamp group assembly in a suitable holding device, such as a soft
jaw vise, see Figure 9-14.

Component Replacement

36

17730-311

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
Figure 9-14

7. Ensure that the clamp group is properly
aligned and the top pad is centered on the
leaf spring.

1" Hex Bolt

8. Tighten the clamp assembly hex bolts
evenly in 100 foot pounds increments to
600 ± 20 foot pounds torque in the
proper pattern to achieve uniform bolt tension, see Figure 9‑15.

Soft Jaws

Figure 9-15

Vice

Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly

9. Install the new axle seat liner under the axle seat (liner tabs snap to the sides of axle seat),
see Figure 9-16.
Figure 9-16

Leaf Spring
Assembly

THE WEIGHT OF THE leaf SPRING AND
CLAMP GROUP ASSEMBLY IS APPROXIMATELY
230 pounds. CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AT
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TO PREVENT
P E R S O N A L I N J U R Y O R D A M A G E TO
COMPONENTS.

10. Install the new leaf spring and clamp
Axle Seat
group assembly (approximate weight
Axle Seat Liner
230 pounds) on the axle per the Leaf
Spring and Clamp Group Assembly
1"x 6½" Hex
instructions in this section.
Cap Screw

1" Hex Bolt

Axle Seat Liner
Ear Snap to
the Axle Seat
Axle Collar

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Axle
Axle REMOVAL
1. Place the vehicle on level floor.
2. Chock the wheels.
DO NOT USE A TORCH ON axle collar fasteners OR ANY OTHER PART OF THE STEERTEK NXT high
capacity steer axle system. THE USE OF A TORCH CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO CERTAIN STEERTEK NXT
COMPONENTS that can result in the loss of vehicle control and possible personal
injury or property damage.

3. Raise the frame.
4. Support the vehicle with frame stands and suspend the front axle with the shocks attached.
5. Remove the front wheels, hubs, brake shoes, ABS sensors, and backing plate assembly.
6. Disconnect the drag link from the steering arm.
7. Support the axle with a suitable jack.

17730-311

37

Component Replacement

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
Do not REPAIR OR RECONDITION SUSPENSION OR AXLE COMPONENTS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED
OR OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. All such damaged or out of specification components must
be replaced. ALL MAJOR Hendrickson COMPONENTS ARE HEAT TREATED AND TEMPERED.
STEERTEK NXT COMPONENTS CANNOT BE BENT, WELDED, HEATED, OR REPAIRED WITHOUT REDUCING
THE STRENGTH OR LIFE OF THE COMPONENT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES CAN CAUSE
loss of VEHICLE control, and possible personal INJURY OR DEATH or property damage
AND WILL VOID APPLICABLE WARRANTIES.

8. Remove the 1" axle collar bolts and clamps, refer Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Disassembly.
9. Lower the axle and remove from the vehicle.

Axle installation
1. Place the new axle on a floor jack and position the axle under the vehicle, see Figure 9-17.
2. Install the new axle seat liner under the axle seat (liner ear snap to the side of the axle seat).
3. Raise the axle into position.
4. Ensure the axle seat liner holes are lined up with the axle seat and axle holes, see Figure 9-17.
Figure 9-17

5. Install the new axle collar fasteners with the bolt head located on the front side of the axle.
6. Tighten both sides, left and right of the axle collar bolts in four stages, stage one 100 foot
pounds, stage two 350 foot pounds, stage three 700 foot pounds and the fourth and final
800 ± 20 foot pounds torque, see Figure 9-18.
7. Install the steering knuckles, refer to the Steering Knuckle Assembly instructions in this ­section.
8. Install the tie rod assembly in the Ackermann arms.

Component Replacement

38

17730-311

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
Figure 9-18

9. Install the ⁄8" hardened washers on the
Ackermann arm and the castle nuts.
Tighten the castle nuts to
185 foot
pounds, then rotate until the first castle
slot lines up with the cotter pin bore in the
tie rod end. DO NOT back off nut for cotter
pin installation.
7

1" Clamp Group Hex Bolt
Tightening Torque at
the Bolt Head
600 ± 20 ft. lbs.

10. Install the tie rod end cotter pin.

IMPORTANT
Ensure that Clamp
Group Assembly
is properly aligned

11. Connect the drag link in the steering arm.
12. Install the castle nut on the drag link taper
stud. Tighten the c­ astle nut to 185 foot
pounds, then rotate until the first castle
slot lines up with the cotter pin bore in the
drag link. DO NOT back off nut for cotter
pin installation.