42
22962-002
43
76879-XXX
Tie Rod Assembly, 14.6K Straight, Includes
Key Nos. 44-46, see Chart below
60961-735
Tie Rod End Service Kit, Axle Set,
Includes Kit Nos. 60961-742 and 60961-743
60961-742
LH Tie Rod End Service Kit,
Includes Key Nos. 44, 47-48
60961-743
RH Tie Rod End Service Kit,
Includes Key Nos. 45, 47-48

Tie Rod End, Includes Key No. 46
44
76876-001 Left Hand
45
76876-002 Right Hand
46
*7/8" Castle Nut
47
17800-004
Cotter Pin
7/8" Flat Washer
48
22962-007

1
1
8
8
2
2
1
1
2
2

4
4
2
4
1
1
1
1
2
4
4
2
2
2
2
4

2
2
2
2
2
2
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
4
4
1

1
1
2
2
2

NOTE: * Item included in kit / assembly only, part not sold separately.

KEY NOS. 38-39
STEERTEK NXT AXLE
Part Number

KEY NO. 43

TIE ROD ARM ASSEMBLY
Part Number

STRAIGHT TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Part Number

LEFT

RIGHT

77360-001

77244-001

77244-002

76879-001

77360-002

77244-003

77244-004

76879-002

77360-003

77244-005

77244-006

76879-003

77360-004

77244-007

77244-008

76879-002

77360-005

77244-009

77244-010

76879-003

77360-006

77244-011

77244-012

76879-003

17730-297

9

Parts List

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles

SECTION 5

Special Tools
SHOP MADE TOOLS
These shop made tools are designed to install and remove kingpin bushings. Bushing tools are made from cold rolled
steel or equivalent. Drawings are for reference only. Hendrickson does not supply these.

KINGPIN BUSHING DRIVER

KINGPIN BUSHING
REMOVER / INSTALLER

COLLAR DRIVER

ADJUSTABLE STRAIGHT FLUTE REAMER
The dimension of cutting diameter
must facilitate a range of 2.00" – 2.01"

Special Tools

10

17730-297

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles

SECTION 6

Towing Procedures
ON-HIGHWAY AND ON-ROADWAY
Hendrickson recommends that a vehicle equipped with a STEERTEK NXT steer axle and suspension system be towed by the following methods (listed in order of preference) for ON-HIGHWAY or
ON-ROADWAY applications.
■■

METHOD 1 — Wheel lift, the ideal towing procedure

■■

METHOD 2 — Towing the vehicle from the rear

■■

METHOD 3 — Conventional axle fork

Please read, understand and comply with any additional towing instructions and safety precautions that may be provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
Hendrickson will not be responsible for any damage to the axle, suspension or other vehicle components resulting from any towing method or fixture not authorized by Hendrickson.
Please contact Hendrickson Tech Services at 1-866-755-5968 or send e-mail to:
techservices‌@‌hendrickson-intl.com with any questions regarding proper towing procedures for
vehicles equipped with a STEERTEK NXT system.

METHOD 1 — WHEEL LIFT
This method provides the greatest ease for towing the vehicle. Lifting at the tires helps reduce the
risk of possible damage to the axle, suspension, and engine components during towing operations, see Figure 6-1.
FIGURE 6-1 Wheel Lift Method

METHOD 2 — TOWING VEHICLE FROM THE REAR
This method is preferred when the proper equipment is not available to perform the wheel lift
method and is necessary for wreckers not equipped with an under lift system.

METHOD 3 — AXLE FORK LIFT
This is an alternative method for towing the vehicle, but requires standard tow forks and designated lift points.

17730-297

11

Towing Procedures

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles
NOTE

When lifting a vehicle with an under lift boom, care must be taken not to damage the engine’s oil
pan. Vehicles equipped with a front fairing may require removal of the front fairing prior to towing
to prevent component damage.
■■

Ensure there is sufficient clearance between the oil pan and the boom.

■■

Release the tractor brakes.

■■

Install safety straps prior to towing the vehicle, it is preferred to use nylon safety straps.
Chains have a tendency to bind and may cause damage to the axle.

1. Use a tow fork with a minimum of 4.5" opening, 2" shank, see Figure 6-2.
2. Install the fork in the boom properly.
3. The proper tow fork location is centered between the axle seats on the axle, see Figure 6-3.
FIGURES 6-2

FIGURE 6-3

OFF-ROADWAY TOWING
WHEN A VEHICLE IS DISABLED AND EQUIPPED WITH A STEERTEK NXT SYSTEM, CARE MUST BE
TAKEN TO ENSURE THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION OR AXLE WHEN TOWING THE VEHICLE.
THE USE OF TOW STRAPS ARE NECESSARY TO TOW A DISABLED VEHICLE FROM A REPAIR FACILITY
PARKING LOT INTO THE SHOP BAY. THE TOW STRAPS SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE TOW HOOKS
PROVIDED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AT THE FRONT OF THE BUMPER. IF THE USE OF TOW
HOOKS IS NOT AN OPTION, THEN TOW STRAPS MAY BE WRAPPED AROUND THE FRONT STEERTEK NXT
SYSTEM, (SEE FIGURE 6-4) IN A MANNER THAT IS ACCEPTABLE FOR TOWING THE VEHICLE FROM A
REPAIR FACILITY PARKING LOT INTO THE SHOP BAY. DO NOT USE A TOW CHAIN AROUND THE FRONT
STEERTEK NXT SYSTEM TO TOW THE VEHICLE, DOING SO WILL DAMAGE THE AXLE AND VOID ANY
APPLICABLE WARRANTY, (SEE FIGURE 6-4).
■■

NYLON STRAPS OR CHAINS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ON-HIGHWAY OR ON-ROADWAY TOWING.

FIGURE 6-4

Towing Procedures

12

17730-297

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles

SECTION 7

Preventive Maintenance
The STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System is low maintenance system. Following appropriate inspection procedure is important to help ensure the proper maintenance and operation of
the STEERTEK NXT high capacity steer axle system and component parts function to their highest
efficiency.

HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
■■

The first 1,000 miles

■■

Vocational – every 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers) or 6 months, whichever comes first

COMPONENT INSPECTION
■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

Axle seat — Check torque. Inspect axle seats for cracks or damage. Inspect axle seat liners,
check for any missing liner material. If liner material is missing disassemble clamp group and
replace liners, see Component Replacement Section of this publication.
Clamp group — Check tightening torque on clamp group mounting hardware, refer to the
Clamp Group Re-torque Interval in this section.
Fasteners — Look for any loose or damaged fasteners on the entire suspension. Make sure all
fasteners are tightened to the specified torque. Refer to Torque Specifications Section of this publication if fasteners are supplied by Hendrickson, non‑Hendrickson fasteners, refer to the vehicle
manufacturer. Use a calibrated torque wrench to check torque in a tightening direction. As soon
as the fastener starts to move, record the torque. Correct the torque if necessary. Replace any
worn or damaged fasteners.
Operation — All steering components must move freely through the full range of motion from
axle stop to axle stop.
Steel leaf spring — Look for cracks. Replace if cracked or broken. Check the front bushing for
any wear or deterioration. Replace if necessary, see the Component Replacement Section of
this publication for replacement procedure.
Steering pivot points — Check for looseness at all pivot points. Inspect and lubricate all pivot
points. Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide Section of this publication.
STEERTEK NXT High Capacity axle — The axle should be free of any nicks or gouges. Inspect
for any cracks or dents on axle, replace if damaged.

Tire wear — Inspect tires for wear patterns that may indicate suspension damage or misalignment, see Tire Inspection in this section.
■■ Wear and damage — Inspect all parts of suspension for wear and damage. Look for bent or
cracked parts. Replace all worn or damaged parts.
Also see vehicle manufacturer’s applicable publications for other preventive maintenance
­requirements.
■■

17730-297

13

Preventive Maintenance

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles
LUBRICATION INTERVALS
For vehicles equipped with the STEERTEK NXT High Capacity steer axle system, regular lubrication
intervals should be ­followed to help prevent premature wear to the kingpin bushings and tie rod
ends, see lubrication chart below.
STEERTEK NXT HIGH CAPACITY Greasing and Lubrication Specifications
Component
Kingpin
Bushings

Greasing Interval

Grease

Tie Rod Ends

Maximum of 10,000
miles (16,100
kilometers) or 90 days,
whichever comes first.

Drag Link

Refer to the Vehicle Manufacturer

Threaded Pin

Every 3 months

Multipurpose
Grease

Lithium Base
Grease

NLGI
Grade

2

Outside Temperature
Refer to the lubricant
­manufacturer’s
specifications for the
temperature service limits
applicable to your area.

2

NOTE: L ubrication greases acceptable for use on the STEERTEK NXT will carry a designation of
NLGI #2 EP and rated GC-LB or equivalent.

KINGPIN LUBRICATION
1. Place vehicle on the ground.
2. Prior to greasing the kingpins on the vehicle, the suspension must be in a loaded condition.
3. Clean off all the grease zerks and grease gun tip with a clean shop towel prior to lubrication.
4. Lubricate the kingpins through the grease zerks on the top and bottom of the steering knuckle,
see Lubrication Specification chart above.
5. Force the required lubricant into the upper and lower kingpin grease zerks, until new lubricant
flows out from the upper kingpin connection and steering knuckle and the thrust bearing
purge location, see Figures 7-1 and 7-2.
NOTE

Greasing at the lower zerk should purge grease from the thrust bearing shell. The left and right
side of the STEERTEK NXT high capacity steer axle system have steel roller thrust bearings.
FIGURE 7-1
Upper
Grease Zerk

Preventive Maintenance

FIGURE 7-2
Grease Purge

14

Grease Purge

17730-297

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles
TIE ROD END LUBRICATION
LUBRICATION PROCEDURE
1. Turn the vehicle wheels straight ahead.
2. Wipe the grease zerk and grease gun tip with clean shop towels.
3. Wipe the seal / boot clean with shop towels.
4. Attach a grease gun to the grease zerk. Either a hand or pneumatic grease gun is acceptable.
If air operated grease gun is used, system air pressure should not exceed 150 psi (1035 kPa).
EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM AIR PRESSURE TO THE GREASE ZERK CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE DUST
BOOT AND COMPONENT FAILURE.
FIGURE 7-3

5. Dirt, water, and discolored old grease should
flow from the relief vents or purge holes near
the boot crimp or bellows area, see Figure 7-3.
Continue to purge grease until fresh grease
flows from the purge area.
6. If the tie rod end is designed for lube service and it will not accept grease proceed as
­follows:
a. Remove the grease zerk
b. Inspect the threaded grease zerk hole
in the tie rod end and remove any
obstructions

Dust
Boot
Boot
Crimp

Zerk Fitting

c. Install a new grease zerk
d. Continue the lubrication procedure
e. If the tie rod end will not accept grease following this procedure it will be necessary to
replace the tie rod end, (see Tie Rod Ends and Cross Tube replacement in the Component
Replacement Section of this publication)
7. Apply grease until all the old grease is purged from the boot and fresh grease is coming out.

TIE ROD END
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Before beginning this inspection procedure, the entire system must be unloaded (i.e., the front
end of the vehicle must be raised and supported with safety stands).
DO NOT GREASE THE TIE ROD ASSEMBLY BEFORE PERFORMING THE INSPECTION. DOING SO CAN
INHIBIT EFFORTS TO DETERMINE ACTUAL WEAR.
REPLACE THE ENTIRE TIE ROD END IF THE BOOT IS TORN OR MISSING, FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE
PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIE ROD END.

1. Block rear wheels of vehicle. Using the bottom of the axle beam or the frame rails, raise the
front end off the ground and support with stands.
2. With the engine off, turn the wheels from full left to full right and then return to the straightahead position.
3. Check that the boots are in place and completely installed over the tie rod ends.
4. Check for cracking or tears in the boots. Also check the boot seals for damage. Replace the
entire tie rod end if the boot is damaged.

17730-297

15

Preventive Maintenance

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Autocar® ACX-XPEDITOR™ Vehicles
THE COTTER PIN MUST BE INSTALLED CORRECTLY THROUGH THE TIE ROD END WITH THE CASTLE NUT
TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION IN ORDER TO SECURELY ATTACH THE TIE ROD.
LOSS OF THE COTTER PIN CAN CAUSE THE TIE ROD END NUT TO BECOME LOOSE AND ADVERSELY
AFFECT VEHICLE STEERING AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

5. Check that the tie rod end nut is installed and secured with a cotter pin. If the cotter pin is
missing, check the nut torque specification and then install a new cotter pin. Always tighten
the castle nut to specified torque when setting the cotter pin. DO NOT back off the nut to insert
cotter pin.
IT IS CRITICAL TO CHECK THE 5⁄ 8" TIE ROD CLAMP BOLT HEAD LOCATION TO VERIFY THE CLAMP
FASTENERS HAVE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE AWAY FROM THE LOWER SHOCK MOUNT AT FULL WHEEL
CUT. THE FASTENERS MUST NOT CONTACT THE LOWER SHOCK MOUNT. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
CAUSE ONE OR MORE COMPONENTS TO FAIL CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

6. Verify the 5⁄8" tie rod clamp bolt head does not contact the lower shock mount at full wheel
cut, see Figure 7-4.
THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD END MUST EXTEND PAST THE SLOTS INTO THE TIE ROD
CROSS TUBE, SEE FIGURE 7-4. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

7. Check that the tie rod end is threaded correctly into the cross tube and is engaged deeper
than the end of the cross tube slot. The tie rod end must be visible the entire length of the
cross tube slot, see Figure 7-4.
FIGURE 7-4

5/8" Tie

Rod Clamp Bolt
It is critical to check the 5/8" tie rod clamp bolt
head location to verify the clamp fasteners have
sufficient clearance away from the lower shock
mount at full wheel cut. The fasteners must not
contact the lower shock mount.

Tie Rod Cross Tube Slots
It is critical to have the threaded
portion of the tie rod end extend past
the slots in the tie rod cross tube.

Threaded Portion
of the Tie Rod End