1. Place the vehicle on level floor.
2. Chock the wheels.
3. Raise the frame and support the vehicle with frame stands.
4. Support the front axle with a floor jack.
5. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting fasteners.
SERVICE HINT

A floor jack may be required to support the axle.
6. Loosen or remove the bottom cap fasteners from the opposite side frame hanger / spring pin
connection.
7. Remove the bottom cap and fasteners from the hanger being replaced, see Figure 9-2.
8. Lower the floor jack until the spring eye / spring pin clears the front frame hanger legs.
9. Remove the frame mounting fasteners from the hanger per manufacturer’s guidelines.
10. Remove the hanger from the vehicle.
FIGURE 9-2

ASSEMBLY
1. Install the new hanger on the frame.
2. Install new frame fasteners per manufacturer’s
guidelines.
3. Raise the axle into the front hanger.
4. Install the front hanger bottom cap and
fasteners.
5. Tighten the ½" locknut to
pounds torque.

80 ± 8 foot

6. Install the lower shock absorber mounting fasteners to 188 ± 13 foot pounds torque.
7. Remove the frame stands and lower frame.
8. Remove the wheel chocks.

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.
8. Loosen the front hanger bottom cap fasteners on both leaf springs, see Figure 9-3, DO NOT
remove at this time.
Component Replacement

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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
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.
12. Install the collar bushing driver from the rear of the axle, see Figure 9-5.
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

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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
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.

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. Secure the leaf spring and clamp group assembly in a suitable holding device, such as a vice
with brass jaws (soft jaws), see Figure 9-8.
FIGURE 9-8

FIGURE 9-9

1" Hex Bolt

Brass Jaws
(Soft Jaws)
Vice
Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly
FIGURE 9-10

FIGURE 9-11

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 9-10
and 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 PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE
TO COMPONENTS.

Component Replacement

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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.
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.
6. Install the new axle collar fasteners with the bolt head located on the front side of the axle.
FIGURE 9-12

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.
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 absorber hex bolt 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.

CLAMP GROUP COMPONENTS

FIGURE 9-13

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 (4) 1" hex
bolts.
4. Remove the top pad.
5. Remove and discard all plastic leaf
spring liners.
6. Remove the leaf spring assembly and
leaf spring spacer.

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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
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 Assembly and Components
Capacity

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

1" Hex Bolt

Leaf Spring
Assembly

1" Flat Washer
Spring Spacer
(USE ONLY AS
SPECIFIED) Thickness Part No.

Length

Part No.

7"

64107-002

Not Required

9"

64107-003

22962-051

7"

64107-002

Not Required

ROSENBAUER
18K

20K

24K

8"

80141-101

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

10"

80888-001

34013-312

11"

80888-002

34013-313

10"

80888-101

34013-312

11"

80888-102

34013-313

10"

80888-201

34013-314

11"

80888-202

34013-315

82378-000

82379-000

82380-000

---

---

1"

79814-000

0.82"

80298-000

---

---

1"

79814-000

0.5"

80223-000

8.5"

64107-006

Not Required

7.5"

64107-000

22962-051

---

---

8.5"

64107-006

22962-051

1"

79814-000

9"

64107-003

Not Required

---

---

10"

64107-008

Not Required

1"

79814-000

9"

64107-003

Not Required

---

---

10"

64107-008

Not Required

1"

79814-000

9.5"

64107-007

22962-051

---

---

10.5"

64107-009

22962-051

1"

79814-000

KME
20K
22K
24K

82532-000
82533-000
82534-000

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

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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.
FIGURE 9-14

FIGURE 9-15

1" Hex Bolt

Brass Jaws
(Soft Jaws)
Vice
Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly
FIGURE 9-16

6. Secure the leaf spring and clamp group assembly in a suitable holding
device, such as a soft jaw vise, see Figure 9-14.
7. 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 9‑16.
8. Install the new axle seat liner under the axle seat (liner tabs snap to the
sides of axle seat), see Figure 9-15.
THE WEIGHT OF THE LEAF SPRING AND CLAMP GROUP ASSEMBLY IS APPROXIMATELY 230 POUNDS.
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN AT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE
TO COMPONENTS.

9. Install the new leaf spring and clamp group assembly (approximate weight 230 pounds) on
the axle per the Leaf Spring and Clamp Group Assembly instructions in this section.

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 shock absorbers
attached.
5. Remove the front wheels, hubs, brake shoes, ABS sensors, and backing plate assembly.
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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
6. Disconnect the drag link from the steering arm.
7. Support the axle with a suitable jack.
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.
5. Install the new axle collar fasteners with the bolt head located on the front side of the axle.
FIGURE 9-17

Component Replacement

38

17730-311