4. Use one of the following methods to measure
the vertical clearance.
■■ Place

a pry bar between the knuckle and the
top of the axle center. Pry the knuckle up and
measure the vertical end play.

■■ Place

a block of wood and a hydraulic jack
under the bottom of the knuckle. Raise the
knuckle until the pointer on the dial indicator
stops, see Figure 9-51.

Ensure the tip of
the dial indicator
is on the top of
the upper steering
knuckle and not
on the grease cap

5. Record dial indicator reading.
the knuckle binds or zero end play is measured, remove shims from the shim pack.

■■ If
■■ If

the reading is more than the correct specification shown in Table 9-2, add shims to the
shim pack.

TABLE 9-2

END PLAY SPECIFICATIONS
New or Rebuilt Axles: 0.001-0.010 inch (0.025-0.254 mm)
In-service Axles:

0.001-0.030 inch (0.025-0.762 mm)

6. Tighten upper and lower draw key locknuts to

35 ± 5 foot pounds torque.

GREASE CAP INSTALLATION
TAKE CARE WHEN YOU USE LOCTITE ADHESIVE TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. READ THE
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY TO PREVENT IRRITATION TO THE EYES AND SKIN. IF LOCTITE® ADHESIVE MATERIAL GETS
INTO YOU EYES, FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. HAVE YOUR EYES
CHECKED BY A PHYSICIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NOTE

If reusing a grease cap, ensure to apply the Loctite Straight Thread Sealant™ (STS) all around the
threads (apply to a minimum of 3 threads), see Figure 9-52.
FIGURE 9-52

FIGURE 9-53

Apply Loctite STS to
a minimum of three
grease cap threads

Grease Cap
Tightening Torque
60 ± 10 ft. lbs.

1. Ensure Loctite STS is applied to a minimum of three grease cap threads (note: new grease
caps have Loctite STS pre-applied).
2. Install the threaded grease caps onto the top of the knuckle.
Component Replacement

48

17730-311

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
3. Tighten the grease caps to

60 ± 10 foot pounds, see Figure 9-53.

4. Remove the bottle jack and continue assembling the wheel ends.

STEERING ARM INSTALLATION
TAKE CARE WHEN YOU USE LOCTITE ADHESIVE TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY. READ THE
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY TO PREVENT IRRITATION TO THE EYES AND SKIN. IF LOCTITE ADHESIVE MATERIAL GETS INTO
YOU EYES, FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. HAVE YOUR EYES CHECKED BY
A PHYSICIAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
FIGURE 9-54

1. Use a tap to remove old Loctite
adhesive from the internal
threads of the knuckle.
2. Use new steering arm hex bolts
and apply Loctite 680 adhesive.
Ensure to cover at least half of
the thread area.
3. Insert the hex bolts through the
steering arm. Hand-start the
bolts into the knuckle assembly, see Figure 9-54.
4. Tighten the steering arm hex bolts to

TIE ROD ARM INSTALLATION

637 ± 13 foot pounds torque.
FIGURE 9-55

1. Install new O-ring on the bottom of the
steering knuckle.
2. Use a tap to remove old Loctite adhesive
from the internal threads of the knuckle.
3. Use new tie rod arm hex bolts and
apply Loctite 680 adhesive. Ensure to
cover at least half of the thread area.
4. Lubricate O-ring with grease and install
tie rod arm on the bottom of the steering knuckle.
5. Insert the tie rod arm hex bolts through
the tie rod arm and into the steering
knuckle. Hand-start the bolts into the
knuckle assembly, see Figure 9-55.
6. Tighten the tie rod arm bolts to
487 ± 13 foot pounds torque.
7. Install brake torque plate.
IMPORTANT NOTE

It is critical to apply Loctite to the three (3) brake torque plate bolts to ensure that these bolts
sustain the proper torque requirement of steering knuckle assembly.
8. Apply Loctite Red 262 to the torque plate bolts prior to installation into the torque plate.
9. Tighten toque plate bolts to

400 ± 50 foot pounds torque.

10. Install the tie rod end into the tie rod arm, see Figure 9-55.
11. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 foot pounds torque then rotate the castle nut to the next
castle slot and install cotter pin, see Figure 9-55.

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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
12. Install the drag link into the steering arm and tighten to the vehicle manufacturer’s
­specifications.
13. Install wheel ends and tires.
14. Remove jack and safety stands.
15. Grease steering knuckles with the vehicle on the floor.
16. Remove the wheel chocks.

TIE ROD ENDS AND CROSS TUBE
NOTE:

Hendrickson supplies different tie rod configurations. Prior to ordering, locate the part number on
the tie rod tube, for additional information see Technical Bulletin SEU-0223 or contact Hendrickson
Tech Services.

DISASSEMBLY
1. Chock the wheels.
2. Position the steer axle tires straight ahead.
3. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut.
4. Lightly tap the side of the tie rod arm to loosen the tie rod end from the tie rod arm, see
Figure 9‑56.
5. Repeat to Steps 3 and 4 to remove the other tie rod end.
6. Remove the cross tube and tie rod ends from the vehicle.
FIGURE 9-56

7. Mount the cross tube in a soft jaw vice.
8. Remove the hardware from the clamp on the
cross tube.
9. Count the exposed threads on the tie rod end
being replaced.
10. Remove the tie rod end from the cross tube.
Lightly tap the side
DO NOT HEAT THE CROSS TUBE WITH A TORCH TO
of tie rod arm to
FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF THE TIE ROD END. THE
loosen the tie rod end
USE OF SUCH HEAT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
STRENGTH OF THE CROSS TUBE. A COMPONENT DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER WILL RESULT IN LOSS
OF WARRANTY, AND CAN RESULT IN THE AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

11. If the opposing tie rod end is being replaced repeat Steps 8 through 10.
12. Inspect the cross tube for dents, cracks, or thread damage. Replace the cross tube if needed.

ASSEMBLY
1. Lubricate the new tie rod end threads with Anti-Seize.
NOTE

When installing the cross tube the thread direction of the tie rod ends are as follows:
■
A right hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the right side tie rod arm.
■
A left hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the left side tie rod Arm.
2. Install the new tie rod end into the cross tube, leaving the same amount of threads exposed
that were counted on the failed tie rod end prior to removal.
THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD END MUST EXTEND PAST THE SLOTS INTO THE TIE ROD
CROSS TUBE, SEE FIGURE 9‑57. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Towing Procedures

50

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STEERTEK NXT High Capacity Steer Axle System for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
FIGURE 9‑57
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

5/8" Tie Rod Clamp Locknut
Tightening Torque 68 ± 7 ft. lbs.

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 ABSORBER MOUNT
AT FULL WHEEL CUT. THE FASTENERS MUST NOT CONTACT THE LOWER SHOCK ABSORBER 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.

3. Replace the opposing tie rod end if necessary by repeating Steps 1 and 2.
DO NOT HEAT THE CROSS TUBE WITH A TORCH TO ROTATE THE CROSS TUBE IN THE TIE ROD END. THE
USE OF SUCH HEAT CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE CROSS TUBE. A COMPONENT
DAMAGED IN THIS MANNER WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF WARRANTY, AND CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL, AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

4. It is critical that the cross tube rotate in the opposing tie rod end, even if it is not replaced.
5. Install the tie rod end into the tie rod arm.
6. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 foot pounds, torque then rotate the castle nut to the next
castle slot and install cotter pin.
7. Grease the tie rod ends. Refer to the Lubrication Table 7-1 for required lubricant in the
Preventive Maintenance Section of this publication.
8. Set the toe, refer to the Toe Adjustment Procedure in the Alignment & Adjustments Section of
this publication.

AIR DISC BRAKES • DRUM BRAKES ASSEMBLY
Brake components are not supplied by Hendrickson for aftermarket service purposes. For more
information and assistance with service, maintenance and rebuild instructions on these components, refer to specific Parts List for your suspension system, see Parts List Section of this
publication.

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SECTION 10

Torque Specifications
5.
32 ± 3 ft. lbs
(43 ± 4 Nm)

6.
80 ± 8 ft. lbs
(108 ± 10 Nm)

HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED TORQUE VALUES
Provided in foot pounds and in Newton Meters

1.
600 ± 20 ft. lbs
(814 ± 27 Nm)

8.
80 ± 8 ft. lbs
(108 ± 10 Nm)

7.
80 ± 8 ft. lbs
(108 ± 10 Nm)

10.
188 ± 13 ft. lbs
(255 ± 17 Nm)

9.
188 ± 13 ft. lbs
(255 ± 17 Nm)

15.
60 ± 10 ft. lbs
(81 ± 14 Nm)

3.
800 ± 20 ft. lbs
(1084 ± 27 Nm)
2.
Snap Fit

4.
35 ± 5 ft. lbs
(47 ± 7 Nm)

4.
35 ± 5 ft. lbs
(47 ± 7 Nm)

11.
637 ± 13 ft. lbs
(864 ± 17 Nm)
13.
Min. 15 ft. lbs
(Min. 20 Nm)
*16.
185 ft. lbs
(251 Nm)

14.
487 ± 13 ft. lbs
(660 ± 17 Nm)

17.
68 ± 7 ft. lbs
(92 ± 9 Nm)

13.
Min. 15 ft. lbs
(Min. 20 Nm)

Torque Specifications

12.
50 ± 10 ft. lbs
(68 ± 14 Nm)

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

STEERTEK NXT High Capacity for Fire and Rescue Vehicles
HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
NO.

COMPONENT

FASTENER
QUANTITY

TORQUE VALUE

SIZE

Foot Pounds

Newton Meters

Frame fasteners are furnished and installed by the vehicle manufacturer. Vehicle manufacturer may use an equivalent HUCK
fastener at frame mount.
WARNING: ENSURE CLAMP GROUP IS ALIGNED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TIGHTENING HARDWARE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
1

Clamp Group Hex Bolt

8

2

Axle Seat Liner

2

3

Axle Collar at the Bolt Head

4

1"-8 UNC
1"-8 UNC
7⁄16"-14

UNC

600 ± 20

814 ± 27

Snap Fit

Snap Fit

800 ± 20

1084 ± 27

4

Kingpin Draw Key Nut

4

35 ± 5

47 ± 7

5

Jounce Stop

2

M10

32 ± 3

43 ± 4

6

Front Frame Hanger to Leaf Spring Assembly

8

½"-20 UNC

80 ± 8

108 ± 10

7

Rear Shackle to Rear Frame Hanger

4

½"-20 UNC

80 ± 8

108 ± 10

8

Rear Shackle to Leaf Spring Assembly

4

½"-20 UNC

80 ± 8

108 ± 10

9

Upper Shock Absorber

2

¾"-10 UNC

188 ± 13

255 ± 17

10

Lower Shock Absorber

2

¾"-10 UNC

188 ± 13

255 ± 17

11

Knuckle Assembly to Steering Arm

4

1"-14 UNF

637 ± 13

864 ± 17

50 ± 10

68 ± 14

Minimum of 15

Minimum of 20

487 ± 13

660 ± 17

60 ± 10

81 ± 14

*185

*251

68 ± 7

92 ± 9

12

Knuckle / Axle Wheel Stop Bolt

2

13

Grease Zerk

4

14

Knuckle Assembly to Tie Rod Arm

4

15

Grease Cap

2

16

Tie Rod Ends to Tie Rod Arms

2

17

Tie Rod Tube to Tie Rod Ends