71
**Meritor 0.05" Wheel End Lock Washer
2
Part No. 1229-F-474
72
**Meritor Wheel End Outer Nut No. 1227-B-106 2
73
**Stemco Hubcap Gasket Part No. 330-3024
2
74
**Meritor Hub & Rotor Assembly,
2
Steel Hub 15.38 x 1.54 Rotor
Part No. 17160671003
75
***M22 x 1.5 Two-piece Wheel Nut
20
76
**Stemco Hubcap Assembly - 6",
2
Kit No. 343-4346, Includes Key No. 77
77
*Rubber Plug
2
5
78
64545-002
⁄16"-18 UNC x ¾" Hex Bolt
12
with Retainer Washer (Hubcap Bolts)

11

22962-007
17800-004
60961-069

For all (*) see Notes on Page 12

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SECTION 5

Special Tools
KINGPIN BUSHING TOOL – ADJUSTABLE STRAIGHT FLUTE REAMER
The dimension of cutting diameter must
facilitate a range of 1.802"-1.812"

KINGPIN TOOLS
SHOP MADE TOOLS: The 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 tools.

NOTES: * Item included in assembly only, part not sold separately.
** Not supplied by Hendrickson for aftermarket service purposes. Description and part number listed for reference only. For more
information and assistance with service, maintenance and rebuild instructions on these components see below component
manufacturers:
• Federal Mogul technical and parts support 800.325.8886 or go to www.fme-cat.com
• Meritor technical and parts support 888.725.9355 or online, parts (www.meritorpartsexpress.com), technical support
(www.meritorbullpen.com)
• Stemco technical and part support 800.527.8492 or go to www.stemco.com
• Timken at technical and part support 866.984.6536 or online at www.timken.com/resources or Timken YouTube series,
Timken Tricks of the Trade (Installing a Timken® Set-Right® Bearing)
• WABCO technical and parts support 855.228.3203 or online at www.wabco-auto.com/aftermarket-services/inform-product-catalog
• Webb technical and part support 800.633.3256 or go to www.webbwheel.com
*** Not supplied by Hendrickson, used for reference only. Contact the vehicle manufacturer for more information.
Special Tools

12

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SECTION 6

Towing Procedure
ON-HIGHWAY AND ON-ROADWAY
Hendrickson recommends that a vehicle equipped with a STEERTEK axle be towed by the ­following
methods (listed in order of preference) for ON‑HIGHWAY or ON‑ROADWAY a­ pplications.
■■

METHOD 1 — Wheel lift, the ideal towing procedure

■■

METHOD 2 — 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 toll-free at 1-866-755-5968 (U.S. and Canada) or send
e­‑mail to: techservices@hendrickson-intl.com with any questions regarding proper towing procedures for vehicles equipped with a STEERTEK axle.

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 — AXLE FORK LIFT
This is an alternative method for towing the vehicle, which requires standard 5" forks, see Figures
6-2 and 6-3, and designated lift points between the two (2) axle clamp groups. The following
procedure must be used:

17730-312

■■

Place a spacer on the boom, to provide adequate clearance between the oil pan and the
boom if necessary. Lift the vehicle in order to place spacer under tires. This will provide sufficient room under the axle to locate forks in the proper position.

■■

Install the fork in the boom properly.

■■

Position the tow forks directly under the axle, between the two (2) axle clamp groups as
shown in Figure 6-2.
13

Towing Procedure

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
■■

Proper tow fork location on inside clamp group on the STEERTEK Axle, see Figures 6-2 and 6-3.

FIGURE 6-2

■■

FIGURE 6-3

Prior to lifting the vehicle, ensure that the bottom axle plate is flat in the tow fork to m
­ inimize
any gap between the bottom axle plate and the tow fork, see Figures 6-4 and 6-5.

FIGURE 6-4

NOTE

­­

FIGURE 6-5

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.
■■

Lift vehicle and secure the vehicle to the boom.

■■

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

OFF ROADWAY TOWING
WHEN A VEHICLE IS DISABLED AND EQUIPPED WITH A STEERTEK AXLE, 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 AXLE, SEE FIGURE
6-6, 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 AXLE TO TOW THE
VEHICLE, DOING SO WILL DAMAGE THE AXLE AND VOID ANY APPLICABLE WARRANTY, SEE FIGURE 6-6.
■■

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

FIGURE 6-6

Towing Procedure

14

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SECTION 7

Preventive Maintenance
The SOFTEK systems installed on STEERTEK axle are low maintenance systems. Following appropriate inspection procedures is important to help ensure the proper maintenance and operation
of the SOFTEK suspension system and component parts function to their highest efficiency. Look
and replace any bent, cracked, worn or damaged parts.

HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
■■
■■

The first 1,000 miles
On-highway – every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first

COMPONENT INSPECTION
■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

■■

Clamp group — Check torque on clamp group mounting hardware. Refer to the Clamp Group
Re-Torque Interval in this section.
Top and bottom axle wrap liners — Look for any cracking or broken pieces on liner in load
bearing areas. See Axle Wrap Liner Inspection in this section.
Top pad — Look for cracks. Replace if necessary, see Component Replacement Section of this
publication for replacement procedure.
Fasteners — Look for any loose or damaged fasteners on the entire suspension. Make sure all
fasteners are tightened to the specified torque. See Torque Specification Section of this publication for recommended torque requirements. 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.
Front and rear leaf spring hangers — Check for cracks or loose mounting hardware. Replace
if necessary, see Component Replacement Section of this publication for replacement
procedure.
Hub — Visually inspect the hubcap and any signs of leakage and proper fluid level. Visually
inspect the wheel seal for any signs of leakage. Replace if necessary, refer to the vehicle
manufacturer for proper preventive maintenance and rebuild instructions.
Shock absorber — Look for any signs of dents or leakage. Refer to the Shock Absorber
Inspection in this section.
Steel leaf spring — Look for cracks. Replace if cracked or broken. Check the front and rear
bushings for any wear or deterioration. Replace leaf spring assembly if any of the previous
conditions are observed. See Component Replacement Section of this publication for replacement procedure.
Operation — All steering components must move freely through the full range of motion from
axle stop to axle stop.
Steering pivot points — Check for looseness at all pivot points. Inspect and lubricate all
pivot points, maximum service interval is 25,000 miles. Refer to the STEERTEK Greasing and
Lubrication Specifications Table 7-1, in this section.
STEERTEK axle and Tie Rod — Inspect for any cracks or dents on the axle, and also refer to the
Tie Rod Ends Inspection and Lubrication Section in this publication. Replace as necessary.
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.

See the vehicle manufacturer’s applicable publications for other preventive maintenance
requirements.

17730-312

15

Preventive Maintenance

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
LUBRICATION INTERVALS
For vehicles equipped with the STEERTEK axle, regular lubrication intervals should be ­followed to
help prevent premature wear to the kingpin bushings and tie rod ends, see lubrication chart below.
NOTE
TABLE 7-1

The recommended service lubrication interval is a guideline, the vehicle may require increased
lubrication interval depending on severity of operation.

STEERTEK Greasing and Lubrication Specifications
COMPONENT

GREASING INTERVAL

GREASE

KINGPIN BUSHINGS
TIE ROD ENDS

Maximum of 25,000 miles
(40,000 kilometers) or 90
days, whichever comes first.

Multipurpose
Grease

DRAG LINK

See Vehicle Manufacturer

NLGI
GRADE

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE

2

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

NOTE: Lubrication greases acceptable for use on the STEERTEK axle will carry a designation of NLGI #2 EP and rated GCLB or equivalent.

STEERING KNUCKLE
CHECKING VERTICAL END PLAY (UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT)
The operating spec for vertical end play on the steering knuckle is 0.008" to 0.030".
FIGURE 7-1

1. Chock the rear tires to help prevent the vehicle from
moving.
2. Set the parking brakes.
3. Use a jack to raise the vehicle until both tires are 1"
off the ground. Support the vehicle with jack stands.

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

4. Place a dial indicator on each side of the axle as
follows:
a. Index the wheels slightly (left or right).
b. Place the magnetic dial indicator base on the
axle, see Figure 7-1.
c. Place the tip of the dial indicator on the top of the
upper steering knuckle (not on the grease cap).
5. Set the dial indicator to “0” (zero).
6. Lower the jack.
7. If vertical end play is greater than 0.030" or below
0.008", an adjustment of the upper knuckle is necessary.

ADJUSTMENT
1. If the vertical end play is:
■■

Preventive Maintenance

Greater than 0.030", loosen the socket head cap screws and push down on the
knuckle assembly until the proper vertical end play is achieved. If adjustment does
not achieve end play specification, install shims, Hendrickson Part No. 60259‑001X
(0.005" thickness) or Part No. 60259-002 (0.047" thickness) between the top of the
axle and the bottom of the upper steering knuckle to obtain the proper end play specification. See Steering Knuckle Assembly in Component Replace­ment Section of this
publication for proper shim installation.
16

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
■■

Less than 0.008", loosen the socket head cap screws and pull up on the knuckle
assembly until the proper vertical end play is achieved. If adjustment does not achieve
end play specification, remove shims. See Steering Knuckle Assembly in Component
Replacement Section of this publication for proper shim removal.

KINGPIN BUSHING WEAR
CHECKING STEERING KNUCKLE LATERAL MOVEMENT
NOTE

If one (1) bushing is worn or damaged, it is mandatory to replace both the upper and lower bushings on that knuckle assembly.
FIGURE 7-2

FIGURE 7-3

CHECKING UPPER KINGPIN BUSHING

CHECKING LOWER KINGPIN BUSHING

FIGURE 7-4

1. Chock the wheels to help prevent the vehicle from moving. Set the parking brake.
2. Use a jack to raise the vehicle until the
wheels are off the ground. Support the vehicle with jack stands.
3. CHECKING THE UPPER KINGPIN BUSHING.
Install the base of a dial ­indicator onto the
axle beam and face the tip against the steering knuckle, see Figure 7-2.
4. Set the dial indicator to “0” zero.
5. Move the top of the tire in and out by applying reasonable constant pressure and then
release, see Figure 7-4.
6. Check the reading on the dial indicator. If the dial indicator moves more than 0.015", the
upper bushing is worn or damaged. Replace upper and lower bushings. Refer to the Kingpin
Bushing replacement procedure in the Component Replacement Section of this publication.
7. CHECKING THE LOWER KINGPIN BUSHING. Install a dial indicator so that the base is on the
axle and the indicator tip is against the inside of the bottom of the knuckle, see Figure 7-3.
8. Set the dial indicator to “0” zero.
9. Move the bottom of the tire in and out. If the dial indicator moves more than 0.015", the
lower bushing is worn or damaged. Replace upper and lower kingpin bushings. Refer to the
Component Replacement Section of this publication.
17730-312

17

Preventive Maintenance

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
KINGPIN LUBRICATION
On the Hendrickson STEERTEK front axle the kingpin grease fittings are located on the top and
bottom of the kingpin grease caps.
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 fittings and grease gun tip with a clean shop towel prior
to lubrication.
4. Lubricate the kingpins through the grease fittings on the top and bottom of the steering
knuckle, see STEERTEK Greasing and Lubrication Specifications Table 7-1.
5. Force the required lubricant into the upper and lower kingpin grease fittings, until new lubricant flows from upper axle beam and knuckle locations, see grease purging from composite
bearing in Figure 7-5.
FIGURE 7-5

FIGURE 7-6

NOTE

Greasing at the lower zerk should
purge grease from the thrust bearing
shell. The left side of the axle has a
composite style thrust bearing and the
right side of the axle has a steel roller
thrust bearing, see Figure 7-6. Both
purge in the same area.

Black Seal

Top View of Thrust Bearings

COMPOSITE THRUST BEARING
Left Side

TIE ROD ENDS

Seal

ROLLER THRUST BEARING
Right Side

INSPECTION
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 jack stands.
2. With the engine off, turn the wheels from full left to full right and then return to the straightahead position.
Preventive Maintenance

18

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
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.
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 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.

6. Verify the 5⁄8" tie rod clamp bolt head does not contact the lower shock absorber mount at full
wheel cut, see Figure 7-7.
THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD END MUST EXTEND PAST THE SLOTS INTO THE TIE ROD
CROSS TUBE, SEE FIGURE 7-7. 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 7-7.
8. Check that zerk fittings are installed. Replace a damaged zerk fitting with a new one.
FIGURE 7-7
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.

DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS OR METHODS TO CHECK FOR MOVEMENT OF THE TIE ROD
ASSEMBLY, WHICH CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO COMPONENTS:
■■
■■

■■

17730-312

A CROW BAR, PICKLE FORK OR 2 X 4
ANYTHING OTHER THAN HANDS USED TO GRASP AND ROTATE THE CROSS TUBE ASSEMBLY (CAN
RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE CROSS TUBE).
EXCESSIVE PRESSURE OR FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE TIE ROD ENDS OR THE JOINTS OF THE
ASSEMBLY.

19

Preventive Maintenance

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
9. By hand or using a pipe wrench, with jaw protectors to avoid gouging the tie rod cross tube,
rotate the cross tube toward the front of the vehicle and then toward the rear. After rotating,
center the cross tube. If the cross tube will not rotate in either direction, replace both tie rod
ends, see Figure 7-8.
10. Position yourself directly below the tie rod end. Using both hands, grab the assembly end as
close to the tie rod end as possible (no more than 6" or 152.4 mm). Apply hand pressure with
reasonable human effort vertically up and down in a push-pull motion several times (using
approximately 50-100 pounds of force). Check for any vertical movement or looseness at both
tie rod end locations, see Figure 7-9.
FIGURE 7-8

FIGURE 7-9

11. If there is any movement in the tie rod assembly, install a magnetic based dial indicator on the
lower steering knuckle (Ackermann arm), see Figure 7-10.
12. Set the dial indicator to zero.
FIGURE 7-10

13. Apply hand pressure with reasonable human
effort vertically up and down in a push-pull
motion several times (using approximately
50-100 pounds of force). Observe the reading
on the dial indicator.
14. If the reading is more than 0.060", replace both
tie rod ends at the next service ­interval.
15. If either tie rod end exhibits ≥ 0.125" of movement by hand, the vehicle should be removed
immediately from use and tie rod ends replaced.
NOTE

Preventive Maintenance

According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
(CVSA), the “out of service” criteria for any commercial vehicle is: Any motion other than rotational
between any linkage member and its attachment
point of more than 1⁄ 8" (3 mm) measured with
hand pressure only (393.209(d)), (published in
the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria
Handbook, April 1, 2006).

20

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
TIE ROD END LUBRICATION
LUBRICATION PROCEDURE
1. Turn the vehicle wheels straight ahead.
2. Wipe the zerk fitting and grease gun tip with clean shop towels.
3. Wipe the seal / boot clean with shop towels.
4. Attach a grease gun to the zerk fitting. 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 ZERK FITTING CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE DUST
BOOT AND COMPONENT FAILURE.
FIGURE 7-11