2. Position the steer axle tires straight ahead.
3. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut.
DO NOT HEAT THE CROSS TUBE WITH A TORCH TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF 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.

17730-312

53

Component Replacement

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
FIGURE 9-47

4. Lightly tap the side of the lower steering
knuckle (Ackermann arm) to loosen the tie rod
end from the Ackermann arm, see Figure 9-47.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to remove the other tie
rod end.
6. Remove the cross tube and tie rod ends from
the vehicle.
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.
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 lower steering knuckle.
■ A left hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the left side lower steering knuckle.
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.
FIGURE 9-48
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.

THE THREADED PORTION OF THE TIE ROD END MUST EXTEND PAST THE SLOTS INTO THE TIE ROD
CROSS TUBE, SEE FIGURE 9-48. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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.

3. Replace the opposing tie rod end if necessary by repeating Steps 2 and 3.
4. If replacing opposing tie rod end, it is critical that the cross tube will rotate in the opposing tie
rod end.
Component Replacement

54

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
5. Install the cross tube into the lower steering knuckles (Ackermann arms).
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 tie rod ends, see Lubrication Chart for required lubricant in Preventive Maintenance
Section of this publication.
8. Set the toe, see the Toe Adjustment Procedure in Alignment & Adjustments Section of
this publication.

AIR DISC BRAKE • DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLY
SERVICE HINT

17730-312

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 the following component manufacturers.
■■

Federal Mogul technical and parts support 800.325.8886 or www.fme-cat.com

■■

Meritor technical and parts support 888.725.9355 or parts (www.meritorpartsexpress.com),
technical support (www.meritorbullpen.com)

■■

Stemco technical and part support 800.527.8492 or go to www.stemco.com

■■

Timken 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 www.wabco-auto.com/
aftermarket-services/inform-product-catalog

■■

Webb technical and part support 800.633.3256 or go to www.webbwheel.com

55

Component Replacement

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SECTION 10

HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED TORQUE VALUES
PROVIDED IN FOOT POUNDS

Torque Specifications
SOFTEK for Lion Bus with Drum Brakes

Torque Specifications

56

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SOFTEK with STEERTEK Axle for Lion Bus with Drum Brakes
Hendrickson Recommended Torque Specifications
FASTENER
NO.

COMPONENT

*QTY.

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.
1

Front Frame Hanger to Front Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

2

Rear Shackle Bracket to Shackle Plate

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

3

Rear Shackle Bracket to Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

Axle Wrap Liners for Clamp Group

4

Formed

4

Snap Fit

O NOT ASSEMBLE CLAMP GROUP WITHOUT AXLE WRAP LINERS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
D
CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Clamp Group Hardware

5

8

¾"

293 ± 12

397 ± 16

E NSURE CLAMP GROUP IS ALIGNED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TIGHTENING HARDWARE. FAILURE TO
DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

6

Knuckle Attachment Bolt (Socket Head Cap Screw)

4

5⁄8"

188 ± 12

255 ± 16

7

Knuckle / Steering Stop Bolt

2

½" Jam Nut

50 ± 10

68 ± 14

8

Tie Rod Tube to Tie Rod Ends

2

5⁄8"

68 ± 7

92 ± 9

9

Tie Rod Ends / Drag Link to Steering Knuckle

2

**185

**251

10

Upper and Lower Shock absorber Eye Fasteners

4

¾"

130 ± 5

176 ± 8

11

Lower Steering Knuckle Assembly to Brake Assembly

8

5⁄8"

190 ± 10

258 ± 14

12

Inner Wheel Bearing Adjusting Nut

2

1½"

***

13

Wheel Bearing Outer Nut

2

1½"

***

14

Hubcap

12

5⁄16"

15

Wheel Flange Nut

20

M22

7⁄8"

Castle Nut

18 ± 2

24 ± 3
***

• All hardware ¼" and greater is Grade 8 with no additional lubrication.
NOTE: * Quantities shown as per front suspension and axle system.
** Torque to 185 foot pounds (251 Nm), advance nut to next hex face to install cotter pin. DO NOT back off nut
for cotter pin installation.
*** Not supplied by Hendrickson, used for reference only. Follow the torque specification listed in the vehicle
manufacturer's service manual.

17730-312

57

Torque Specifications

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SOFTEK for Lion Bus with Disc Brakes

Torque Specifications

HENDRICKSON RECOMMENDED TORQUE VALUES
PROVIDED IN FOOT POUNDS

58

17730-312

SOFTEK® for Lion Bus
SOFTEK with STEERTEK Axle for Lion Bus with Disc Brakes
Hendrickson Recommended Torque Specifications
FASTENER
NO.

COMPONENT

*QTY.

SIZE

TORQUE VALUE
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.
1

Front Frame Hanger to Front Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

2

Rear Shackle Bracket to Shackle Plate

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

3

Rear Shackle Bracket to Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

Axle Wrap Liners for Clamp Group

4

Formed

4

Snap Fit

O NOT ASSEMBLE CLAMP GROUP WITHOUT AXLE WRAP LINERS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
D
CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Clamp Group Hardware

5

8

¾"

293 ± 12

397 ± 16

E NSURE CLAMP GROUP IS ALIGNED PROPERLY PRIOR TO TIGHTENING HARDWARE. FAILURE TO
DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.

6

Knuckle Attachment Bolt (Socket Head Cap Screw)

4

5⁄8"

188 ± 12

255 ± 16

7

Knuckle / Steering Stop Bolt

2

½" Jam Nut

50 ± 10

68 ± 14

8

Tie Rod Tube to Tie Rod Ends

2

5⁄8"

68 ± 7

92 ± 9

9

Tie Rod Ends / Drag Link to Steering Knuckle

2

**185

**251

10

Upper and Lower Shock absorber Eye Fasteners

4

¾"

130 ± 5

176 ± 8

11

Lower Steering Knuckle Assembly to Torque Plate

8

5⁄8"

190 ± 10

258 ± 14

12

Torque Plate to Dust Shield

6

M8

14 ± 2

19 ± 3

13

Torque Plate to Caliper

8

M20

340 ± 20

461 ± 27

14

Torque Plate to ABS Bracket

4

5

⁄16"

18 ± 2

24 ±3

15

Inner Wheel Bearing Adjusting Nut

2

1½"

***

16

Wheel Bearing Outer Nut

2

1½"

***