Top View of Thrust Bearings
Seal

COMPOSITE Left Side

ROLLER Right Side

3. Install the upper steering knuckle on the upper arm kingpin.
4. Install the lower steering knuckle on the lower kingpin and install the old socket head cap
screws loose into the top two (2) threaded holes.
SERVICE HINT

The easiest way to achieve this is with the grease caps not installed in the knuckle assemblies.
This eliminates back pressure. The assembly can then freely slide up and down on the kingpin.
If the grease caps are still installed, remove the grease zerks to avoid creating back pressure.
Grease zerks will be reinstalled at the end of the procedure.
5. Install a bottle jack under the lower knuckle and slightly raise the knuckle until it is ­possible to
thread in the three (3) brake backing plate bolts by hand. These are for guide ­purposes only.
6. Snug the two (2) socket head cap screws.
7. Lower the bottle jack so that all the vertical end play is on the underside of the axle.
8. Affix a magnetic base dial indicator on the axle and place the tip of the dial indicator on top
of the knuckle assembly, see Figure 9-40.
FIGURE 9-40

9. Zero the dial indicator.
10. Raise the bottle jack until there is NO
CLEARANCE between the knuckle assembly and the bottom of the axle, slightly
lifting the axle.
11. Check the reading on the dial indicator. The
specification for vertical travel on the steering
knuckle during assembly is 0.008" to 0.011".
12. If the clearance is above 0.011", loosen the
socket head cap screws and push down on
the knuckle assembly until the proper vertical end play is achieved.
13. If the clearance is below 0.008", loosen the socket head cap screws and pull up on the
knuckle assembly until the proper vertical end play is achieved.
NOTE

17730-313

The socket head cap screw comes with a pre-applied Loctite compound.

55

Component Replacement

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDUAL LOCTITE MATERIAL IS REMOVED FROM THE
MOUNTING BOLTS AND THE THREAD BORES IN THE UPPER STEERING KNUCKLE, AND NEW LOCTITE
277 OR EQUIVALENT IS APPLIED TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE BOLTS SUSTAIN THE PROPER TORQUE
REQUIREMENT. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL RESULTING IN PERSONAL
INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

14. Remove one (1) old socket head cap screw and replace with new socket head cap screw.
15. Remove second socket head cap screw and replace with new socket head cap screw. Tighten
both socket head cap screws to 188 ± 12 foot pounds (255 ± 16 Nm) torque.
16. Recheck the vertical end play with the dial indicator or a 0.010" feeler gauge, see Figure 9‑40.
17. Remove the brake spider bolts, they should thread out freely.
18. Remove the bottle jack and continue assembling the wheel ends.
IMPORTANT NOTE

It is critical to apply Loctite to the three (3) brake spider bolts to ensure that these bolts sustain the
proper torque requirement of steering knuckle assembly.
19. Apply Loctite to the three (3) brake spider bolts prior to installation into the brake spider.
Tighten bolts to 188 ± 12 foot pounds (255 ± 16 Nm) torque.
DO NOT GREASE KNUCKLES WITHOUT THE BRAKE SPIDER INSTALLED AND TIGHTENED TO PROPER
TORQUE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE RESULTING IN FAILURE AND LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

20. Install the tie rod end into the lower steering knuckle arm.
21. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 foot pounds (251 Nm) torque then rotate the castle nut to
the next castle slot and install cotter pin.
22. Install the drag link into the steering arm and tighten to the vehicle manufacturer’s
­specifications.
23. Install new O-rings on the grease caps and lubricate O-rings with grease.
24. Install new grease caps. Note the grease caps on the STEERTEK NXT axle are threaded, tighten
to 60 ± 10 foot pounds (81 ± 14 Nm) torque. Allow 30 minutes for thread sealant to cure
before greasing. Install new grease zerk and tighten to a minimum of 15 foot pounds (20 Nm),
see Figure 9-41.
FIGURE 9-41
Grease Zerk
Tightening Torque
minimum of 15 ft. lbs.
(20 Nm)

Grease Cap Threads
Tightening Torque
60 ± 10 ft. lbs.
(81 ± 14 Nm)
Grease Cap Threads
Tightening Torque
60 ± 10 ft. lbs.
(81 ± 14 Nm).

25. Install brakes, drums, wheels and tires.
26. Remove jack and safety stands.
27. Grease steering knuckles with the vehicle on the floor.
28. Remove the wheel chocks.

Component Replacement

56

17730-313

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
TIE ROD ENDS AND CROSS TUBE
NOTE

Hendrickson supplies different tie rod configurations. Prior to ordering find the part number on the
tie rod tube, refer to Hendrickson Technical Bulletin Literature No. SEU-0223 for additional information or contact Hendrickson Truck Parts (e‑mail: truckparts@hendrickson‑intl.com).

DISASSEMBLY

FIGURE 9-42

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 Ackermann arm to
loosen the tie rod end from the Ackermann
arm, see Figure 9-42.
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 brass jaws (soft jaws) 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.
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.

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 Ackermann arm
■ A left hand threaded tie rod end will be installed into the left side Ackermann 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 9-43. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMPONENT DAMAGE, LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
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.

3. Replace the opposing tie rod end if necessary by repeating Steps 2 and 3.
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 LOWER STEERING KNUCKLE PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

17730-313

57

Component Replacement

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
FIGURE 9-43
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.
(92 ± 9 Nm)

4. If replacing opposing tie rod end is not necessary it is critical that the cross tube will rotate in
the opposing tie rod end.
5. Install the cross tube into the Ackermann arms.
6. Tighten the castle nuts to 185 (251 Nm) 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 the Preventive Maintenance
Section of this publication.
8. Set the toe, see Toe Adjustment Procedure in the Alignment & Adjustments Section of this
publication.
9. Remove the wheel chocks.

DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLY
SERVICE HINT

Component Replacement

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)

■■

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

58

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AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series

17730-313

59

Component Replacement

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
SECTION 10

Torque Specifications

Torque Specifications

Hendrickson Recommended Torque Values
Provided in foot pounds and in Newton meters

60

17730-313

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series

AIRTEK with STEERTEK NXT Axle for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
Hendrickson Recommended Torque Specifications
NO.

COMPONENT

QTY.

SIZE

TORQUE VALUE
FOOT POUNDS

NM

1

Upper Air Spring

2

¾"

45 ± 5

61 ± 7

2

Lower Air Spring

2

½"

30 ± 5

41 ± 7

3

Height Control Valve to Frame

2

¼"

9±1

12 ± 1

4

HCV Linkage to HCV Arm

2

5⁄16"

11 ± 1

15 ± 1

5

HCV Linkage to Top Pad

2

5⁄16"

11 ± 1

15 ± 1

6

Upper Shock Absorber

2

¾"

240 ±15

325 ± 20

7

Lower Shock Absorber to Top Pad

2

¾"

240 ±15

325 ± 20

8

Front Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

320 ± 20

434 ± 27

9

Shackle Plate to Rear Hanger

2

M20

320 ± 20

434 ± 27

10

Shackle Plate to Rear Leaf Spring Eye

2

M20

320 ± 20

434 ± 27

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.
11

Clamp Group

8

12

Grease Zerk

2

13

Grease Cap Assembly, Upper and Lower

4

14

Knuckle Attachment Bolt (Socket Head Cap Screw)

15

¾"

300 ± 10

407 ± 14

Minimum of 15

Minimum of 20

2¼"

60 ± 10

81 ± 14

4

5⁄8"

188 ± 12

255 ± 16

Knuckle / Axle Wheel Stop Bolt

2

½" Jam Nut

50 ± 10

68 ± 14

16

Tie Rod Ends to Lower Steering Knuckle

2

17

Tie Rod Tube to Tie Rod Ends

18

Lower Steering Knuckle Assembly to Brake assembly

7⁄8"

Castle Nut

*185

*250

2

5⁄8"

68 ± 7

92 ± 9

8

¾"

300 ± 20

407 ± 27

• All hardware ¼" and greater is Grade 8 with no additional lubrication.
Frame mount hardware in most cases are Huck style fasteners supplied by the OEM.
NOTE: All hardware information in the matrix denotes recommended torques for fasteners originally supplied by
the vehicle manufacturer. If Hendrickson supplied fasteners are used, tighten to Hendrickson torque values, if
non Hendrickson fasteners are used, follow torque specifications listed in the vehicle manufacturer’s service
manual. Hendrickson is not responsible for maintaining vehicle manufacturer’s torque values.
* 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.

17730-313

61

Torque Specifications

AIRTEK® for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
SECTION 11

Troubleshooting Guide
AIRTEK with STEERTEK NXT Axle for Hoist Liftruck T-Series
Troubleshooting Guide
CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTION

Dirt in system– contaminated lubricant

Polish and inspect kingpin, replace bushing and
seals, then follow specified lubrication procedures

Incorrect lubricant

Lubricate axle with specified lubricant

Axle not lubricated at scheduled
Worn or damaged kingpins frequency
and kingpin bushings
Incorrect lubrication procedures

Vibration or shimmy of
front axle during operation

Excessive wear on tires or
uneven tire tread wear

Vehicle is hard to steer

Troubleshooting Guide