Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems’ Steertek NXT fabricated front steer axle – approved for on-highway and medium-duty truck, bus and motorhome applications – is designed to accommodate a variety of wheel end and knuckle designs and features scalable architecture to meet a capacity range of 8,000 pounds to 23,000 pounds. The lightweight axle is designed for added strength and maneuverability and reduced maintenance, and can be combined with the company’s monoleaf spring technology to form the Softek lightweight front suspension system.
Steertek NXT, which will be available in August, includes continuous beam architecture to help minimize stress points for added durability while enhancing strength-to-weight ratio. The rigid box-shaped cross section of the axle helps resist horizontal, vertical and twisting forces and is designed to manage the increased brake torque loads resulting from the 2011 stopping distance regulations changes in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 121. For braking efficiency, Steertek NXT is compatible with both drum and disc brakes with either 5/8-inch or Âľ-inch fasteners.
The two-piece knuckle assembly helps simplify kingpin bushing serviceability and includes a double lip seal to help improve bushing life. Integrated steering arm and tie rod attachments help increase strength and further reduce weight. An integrated clamp group and axle seat provides a platform for efficient system integration of various suspensions, as well as improved ground clearance and reduced part count. Enhanced ride quality is available by spec’ing Hendrickson’s Airtek integrated front air suspension with Steertek NXT.
