Hendrickson International announced its SteerTek NXT axle is now available on International ProStar+, TranStar, and LoneStar models. The SteerTek NXT is a fabricated front steer axle.
SteerTek NXT includes continuous beam architecture which minimizes stress points for added durability while providing a superior strength to weight ratio, the company said. The rigid, box-shaped cross section of the axle resists horizontal, vertical and twisting forces more effectively than traditional I-beams and is designed to manage the increased brake torque resulting from the recently updated FMVSS-121 stopping distance regulations.
For brake option flexibility, it is compatible with both drum and disc brakes with either 5/8 in. or ¾ in. fasteners.
The design and manufacturing process helps eliminate 23 lbs. of weight compared to traditional I-beam axles, Hendrickson said. It can be combined with Hendrickson’s monoleaf spring technology to form the Softek lightweight front suspension system. Softek provides up to 85 lbs. of weight savings. SteerTek NXT can also be paired with Hendrickson two-leaf spring designs.
A patented two-piece knuckle assembly simplifies kingpin bushing serviceability and includes a new double lip seal to further improve bushing life. In addition, integrated steering arm and tie rod attachments increase strength and further reduce weight, providing greater durability helping to reduce maintenance costs, the company said.
The SteerTek NXT comes with a 10-year, one-million mile limited warranty. The warranty coverage includes the axle beam, steering arm, knuckle assemblies and kingpins when used in Hendrickson approved applications in the United States and Canada.
It is available in capacities up to 14,600 lbs.
Hendrickson also announced it has integrated its Precision240 two-piece spindle nut system into its line of Ready-to-Roll (RTR) proprietary wheel-end packages. The Precision240 is designed for tapered spindles. It will be an available option with Hendrickson’s HVS and HLS wheel-end packages in the third quarter.
Precision240 joins the Precision320 nut system which has been available on Hendrickson’s HXL7, a seven-year limited warranty wheel-end system since August 2009.
These patented two-piece spindle nut systems provide fine-tuned adjustment increments, nearly five times the adjustment resolution of other popular two-piece systems, to achieve more precise end play settings than traditional and more complicated three-piece spindle nut systems.
“Hendrickson’s precision spindle nut systems serve as another example of design ingenuity from Hendrickson. The precise adjustment mechanism employed by our precision nuts allows Hendrickson to control the amount of pre-load on the bearings during installation,” said Perry Bahr, general manager and vice president of Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems. “Our Precision240 nut system maximizes bearing and seal life and keeps trailers on the road rather than in the shop” added Bahr.
According to Hendrickson, its precision nut systems guarantee bearing end play is set correctly the first time, and allows technicians to precisely install wheel-ends in light preload, which maximizes seal and bearing life.
Truck bumper selection mobile app
Hendrickson’s Bumper and Trim division has released a new mobile app to make selecting the proper bumper easier and more convenient. The Truck Bumper Selection Tool is available for iPhone and Android mobile phone and tablet devices.
The app allows users to configure a bumper for most Class-8 trucks and several for class 5-7 trucks. The tool also allows users to cross-reference part numbers and send a quote request to the nearest participating OEM dealer. The app will help prospective bumper customers streamline through the process of selecting and purchasing a Hendrickson bumper with ease and simplicity.
The tool is available through the Apple App store and Google Play.