DIT160

Front Axles

DIT160
Elizabethtown
Technical
Front Axles
College

Instructor: Doug Poteet

PARTS OF A MANUAL STEERING SYSTEM

AXLE FUNCTION

The main function of the front-axle

assembly is to support some of the
vehicles weight and to serve as the
foundation for the steering
components.

CONVENTION CAB TYPE

The front axle is designed to carry

about 25% of the gross vehicle
weight.

CAB OVER

The front axle is designed to carry

up to 35% of the total vehicle
weight.

SET BACK

For heavy hauling or construction

work, the conventional cab design
with a set-back front axle is
preferred.
The set-back axle allows greater
weight transfer to the front axle, a
tighter vehicle turning circle, and a
softer ride.

TYPES OF STEER AXLES

STANDARD I-BEAM
ALUMINUM BEAM
TUBULAR
CENTER-POINT

Q1-4

Name four different designs of

axles

Q5-7

Name 3 different axle manufatures

Q8-10

Name 3 different ways the axle ID

could be displayed on a axle

STEERING KNUCKLE

COMPONENTS OF A STEERING AXLE

TAPERED KING PIN

STRAIGHT KING PIN

INSPECTING VERTICAL PLAY

.001-.025 new
.001-.065 inservice

INSPECTING UPPER
BUSHING FREE PLAY
Typically 0.010-.015 max

MEASURING LOWER
BUSHING FREE PLAY
Typically 0.010-.015 max

TORQUE DEFLECTION
Typically 0.010-.015 max

INSPECT BEARINGS

INSPECT RACES

R & R SHIMS

NOTE:

TIE-ROD REMOVAL

PICKLE FORK

DRAW KEYS

KNUCKLE PIN REMOVAL

SEAL LIP MUST FACE THE

AXLE

DRIVING BUSHINGS

HAND START BUSHING

BUSHING AND SEAL INSTALLATION

PRE-ASSEMBLY LUBE

THRUST BEARING
POSTION

THRUST BEARING

VERTICAL PLAY

USE JACK TO SIMULATE

LOAD

RTV

KING PIN DRAW KEY

ALIGNMENT

DIT160
STEERING