Section 10: FRONT AXLE
PA1562
2
1. FRONT AXLE
1.1 DESCRIPTION
This front axle is of the ‘’Reverse Elliot’’ type
manufactured by Dana Spicer Europe. The front
axle consists of a girder section axle bed or beam
with stub axles. Each stub axle is carried on a
taper kingpin, with a plain phosphor bronze
bushing at the top and at the bottom. The unitized
hub bearings used on the NDS range of axles,
are non-serviceable items. Bearings are pre-
adjusted, lubricated and have seals fitted as part
of the manufacturing process. The bearings are
greased for life and there is no need or facility for
re-lubrication. Brakes are manufactured by
KNORR-BREMSE. Steering ball joints with
hardened balls and rubbing pads incorporate
compression springs which automatically take up
any wear.
The tie rod simplifies toe-in adjustment. The
maximum turning angle is set through stop
screws installed on the inner side of the knuckle.
Steering stabilizer (damper) and steering drag link
which are mounted on the front axle are
described in Section 14; ‘’Steering’’ of this
manual.
FIGURE 1: FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLY 10026
2. LUBRICATION
Pressure lubricate axle every 6 months or
30,000 miles (48 000 km) whichever comes first
(Fig. 2). Tie rod ends and knuckle pins are
provided with grease fittings for pressure
lubrication. These grease fittings should be
serviced every 6,250 miles (10 000 km) or twice
a year whichever comes first. Good quality
lithium-base roller bearing grease NLGI No.1
and 2 are recommended.
FIGURE 2: FRONT AXLE GREASING POINTS 10031
3. MAINTENANCE
A periodic inspection of the front axle assembly
should be made to check that all bolts are tight,
and that no damage and distortion have taken
place. Suspension support stud nuts, U-bolt
nuts, tie rod arms, steering arm nuts and stop
screws should be checked and tightened, as
required, to the torque specifications given at
the end of this section. Also check the condition
of the steering knuckle pins and bushings. In
case of excessive looseness, the bushings and
pins should be replaced.
Any looseness in the steering linkage, under
normal steering loads, is sufficient cause to
immediately check all pivot points for wear,
regardless of accumulated mileage. Steering
linkage pivot points should be checked each time
the front axle assembly is lubricated. Any
looseness can be visually detected while rotating
the steering wheel in both directions.
Steering knuckles, knuckle pins and bushings can
be overhauled or replaced without removing the
axle from the vehicle. However, if extensive
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