Hendrickson STEERTEK NXT Suspension System

Quick Facts

  • Manufacturer: Hendrickson
  • Product Type: Integrated front steer-axle and suspension system
  • Primary Component: STEERTEK NXT fabricated front steer axle
  • Suspension Position: Front steer axle
  • Suspension Options: Air, monoleaf, parabolic spring, and vehicle-manufacturer-specific front suspensions
  • Standard Capacity Range: Approximately 8,000 to 14,600 pounds across approved medium- and heavy-duty applications
  • High-Capacity Applications: Up to 24,000 pounds for selected fire-and-rescue configurations
  • Brake Compatibility: Drum, air disc, and selected hydraulic disc brakes
  • Maximum Wheel Cut: Up to approximately 50 or 55 degrees, depending on configuration
  • Primary Applications: Medium-duty trucks, highway tractors, vocational trucks, buses, motorhomes, electric vehicles, and fire apparatus
  • Primary Benefits: Reduced weight, increased maneuverability, integrated suspension design, and simplified maintenance
  • Page Slug: hendrickson-steertek-nxt-suspension-system

Overview

The Hendrickson STEERTEK NXT Suspension System is an integrated front steer-axle platform combining a lightweight fabricated axle with application-specific suspension technology. Depending on the vehicle, STEERTEK NXT can be integrated with air springs, monoleaf springs, parabolic springs, or a proprietary suspension designed by the vehicle manufacturer.

The STEERTEK NXT axle uses a fabricated box-shaped beam instead of a traditional forged I-beam. This design provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and helps the axle resist horizontal, vertical, and twisting forces. Integrated axle seats, steering components, clamp groups, springs, and dampers allow the axle and suspension to function as a complete system.

Standard STEERTEK NXT applications include medium-duty trucks, highway tractors, buses, motorhomes, and electric commercial vehicles. High-capacity versions are available for vocational, fire, and rescue vehicles.

Key Characteristics

  • Fabricated box-section front steer axle
  • Integrates with several air and mechanical suspension designs
  • Reduced weight compared with many forged I-beam axle and multi-leaf spring combinations
  • Continuous axle-beam architecture designed to minimize stress concentrations
  • Integrated axle seats improve ground clearance and reduce component count
  • Premium kingpin bushings and seals help protect against contamination
  • Removable or two-piece steering-knuckle designs simplify applicable service procedures
  • Available with drum or disc brakes
  • Up to approximately 50 or 55 degrees of wheel cut
  • Standard and high-capacity configurations
  • Designed to control increased braking forces in modern commercial vehicles
  • Available for conventional, electric, bus, motorhome, vocational, and emergency vehicles

Major Components

  • Fabricated STEERTEK NXT axle beam
  • Integrated axle seats
  • Application-specific air, monoleaf, or parabolic springs
  • Spring hangers and rear shackle brackets on mechanical configurations
  • Air springs and height-control components on AIRTEK configurations
  • Integrated axle clamp groups
  • Top pads, U-bolts, washers, and locknuts
  • Steering knuckles
  • Kingpins, bushings, and seals
  • Steering and tie-rod arms
  • Adjustable tie rod and tie-rod ends
  • Drag-link connection
  • Shock absorbers or passive hydraulic dampers
  • Progressive-rate bump stops on high-capacity configurations
  • Brake mounting components
  • Wheel hubs, bearings, seals, and spindles

How the Suspension System Works

The STEERTEK NXT axle carries the vehicle’s front weight while connecting the suspension, steering, brakes, and wheel ends. The axle beam remains relatively rigid as the suspension allows controlled vertical wheel movement.

The exact method of supporting the chassis depends on the installed suspension. A Hendrickson AIRTEK configuration uses air springs and a height-control system. A Hendrickson SOFTEK configuration uses mechanical monoleaf springs. High-capacity vocational and fire-and-rescue systems can use parabolic springs engineered for greater wheel travel and load capacity.

Shock absorbers or hydraulic dampers control repeated suspension movement. Steering knuckles rotate around the kingpins, allowing the tie rod and steering linkage to turn the wheels.

Integrating these components allows Hendrickson and the vehicle manufacturer to coordinate axle strength, spring rate, roll stiffness, braking control, steering geometry, and ride quality.

Suspension Position and Function

STEERTEK NXT is installed beneath the front of a commercial vehicle at the steer-axle position. It supports the engine compartment, cab, occupants, front body structure, and the portion of the payload transferred to the steer axle.

The complete system performs several functions:

  • Supports the front portion of the vehicle
  • Connects the front wheels to the chassis
  • Controls vertical, lateral, and rotational axle movement
  • Absorbs bumps and road irregularities
  • Maintains front suspension and steering geometry
  • Provides attachment points for brakes and wheel ends
  • Transfers steering input to the front wheels
  • Controls the vehicle during braking and cornering
  • Provides the required wheel cut for low-speed maneuvering

Common Specifications

  • Standard Nominal Capacities: Approximately 8,000 to 14,600 pounds across the broader product family
  • Current Heavy-Duty Axle Capacities: 12,000, 12,350, 12,500, 13,200, and 14,600 pounds in listed configurations
  • Integrated Air Disc Brake Capacities: Approximately 12,350 to 13,200 pounds in current listed heavy-duty configurations
  • Bolt-On Drum or Disc Brake Capacity: Up to 14,600 pounds
  • High-Capacity Fire-and-Rescue Rating: Up to 24,000 pounds in approved configurations
  • Common Kingpin Intersection Widths: Approximately 69 or 70.9 inches on listed heavy-duty models
  • Listed Center Beam Drops: Approximately 4.25 or 5.36 inches on common heavy-duty models
  • Maximum Wheel Cut: Up to approximately 50 degrees in many heavy-duty and vocational configurations
  • Bus and Medium-Duty Wheel Cut: Up to approximately 55 degrees in compatible configurations
  • Brake Compatibility: Drum, air disc, and selected hydraulic disc brake systems
  • Warranty: A 10-year, one-million-mile limited warranty is offered on qualifying STEERTEK NXT axle applications, subject to Hendrickson’s terms and limitations

Specifications vary by model, suspension, vehicle manufacturer, brake system, axle width, beam drop, steering geometry, and intended application.

Capacity, Ride Height, and Axle Travel

STEERTEK NXT capacity ranges from medium-duty ratings to high-capacity emergency-vehicle configurations. The appropriate rating must be selected according to the vehicle’s front gross axle weight rating and complete chassis specifications.

Ride height is determined by the suspension integrated with the axle. AIRTEK-equipped systems use air springs and height-control components to maintain the specified chassis position. SOFTEK and parabolic-spring systems use mechanical spring deflection and do not automatically maintain a constant height as loading changes.

Parabolic-spring high-capacity systems are designed to provide increased wheel travel and a lower spring rate than many conventional multi-leaf spring arrangements. The actual travel depends on the springs, shock absorbers, bump stops, frame, steering linkage, tires, and application.

Ride Quality and Load Distribution

Ride quality depends heavily on the suspension paired with the STEERTEK NXT axle. AIRTEK configurations emphasize air-suspension comfort and maintained ride height. SOFTEK uses monoleaf springs to reduce interleaf friction and weight. Vocational systems use parabolic springs and tuned dampers to balance capacity, control, and ride quality.

The axle’s fabricated construction and integrated suspension design help control unwanted geometry changes during suspension movement. This supports predictable steering and tire contact.

The system does not automatically determine front axle loading. Wheelbase, body configuration, cargo placement, fifth-wheel position, engine weight, mounted equipment, and rear axle loading all affect how much weight reaches the steer axle.

Suspension Controls and Adjustment Options

  • The controls and adjustments depend on the integrated suspension.
  • AIRTEK configurations can include an automatic height-control valve and related pneumatic components.
  • SOFTEK and parabolic-spring configurations do not require driver-operated suspension controls.
  • Common service adjustments include:
  • Toe adjustment through the adjustable tie rod
  • Caster adjustment where approved shims or wedges are available
  • Steering-stop adjustment
  • Ride-height adjustment on air-suspension configurations
  • Height-control linkage adjustment on AIRTEK systems
  • Drag-link or steering-gear adjustment according to vehicle-manufacturer procedures
  • Wheel-bearing adjustment where applicable
  • Only approved components and procedures should be used when changing suspension or steering geometry.

Alignment and Suspension Geometry

Proper alignment is essential for steering control and tire life. Toe, caster, axle position, ride height, wheel-bearing condition, and rear axle alignment can all influence how a STEERTEK NXT-equipped vehicle tracks.

The axle’s box-shaped beam is designed to limit unwanted dynamic camber and toe changes. However, worn kingpins, loose tie-rod ends, incorrect ride height, damaged springs, or shifted axle attachments can still produce steering and tire-wear problems.

Important inspection points include:

  • Toe setting
  • Caster angle
  • Ride or trim height
  • Axle position beneath the frame
  • Kingpin and bushing condition
  • Steering-knuckle movement
  • Tie-rod and tie-rod-end condition
  • Drag-link and steering-gear condition
  • Spring, shackle, or air-spring condition
  • Wheel-bearing adjustment
  • Tire pressure and tread condition
  • Rear axle alignment

Ride height should be corrected before completing alignment on AIRTEK-equipped systems.

Axle, Brake, and Wheel-End Options

STEERTEK NXT is a fabricated front steer axle available in several widths, beam drops, capacities, and brake configurations. The correct axle model depends on the chassis, steering geometry, suspension, and front gross axle weight rating.

Brake choices include drum brakes, bolt-on air disc brakes, integrated air disc brakes, and hydraulic disc brakes in selected medium-duty or bus applications.

Integrated air-disc-brake knuckles eliminate certain separate brake mounting components and fasteners, reducing part count and weight. The axle can accept different brake hardware sizes in applicable configurations.

Wheel hubs, bearings, seals, spindles, wheels, and tires are selected as part of the vehicle’s complete front axle package.

Because STEERTEK NXT is a non-driven steer axle, axle ratios, drive gearing, differential locks, and interaxle differentials do not apply.

Common Applications

  • Medium-duty delivery trucks
  • Heavy-duty highway tractors
  • Regional-haul trucks
  • Vocational trucks
  • Fire and rescue apparatus
  • Commercial buses
  • School buses
  • Motorhomes
  • Electric trucks
  • Electric buses
  • Step vans
  • Refuse and municipal vehicles
  • Specialty commercial chassis
  • Vehicles requiring additional front axle capacity

Vehicle, Axle, and Frame Compatibility

STEERTEK NXT integrates with Hendrickson and vehicle-manufacturer-specific front suspensions. Compatibility depends on the frame, front gross axle weight rating, suspension type, axle width, beam drop, steering gear, drag link, wheel cut, brake package, tires, wheels, and intended application.

Known applications include selected Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Freightliner, Volvo, Mack, Autocar, Lion Electric, bus, motorhome, and fire-apparatus chassis. Availability varies by model and model year.

Certain Kenworth T180, T280, T380, and T480 and Peterbilt 535, 536, 537, and 548 medium-duty models have been offered with STEERTEK NXT configurations. Selected International MV applications also use the axle.

High-capacity systems are engineered for particular vocational and emergency-vehicle manufacturers. A high-capacity axle should not be installed on another chassis without Hendrickson and vehicle-manufacturer approval.

Advantages

  • Reduced weight compared with many forged I-beam front axles
  • Integrated axle and suspension engineering
  • Fabricated box-section beam provides a high strength-to-weight ratio
  • Continuous beam architecture reduces stress concentrations
  • Integrated axle seats improve ground clearance
  • Reduced component count
  • Up to approximately 50 or 55 degrees of wheel cut
  • Compatibility with several mechanical and air suspensions
  • Standard and high-capacity configurations
  • Available with drum, air disc, and selected hydraulic disc brakes
  • Premium kingpin bushings and seals
  • Serviceable steering-knuckle designs
  • Designed to manage modern commercial-vehicle braking forces
  • Potential payload and fuel-efficiency benefits from reduced weight
  • Long limited warranty on qualifying applications

Limitations or Considerations

  • STEERTEK NXT is not a complete suspension by itself in every application
  • Ride quality depends on the air, monoleaf, parabolic, or proprietary suspension paired with the axle
  • Components are specific to the vehicle and axle configuration
  • Capacity does not override tire, wheel, brake, frame, or vehicle ratings
  • High-capacity systems require application-specific engineering
  • Incorrect axle width or beam drop can create clearance and steering problems
  • Improper toe, caster, or ride height can accelerate tire wear
  • Kingpins, bushings, tie rods, wheel bearings, and spring connections still require inspection
  • The fabricated beam should not be heated, bent, welded, or straightened without specific manufacturer authorization
  • Retrofitting another chassis is not normally a simple bolt-on installation

Driver and Operator Experience

STEERTEK NXT is designed to provide predictable steering, good maneuverability, and controlled handling. Its available wheel cut can reduce the space needed for low-speed turns, which is valuable for delivery, vocational, bus, and emergency-vehicle operations.

Ride quality varies with the attached suspension. AIRTEK systems generally provide greater isolation from road irregularities, while SOFTEK and parabolic-spring systems provide a more direct mechanical feel.

Drivers should report steering pull, wander, shimmy, poor steering return, unusual front-end noise, uneven chassis height, or irregular steer-tire wear. These symptoms can originate from the axle, suspension, steering linkage, brakes, wheel ends, or tires.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

  • Inspect the fabricated axle beam for cracks, dents, impact damage, or unauthorized repairs.
  • Check integrated axle seats and clamp groups for movement or damaged components.
  • Inspect air springs or mechanical springs according to the installed suspension.
  • Check spring hangers, shackles, bushings, and mounting brackets.
  • Inspect shock absorbers or hydraulic dampers for leakage and damage.
  • Check progressive-rate bump stops on high-capacity systems.
  • Inspect kingpins, bushings, seals, and steering knuckles.
  • Lubricate applicable steering components at the specified intervals.
  • Inspect the tie rod, tie-rod ends, steering arms, and drag link.
  • Check wheel bearings, hubs, seals, brakes, tires, and wheels.
  • Verify ride height on air-suspension configurations.
  • Check alignment when tire wear or handling complaints develop.
  • Follow the applicable Hendrickson and vehicle-manufacturer torque specifications.
  • Use vehicle and axle identification information when ordering replacement parts.

Common Suspension Problems

  • Worn kingpin bushings
  • Damaged or contaminated kingpin seals
  • Loose or worn tie-rod ends
  • Incorrect toe or caster
  • Steering pull, wander, or shimmy
  • Irregular steer-tire wear
  • Loose axle-clamp fasteners
  • Movement between the axle and spring assembly
  • Cracked or damaged mechanical springs
  • Worn spring-eye or shackle bushings
  • Air leaks on AIRTEK-equipped systems
  • Incorrect ride height on air-suspension configurations
  • Leaking or worn shock absorbers
  • Damaged bump stops
  • Wheel-bearing looseness
  • Brake pull mistaken for a suspension problem
  • Axle-beam damage caused by impact or overloading
  • Reduced wheel cut caused by interference or incorrect steering-stop adjustment
  • Rear axle misalignment contributing to front tire wear

Identification Information

Begin with the vehicle identification number and manufacturer build sheet. STEERTEK NXT axles are available in numerous capacities, widths, drops, brake arrangements, and suspension integrations.

Important identification information includes:

  • Vehicle identification number
  • Vehicle manufacturer and model
  • Model year
  • Suspension type
  • Front gross axle weight rating
  • Axle model number
  • Axle assembly number
  • Axle serial information
  • Nominal load rating
  • Kingpin intersection width
  • Center beam drop
  • Brake type
  • Steering-knuckle configuration
  • Wheel and hub arrangement
  • Existing component numbers

Model designations such as STK 120, STK 123, STK 125, STK 132, and STK 146 can indicate the nominal rating and configuration. The complete model number should be used because axles sharing the same basic capacity may have different widths or beam drops.

Buying Considerations

  • Confirm whether the vehicle has a standard or high-capacity STEERTEK NXT system.
  • Identify the suspension paired with the axle.
  • Verify the front axle and suspension capacity.
  • Compare all ratings with the intended vehicle loading.
  • Check the axle beam for cracks, dents, or unauthorized repairs.
  • Inspect the springs, air springs, shackles, bushings, and clamp groups.
  • Check kingpins, steering knuckles, tie-rod ends, and the drag link.
  • Inspect wheel bearings, hubs, seals, and brakes.
  • Examine the steer tires for cupping, feathering, or shoulder wear.
  • Confirm that the wheels turn freely without tire or component interference.
  • Road-test the vehicle for pull, wander, shimmy, noise, and harshness.
  • Verify ride height on air-suspension configurations.
  • Determine whether the axle uses drum, bolt-on disc, integrated disc, or hydraulic disc brakes.
  • Review maintenance, alignment, and kingpin-service records.
  • Confirm replacement-part availability using the complete axle identification.

Variants and Configurations

  • Standard Heavy-Duty STEERTEK NXT: Fabricated steer axles commonly rated from 12,000 to 14,600 pounds.
  • Medium-Duty STEERTEK NXT: Vehicle-specific axles available in ratings beginning at approximately 8,000 pounds.
  • High-Capacity Vocational STEERTEK NXT: Integrated axle and parabolic-spring systems designed for demanding vocational applications.
  • Fire-and-Rescue STEERTEK NXT: High-capacity systems available at ratings up to 24,000 pounds in approved configurations.
  • AIRTEK Integration: STEERTEK NXT axle combined with front air-suspension technology.
  • SOFTEK Integration: STEERTEK NXT axle combined with mechanical monoleaf springs.
  • SOFTEK NXT Integration: Updated monoleaf suspension, axle, and clamp-group package.
  • Integrated Air Disc Brake Configuration: Uses an integrated brake knuckle to reduce parts and weight.
  • Bolt-On Brake Configuration: Supports approved drum or disc brake assemblies.
  • Bus and Motorhome Configuration: Designed for approved passenger-vehicle chassis.
  • Electric-Vehicle Configuration: Adapted to selected electric trucks, buses, and step vans.

Comparison to Similar Equipment

Compared with the original Hendrickson STEERTEK NXT Steer Axle equipment profile, this page focuses on STEERTEK NXT as part of a complete integrated front suspension system rather than only the axle beam and wheel-end assembly.

The Hendrickson AIRTEK combines STEERTEK axle technology with front air springs for improved isolation and maintained ride height.

The Hendrickson SOFTEK combines the fabricated axle with lightweight monoleaf springs for a mechanical system requiring no suspension air supply.

Compared with a traditional forged I-beam axle and multi-leaf spring package, STEERTEK NXT can reduce weight, improve wheel cut, reduce component count, and simplify certain maintenance procedures.

Best Fit For

  • Fleets seeking a lightweight fabricated front axle
  • Vehicles requiring an integrated axle and suspension package
  • Medium-duty trucks needing improved maneuverability
  • Highway tractors using AIRTEK or SOFTEK suspension technology
  • Vocational vehicles requiring additional front axle capacity
  • Fire and rescue apparatus requiring high-capacity front suspension systems
  • Buses and motorhomes needing application-specific front axle integration
  • Electric commercial vehicles where reduced component weight is valuable
  • Fleets wanting compatibility with modern drum or disc brake systems

Related Vehicle and Trailer Types

Related Truck and Trailer Models

Related Suspension Types

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

A STEERTEK NXT-equipped vehicle must remain within its front gross axle weight rating, suspension rating, tire capacity, wheel capacity, brake rating, gross vehicle weight rating, and applicable roadway limits.

The axle is designed to manage braking forces associated with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 stopping-distance requirements in applicable air-braked vehicles. Compliance depends on the complete brake and vehicle configuration rather than the axle alone.

All applications must comply with Hendrickson and vehicle-manufacturer specifications in the vehicle’s original as-built configuration. Additional or modified applications require appropriate approval.

Axle beams and steering components should not be heated, bent, straightened, drilled, welded, or modified unless an applicable Hendrickson procedure specifically authorizes the work.

Real World Operating Notes

STEERTEK NXT’s benefits depend on the complete suspension in which it is installed. The axle provides the structural and steering platform, while the air or mechanical springs largely determine ride characteristics.

Its large available wheel cut can improve maneuverability, but only when tires, wheels, steering stops, brake hoses, drag links, and surrounding chassis components provide the necessary clearance.

Front tire wear should be diagnosed as a complete vehicle problem. Toe, caster, kingpin wear, tire pressure, wheel balance, brake drag, wheel bearings, suspension condition, and rear axle alignment can all contribute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is STEERTEK NXT an axle or a suspension?

STEERTEK NXT is fundamentally a fabricated front steer-axle platform. Hendrickson also integrates it with air, monoleaf, parabolic-spring, and vehicle-specific suspensions to create complete front systems.

What suspensions use STEERTEK NXT?

It is used with systems including AIRTEK, AIRTEK NXT, SOFTEK, SOFTEK NXT, high-capacity parabolic-spring suspensions, and selected vehicle-manufacturer-specific systems.

What capacities are available?

Standard medium- and heavy-duty applications range from approximately 8,000 to 14,600 pounds. Selected high-capacity fire-and-rescue configurations are rated up to 24,000 pounds.

How much wheel cut does STEERTEK NXT provide?

Many heavy-duty and vocational configurations provide up to approximately 50 degrees. Selected medium-duty, bus, and motorhome configurations provide up to approximately 55 degrees.

Can STEERTEK NXT use air disc brakes?

Yes. It supports approved disc- and drum-brake packages. Certain capacities are available with integrated air-disc-brake knuckles.

Is STEERTEK NXT lighter than a forged I-beam axle?

Yes. Its fabricated design is intended to reduce weight while maintaining the strength required for commercial-vehicle operation. The exact savings depend on the compared systems.

What is the difference between STEERTEK and STEERTEK NXT?

STEERTEK NXT is the newer generation with updated beam, steering-knuckle, sealing, integration, weight, and serviceability features. Exact differences depend on the application.

Does STEERTEK NXT require air suspension?

No. It can integrate with either air or mechanical front suspensions.

What are common maintenance items?

Kingpins, bushings, seals, steering knuckles, tie-rod ends, wheel bearings, brakes, springs, dampers, axle clamp groups, tires, and alignment require inspection.

Can a damaged STEERTEK NXT axle be straightened?

Axle repair must follow Hendrickson’s procedures. Heating, bending, welding, or straightening the beam without specific authorization can weaken the axle and make the vehicle unsafe.

Is STEERTEK NXT available on medium-duty trucks?

Yes. It has been used on selected Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, and other medium-duty commercial vehicles.

Does STEERTEK NXT have a warranty?

Qualifying applications are offered with a 10-year, one-million-mile limited axle warranty, subject to Hendrickson’s complete terms, exclusions, and application requirements.

Availability and Where to Find

STEERTEK NXT is available as original equipment on approved medium-duty trucks, highway tractors, vocational trucks, buses, motorhomes, electric vehicles, and fire apparatus. Availability depends on the vehicle manufacturer, model year, suspension, axle capacity, brakes, and factory option package.

Replacement axle, steering, brake, wheel-end, spring, and suspension components are available through Hendrickson distributors, participating vehicle dealers, and heavy-duty parts suppliers. The complete axle model and vehicle identification number should be used when ordering parts.

Current specifications can be checked through Hendrickson’s official STEERTEK NXT axle page, STEERTEK NXT vocational system page, fire-and-rescue system information, and high-capacity service-publication index.

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