LOUISVILLE. Dana Holding Corp. introduced new lightweight versions of its Spicer E-Series and D-Series steer axles at the 2014 Mid America Trucking Show this week, along with a new “all-makes” line of aftermarket heavy steer axle components.
Steve Slesinski, Dana’s director of global product planning for commercial driveline technologies, said the new E-Series steering axles weigh up to up to 35 lbs. less than previous iterations and feature a steel-forged beam design to not only help cut weight but improve “torsional stiffness” to handle beefed-up braking power required by federal mandate.
The revamped E-Series steering axles – targeted for on-highway, city delivery, and bus chassis applications with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 13,200 lbs. – will be available in the first half of 2015, Slesinski noted.
Dana is also rolling out a new Spicer D-Series line of steer axles for applications with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 14,600 lbs. that features an integrated air disc brake or “IADB” knuckle that allows fleets to specify air disc brakes without a net increase in weight over most S-cam drum brake axle systems.
By eliminating a separate torque plate and fasteners, the new IADB feature maximizes the integrity of the axle and brake system, eliminates up to 76 lbs. from the steer axle assembly, and reduces vehicle assembly time, Slesinski pointed out.
Finally, Dana’s new “all-makes” line of aftermarket heavy steer axle components will not only include complete coverage for Spicer-branded steer axles, including knuckles, steer arms, crosslink assemblies, beams, and whole axle assemblies but draglinks, tie rod ends, and king pin kits for all makes and models of vehicles in the heavy-duty market as well.
Slesinski noted the new “all-makes” line – which is being made available to the market immediately –will encompass some 1,200 part types, including more than 135 king pin kits, 155 draglinks, and 90 tie rod ends.
