Abstract: A heavy duty steer axle assembly with a live spindle is provided. The assembly includes an axle beam extending transversely across the vehicle, a kingpin disposed within a kingpin bore in the axle beam, a knuckle mounted on the kingpin and rotatable relative to the axle beam, and a spindle hub configured to mount a wheel of the vehicle. A bearing assembly is disposed between the knuckle and spindle hub to allow rotation of the spindle hub. The assembly enables use of a cast, rather than forged, knuckle, allows for removal and service of the vehicle's brake rotor without removal or readjustment of the vehicle's wheel bearings, and allows for an external wheel flange that can be easily replaced with flanges of varying offset, without requiring a new wheel hub assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection between a spindle and a bearing assembly to retain the bearing assembly on the spindle. A combination lock washer and spindle bearing assembly is provided to include a spindle, thrust washer, lock washer and nut in which the lock washer simultaneously locks the inner thrust washer and an outer spindle nut. According to the present invention, the thrust washer, lock washer and nut may be oriented at any angle relative to one another allowing for infinite bearing adjustment positions.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly is provided that incorporates a staked spindle nut while minimizing potential thread damage on the nut and axle spindle. The assembly includes an axle spindle configured to support a wheel bearing. The axle spindle includes an inboard portion defining a plurality of threads and an outboard portion having a recess formed therein. The assembly further includes a nut having an inboard portion defining a plurality of threads configured to engage the threads on the axle spindle and an outboard portion in the form of a deformable collar. The nut is threaded onto the axle spindle and a portion of the collar is deformed to fit within the recess in the outboard portion of the axle spindle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection between a spindle and a bearing assembly to retain the bearing assembly on the spindle. A combination lock washer and spindle bearing assembly is provided to include a spindle, thrust washer, lock washer and nut in which the lock washer simultaneously locks the inner thrust washer and an outer spindle nut. According to the present invention, the thrust washer, lock washer and nut may be oriented at any angle relative to one another allowing for infinite bearing adjustment positions.

Abstract: A one-piece steering knuckle assembly for vehicles has a flanged body wherein the tie rod arm, hydraulic brake caliper bracket and, in some instances, the steering arm extend from the flanged body in a one-piece forged manner. There are enlarged bosses extending from the flanged body opposite the wheel spindle, the bosses having a bore which are axially aligned to receive a king pin. The flanged body, wheel spindle, tie rod arm and brake caliper bracket are all formed from a single steel billet as a one-piece heavy duty forging. Such a design eliminates the brake caliper/knuckle joint and the tie rod arm/knuckle joint, and thus, it results in savings in assembly time and weight.