Self-steering axle assembly (22a, 22b) has an axle (48) with central tube having a longitudinal central axis. A king pin (62a) is connected with an end portion of the axle (48). A knuckle (24a) is connected with the king pin (62a). The knuckle (24a) includes a torque plate section (66a). A first arm (100) of the knuckle (24a) extends from a side of the torque plate section (66a) and receives a first end portion of the king pin (62a). A second arm (102) extends from the torque plate section (66a) in the same direction as the first arm (100). The second arm (102) receives a second end portion of the king pin (62a). A spindle (64a) is friction-welded to the torque plate section (66a) and has a longitudinal central axis. The torque plate section (66a) has at least one surface (80a) on the torque plate section (66a) extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the spindle (64a). A tool engages the surface during friction welding of the spindle (64a) to the torque plate section (66a). The relative locations of the axle (48), spindle (64a) and king pin (62a) enable an air disc brake actuator (180) to avoid contact with components of the heavy-duty vehicle during steering and with the ground and debris.
Self-steering axle knuckle
2020-09-17
Patent
Electronic Resource
English