New steering products and technology for fleets

While a truck's engine provides all the power it needs to haul loads down the highway and suspension systems make sure both drivers and cargo have a smooth, soft ride, neither of them could make it very far without a solid steering system. This is where companies such as Cummins, Daimler Truck North America, and ZF come in, especially with their latest products to help make sure trucks can get where they need to go.

To help fleets and shops know about some of the newest components for this system, here's some of these companies' latest offerings.

Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems

Kingpins are the crucial connector between the axle and steering knuckle. Meritor’s FastSet spiral bushing and ReadySet bi-metal bushing kingpin lines have been around for several years, but continue to evolve to meet the diverse needs of fleets.

“FastSet now covers 95% of trucks on the road for more than 5,000 make/model/year truck applications,” said Sam Marco, senior manager for Cummins Drivetrain and Braking Systems, Aftermarket. “ReadySet covers 90% for more than 4,500 applications, including those found in linehaul, vocational, city delivery, and bus.”

For kingpin replacement, these no-ream kits eliminate the need for reamers, presses, and the pressing-in of bushings. Kingpin bushings do not need to be reamed after being installed into the steering knuckle because internal grease grooves create a secure positioning. Thus, the kits are easily installed by hand with applicable bushing drivers. Additionally, that internal groove allows 375% more grease than ream kits, which is beneficial in high-wear areas.

“These kits make the aftermarket installation and repair of front steering axles fast and easy,” Marco said. “The kits also allow for a vehicle to not be jacked up during routine maintenance, and allow for annual savings up to $3,500 in labor and grease.”

Cummins-Meritor’s ReadySet bi-metal bushing kingpin kits now cover 90% of trucks on the road for more than 4,500 make/model/year truck applications.

DTNA

With Freightliner’s Fifth Generation Cascadia, the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems will come with new options and features. The new short- and long-range radars provide the capability to track more objects that may be in the path of the vehicle.

“Advanced safety features on vehicles running across the country can help fleets achieve their safety goals,” said Miranda Richardson, manager for on-highway product marketing at DTNA. “Additionally, the steering hardware required for these systems offers excellent driver comfort features by minimizing vibrations, providing maneuverability assistance, and offering steering assistance in the event of a tire blowout by counter-steering against the truck’s tendency to pull towards the blowout.”

For more info, read our in-depth coverage of the Fifth Gen.

The latest Detroit Assurance suite, available on the Freightliner Cascadia Fifth Generation, includes Active Lane Assist 2, which is expected to reduce out-of-lane accidents by countersteering if the truck starts to enter an already occupied lane.

ZF Group

ZF has been developing torque overlay systems to enhance steering responsiveness and comfort since 2006. ReAX-C replaced the first iteration (ColumnDrive) in 2020, and has since been expanded to highway tractor applications including the Kenworth and Peterbilt brands. This also marks the first time OnTraX (ZF’s lane keep assist technology) is available for commercial vehicles in North America.

The gear-based version, ReAX-G, was recently released for production in Europe and Asia, and will soon be introduced in North America. The company says it’s a good base for autonomous commercial vehicles headed toward L4 autonomy.

Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) is another recent introduction from ZF. It’s an electric motor-driven pump that powers a hydraulic steering system without the need for a mostly combustion engine-driven PTO. ZF says this technology can be found on electric vehicles from manufacturers such as Nikola, VDL, and Iveco.

ZF’s Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering can power a hydraulic steering system without the need for a mostly combustion engine-driven PTO.

EPHS is beneficial for addressing packaging limitations and fuel economy targets for traditional powertrains, but especially for providing hydraulic-assist steering to alternative-fuel vehicles that may not have a constant power take-off, like a constantly running ICE engine.

EPHS also provides some benefits to steering feel, because it decouples hydraulic flow from an engine’s speed and precisely controls flow rate based on needs. The steering effort-based flow control optimizes fuel economy by adjusting the pump speed to match steering needs, thereby reducing unnecessary engine load and minimizing heat losses from recirculating excess flow within the pump.

From a servicing standpoint, ReAX products (gear and column) should require minimal maintenance over their lifetime, the company assures. Calibration may be required after road wheel alignment or wheel, tire, and axle end stop changes. Additionally, typical maintenance for the base column, pump, and steering gear should be followed.

EPHS does not require any additional maintenance different than a typical hydraulic pump. That said, additional care should be taken to protect electrical connections during service.