Dana increases productivity, improves durability for CVs

Dana Holding Corporation has introduced additions to the company’s family of Spicer E-Series steer axles that deliver best-in-class performance and durability with up to 35 pounds less weight.

Available in the first half of 2015, these steer axles feature a steel-forged beam design that reduces axle weight while still delivering the strength and torsional stiffness needed for superior vehicle braking response. 

The axles are targeted for on-highway, city delivery, and bus chassis applications with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 13,200 pounds.

This new steer axle system is the latest in a lineup of robust Spicer technologies that reduce weight and improve vehicle performance, enabling original-equipment manufacturers to offset the added weight associated with important technologies such as new fuel-efficient engines, diesel particulate filters, and urea injection systems. The benefits of the new Spicer E-Series Steer enable OEMs to further maximise chassis weight distribution and may also allow fleets to forego the higher rated, more expensive tyres needed to support heavier front steer axles.

“Fleets today are looking for innovations across the entire vehicle to reduce weight, fuel costs, and maintenance, but they will not allow safety, productivity, and durability to be sacrificed in the process,” said Pat D’Eramo, president of Dana Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies.  “We have applied our global engineering resources to deliver new Spicer E-Series steer axles that support the highest levels of performance, offering fleets weight savings that increase efficiency and reduce the total cost of ownership.”

The new lightweight steer axles build on patented, market-leading advancements already offered by Spicer E-Series axles, such as a larger diameter king pin, two-drawkey king pin retention, compressible king pin inserts, and tie rod end sealing. These features work together to enhance durability, reduce maintenance, and improve alignment capability.