Maximum Wheel-Cut and Lightweight Design for Heavy-Duty Profits

With up to a 55-degree turning radius, Detroit® front-steer axles provide the strength, performance, reliability and increased payload capacity you can count on for maximum freight efficiency. 

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Model 2

6,000 to 8,000 lbs

Weight Rating

Model 3

8,000 to 14,7000 lbs

Weight Rating

Model 5

16,000 to 23,000 lbs

Weight Rating

Front Steer Axles

Our front-steer axles equip your truck with the support and maneuverability your business needs to facilitate success.

More Specs

Weight Ratings and Maneuverability

We offer a 12,500-lb front axle rating for multiple applications. This provides an additional 500 lbs capacity on the front axle, compared to a 12,000-lb. axle, and lets you avoid purchasing a heavier, more costly 13,000-lb. axle. You get a weight- and cost-efficient solution that fits your truck application and its payload requirements. The unique I-beam design coupled with tie rod arms and axle cups enables a sharper wheel cut of up to 55 degrees, giving you the tightest turning radius available.

Front Steer Axle Explorer

Click through the tabs below to learn more about the Front Steer Axle features and benefits. 

Lighter Weight

Unique design of our I Beam uses less material for less weight and higher payload.

Needle Bearings

Needle bearings wear less, leading to greater durability.

Brake Compatibility

Detroit® steer axles are compatible with most brake systems, including disc brakes, for increased safety.

Turning Radius

Up to 55 degree turning radius for better maneuverability.

12,500 lbs. Axle Rating

12,500 lbs. rated capacity available for increased payload and weight compensation.

Model Options

Designed for construction, distribution, dump, fire and emergency, government, motor home, oil & gas, refuse, and regional. 
Freightliner
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Cascadia
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108SD Plus
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114SD Plus
The Freightliner M2 106 Plus truck on a road in front of a green field.
M2 106 Plus
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M2 112 Plus
Western Star
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57X
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47X
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49X
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INTEGRATED DETROIT POWERTRAIN

ONLY ONE COMPANY CAN DELIVER THIS LEVEL OF INTEGRATION

The Integrated Detroit® Powertrain delivers the performance and dependability you need to run your business efficiently. Detroit has designed, engineered and manufactured the engine, transmission and axles to work together seamlessly, providing the optimal powertrain solution for your business needs. The integrated Detroit Powertrain is available in the Freightliner Cascadia®.

Steer Axle

  • Numerous Steer Axle Advantages: Detroit® steer axles offer rugged strength in a lightweight package, and integrate optimally with the other components. They are designed for the life of the axle, with multiple ratings available for tailored weight distribution.
  • Superior Maneuverability: The Detroit Powertrain's state-of-the-art steer axles provide a 55-degree wheel cut for remarkably nimble maneuvering. 
  • Needle Bearings Improve Durability: With needle bearings instead of bushings, they won't damage the king pins, and offer increased durability.

 

Tandem Rear Axle

  • New Axles Designed for Fuel Economy: To provide optimum efficiency and performance, the Detroit Powertrain includes an all-new axle specifically designed to integrate with the downsped DD13 Gen 5, DD15 Gen 5 and DT12®, resulting in rock-solid reliability and durability.
  • Faster 6x4 Axle Ratios: The 6x4 configuration is available for applications requiring 4-wheel drive and superior traction. A variety of faster axle ratios are available, ranging from 2.41 to 2.28.
  • Faster 6x2 Axle Ratios: The 6x2 configuration boasts a 2.28 ratio, allowing the DD15 Gen 5 to turn lower RPMs with the truck cruising at the same speed. It pairs perfectly with the low RPM torque curve and direct drive transmission. This means it can cruise in top gear longer, for better fuel efficiency.
  • Lighter 6x2 Axle: The 6x2 axle configuration incorporates a non-driven tag axle on the tandem, reducing total weight (by 380 lbs) and the number of moving parts, delivering better fuel economy.
  • Axle Lubrication Management (ALM2): The tandem rear axles feature an optional axle lubrication management 2.0 (ALM2) system that regulates the oil level at the ring gear and friction-loss optimized pinion bearings to reduce friction and parasitic loss, extending gear life and further improving fuel efficiency.

 

Engine

  • Engine Compliance: Detroit provides a wide range of new vehicle engines compliant with EPA, CARB emissions, GHG, and OBD requirements. Please consult your local dealer to ensure the selection of a product that meets your specific needs.
  • Downsped Engines = Improved Fuel Economy: The DD13 and DD15 downsped ratings 425/450/455 and 1750 lb/ft rating deliver greater horsepower and torque at lower RPMs, keeping your truck in top gear longer while cruising at more efficient engine speeds. Lower engine speeds reduce the number of fuel injections, dramatically improving fuel economy.
  • Six-Blade Engine Fan: The six-blade fan reduces power draw without sacrificing cooling capabilities.

Transmission

  • Integrated Communications Benefits: The DT12® transmission links engine to axles, and communicates with the DD13 Gen 5 and DD15 Gen 5 on an integrated electronics network to share damage-reducing information such as clutch overloading and driveline protection.
  • Super-Finished Gears: Tightly-spaced 12-speed gearing, now with "super-finished" gears in the new DT12 available for the new Cascadia and Western Star 5700XE, improves low-speed maneuverability, making the Detroit® Powertrain not only strong and efficient, but also smooth and safe to operate as well.
  • Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM): The DT12 uses information from a topographical map to manipulate both engine and transmission functions, taking advantage of the truck's surroundings. IPM6 refines the parameters of this technology, making the truck even more capable of utilizing its surroundings efficiently.
  • Transmission Benefits: The DT12's direct drive and over drive gearing, along with eCoast, are integrated with the downsped engine — which now idles at a lower 500RPM when off-throttle — for optimized fuel economy.

 

Aftertreatment

  • 1-Box®: The 1-Box is a complete aftertreatment emissions system that combines the SCR catalyst, the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) all into one simple component.

 

Brochures and Spec Sheets

Detroit Powertrain Product Overview Guide (Freightliner New Cascadia)

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Learn more by visiting the nearest Freightliner or Western Star dealership. 

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