MIAMI, FL — The Motown sound just added another player to the band.

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) held a press conference today to announce the addition of Detroit brand axles to their product offerings.

It’s a first for Detroit, and all part of their move to bring a fully integrated powertrain to the market, and allow customers to "demand it all" from Detroit.

The axles will be available for Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Thomas Built Bus and Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicles, and will be produced at the same facility as Detroit’s engines. The axles have a wide range of configuration options and are compatible with all braking systems offered by Daimler Trucks, the company explained.

The application range of the axles cover roughly 90 percent of all needs, explained Tim Tindall, director of component sales for Detroit. While Tindall admitted that axles, in general, are not as differentiated as engines, the Detroit line of axles does have some key design differences.

One of the main differences lies in the design of the steer axle that uses a needle-bearing design versus a bushings design. "That is truly a measurable difference," Tindall said, that reduces wear and tightens tolerances, resulting less maintenance.

Detroit also made the front axles available with ratings from 6,000 to 20,000 pounds, but also added a 12,500 lb. rating. "It does give you the ability to put more weight on the front axle than you would otherwise be able to with a 12,000 lb. axle," said Tindall, who worked in Detroit’s engineering department for a number of years before moving into sales.

"The customer isn’t necessarily sitting on the edge of his seat saying ‘Damn, I need a better axle,’" Tindall admitted, "but if you’re happy with our engines and the support we provide you, now that same company is going to give you the opportunity to get that same experience with axles."

David Hames, general manager, marketing and strategy, said that Detroit’s engineering and manufacturing network is just as important as the axle design itself. He pointed to Detroit’s warranty, noting that customers can get up to three axle exchanges for free to make sure that they get it right — something no other axle manufacturer provides, he said.

Daimler will continue to offer Meritor and other axle brands to customers. 

Steer Axles

Available with ratings from 6,000 to 20,000 pounds – including a 12,500 lb. rating – and featuring a weight optimized I-beam, Detroit’s steer axles are up to 40 pounds lighter than competitors, the company claims, resulting in more payload capacity and greater productivity.

“Our steer axles have a variety of weight ratings to fit any application, making it easy for customers to spec the perfect fit,” said Brad Williamson, manager, engine and component marketing, Daimler Trucks North America.

Detroit’s steer axles have a needle-bearing design that reduces wear and tightens tolerances, resulting in better performance and less maintenance, while friction and thrust bearings reduce chatter and enhance steerability. The unique I-beam design is coupled with an advanced steering layout, resulting in a sharper wheel cut of up to 55 degrees – enhancing maneuverability with even the tightest of turns.

Tandem Rear Axles

By eliminating the pinion head bearing, Detroit’s tandem axles feature more space for a larger and stronger differential. Together with the Topoid off-set design with above-center rear axle pinion position, Detroit’s tandem axles improve driveline angles, reducing vibrations, and increasing durability.

Additional benefits of Detroit’s tandem axles include an oil deflector which ensures full lubrication of the power divider at very low speeds, eliminating the need for an expensive oil pump; an input seal located inside the bearing cage and separated from the threaded ring for improved sealing, reducing degradation and oil leaks; and a larger power divider for improved stability and reliability. Optional driver-controlled or automatic differential locks further enhance grip and traction.

Detroit tandem axles are available from 34,000 to 46,000 pounds, including an intermediate track 40,000 pound alternative for easy switching between wide-based single and dual tires.

Single Rear Axles

Available with weight ratings from 13,000 to 23,000 pounds, Detroit’s proprietary single rear axles have precision-machined gear sets, resulting in enhanced efficiency, higher torque applications, and quieter operations. Designed with fewer parts and a larger differential, Detroit’s rear drive axles offer greater stability on the road and improved durability.

Daimler will continue to offer Meritor and other axle brands to customers.