Patent ID: 8764034

Claim:
A steering axle assembly for a heavy duty truck, the steering axle assembly comprising: a wheel end having a knuckle section comprising a first arm and a second arm each extending from the knuckle section, the first arm having a first interior surface defining a first bore extending between a first exterior axial end surface and a first interior axial end surface, and the second arm having a second interior surface defining a second bore extending between a second exterior axial end surface and a second interior axial end surface; an axle beam having a connecting end, the connecting end having a third interior surface defining a third bore extending between a third axial end surface and a fourth axial end surface; a pin having a cylindrical exterior surface, the pin being disposed in and coaxial with the first bore, the second bore and the third bore; a self-lubricated bearing system including a first tubular bushing, a second tubular busing and an annular thrust bearing; the first tubular bushing being positioned in the first bore and engaging the first interior surface and a portion of the cylindrical exterior surface of the pin; the second tubular bushing being positioned in the second bore and engaging the second interior surface and a portion of the cylindrical exterior surface of the pin; the annular thrust bearing assembly being disposed between the first interior axial end surface and the third axial end surface, the annular thrust bearing assembly having a first plate in rotational communication with a second plate; and the self-lubricated bearing system having an adequate amount of lubricant therein at a beginning of life state and the amount of the lubricant being sufficient for an end of life state defined by at least one million miles of operation of the heavy duty truck, without replenishment of the lubricant.