FAW Front Axle Assembly: Deconstructing the 30 Critical Serviceable Components

Welcome to this critical technical guide on the FAW Front Axle Assembly (Part No. 3000010-97R). This is the complete, load-bearing “I-beam” and steering knuckle system for the FAW Jiefang CA4251P66K24T1A3E5 6×4 diesel semi-trailer tractor. This assembly is the foundation of the truck’s steering, braking, and suspension.

The FAW Front Axle Assembly is a non-drive “dead” axle. Its “logic” is twofold: first, it must be incredibly strong to support the entire weight of the engine, cab, and dynamic braking forces. Second, it must provide the intricate geometry for the steering system, allowing the wheels to pivot correctly via the kingpins and steering knuckles.

This in-depth guide is an essential resource for professional chassis technicians and parts specialists. We will deconstruct the entire FAW Front Axle Assembly into its 30 serviceable components, including the main ‘Front axle’ I-beam, the ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ steering knuckles, the ‘Kingpins’, the brake actuators, and the wheel-speed sensors.

Core Structure: The ‘Front Axle’ (3001011-242)

The heart of the FAW Front Axle Assembly is the ‘Front axle’ (3001011-242). This is the main “I-beam” of the assembly. It is a single, massive piece of forged, high-strength steel. This component is designed to be the primary structural member, bearing the entire front-end load of the vehicle.

This I-beam connects the two front wheels and also serves as the main mounting point for the ‘Front Leaf Spring Assembly’ (see Assembly 502). It is designed to be incredibly rigid, resisting the bending forces from the vehicle’s weight and the twisting (torsional) forces from braking and cornering.

At each end of the I-beam is a precision-machined “yoke” or “eye.” This is where the ‘Kingpin’ (3001044-4E) is installed, creating the critical pivot point for the steering system. A bent FAW Front Axle Assembly I-beam, typically from a severe pothole or collision, is a critical failure that will make the truck undrivable and must be replaced.

The “Steering Logic”: Knuckles (3001031-1050 & 3001032-1050)

The “steering logic” of the FAW Front Axle Assembly is handled by the steering knuckles. The parts list calls for two:

• **’Left steering knuckle’ (3001031-1050):** This is the driver’s side component.
• **’Right steering knuckle’ (3001032-1050):** This is the passenger’s side component.

The steering knuckle is a complex, heavy-duty forged component. It holds the wheel hub assembly (which the wheel bolts to) and the brake components. Crucially, it is designed to pivot. The knuckle is mounted to the “eye” of the ‘Front axle’ I-beam via the ‘Kingpin’ (3001044-4E).

The ‘Kingpin’ is the “axle” of the steering pivot. It is a large, hardened steel pin that passes through the knuckle and the I-beam. It is supported by the ‘Hub cone tapered roller bearing’ (3001040-14B) (the kingpin bearing) and a series of ‘Gasket-front pivot’ (3001041-4E to 3001056-4E) shims. These “as needed” (按需) shims are critical for setting the correct preload on the kingpin bearings, ensuring a smooth steering feel without any “play” or “wobble.”

The ‘Bushing-pivot’ (3001026AA8S) and ‘Stop-pivot’ (3001036-A0S) provide the wear surfaces and rotational limits for this pivot. This entire sub-assembly is the core of the FAW Front Axle Assembly‘s steering capability.

Steering Linkage: Tie Rod and Actuators

The FAW Front Axle Assembly also includes the components that connect the steering knuckles to the steering gearbox. The ‘Steering tie-rod assembly (as-per-sample)’ (3003050-1050-C00) is the “tie rod.” This is the long steel bar that physically connects the ‘Left steering knuckle’ to the ‘Right steering knuckle’. This ensures that when one wheel turns, the other wheel turns with it in a precise, “Ackermann” geometry.

The ‘Right steering knuckle & arm assembly’ (3001020-54W) and ‘Left steering knuckle & arm assembly’ (3001015-54W) are the steering arms. These are the levers, bolted to the knuckles, that the ‘Steering tie-rod assembly’ and the drag link (from the steering gearbox) attach to.

A key serviceable part is the ‘Bushing-pivot’ (3001021-54W), which is the pivot bushing for the steering arm, ensuring a smooth, low-friction connection. A failure in the tie-rod or steering arms of the FAW Front Axle Assembly will result in a total loss of steering control.

The Brake and Sensor System

The FAW Front Axle Assembly provides the foundation for the front braking system. This includes the ‘Front brake bottom plate assembly’ (3501111B1H), which is the “brake backing plate.” This is the large, non-rotating plate that holds the brake shoes (for drum brakes) or the caliper (for disc brakes) in place.

Most importantly, this FAW Front Axle Assembly includes the “logic” for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and wheel speed sensing. The parts list details:

• **’Sensor assembly (approval drawing pending)’ (3550361-6S):** This is the main ABS wheel speed sensor.
• **’Wheel speed sensor assembly’ (3550360-6S):** A secondary or alternative speed sensor.

These are magnetic “hall-effect” sensors that are mounted on the steering knuckle, pointing at a “tone ring” (a toothed wheel) on the spinning wheel hub. These sensors send a pulse to the ECU for every tooth that passes, allowing the truck’s computer to know the *exact* speed of each wheel. This is the critical data needed for the ABS (to prevent wheel lock-up), traction control (to detect wheel spin), and the speedometer. A failure in this sensor on the FAW Front Axle Assembly will disable the ABS and traction control systems, triggering a warning light.

FAW Front Axle Assembly Parts List

The following table provides the complete, detailed breakdown of all 30 components identified in the ‘Front Axle Assembly’ (510) diagram for the FAW CA4251P66K24T1A3E5 tractor. This FAW Front Axle Assembly is a complete steering and suspension foundation.

Technical Specifications and Assembly Context

The specifications for the FAW Front Axle Assembly are defined by its function as a heavy-duty, non-drive, steering axle. The FAW Front Axle Assembly is the foundation of the vehicle’s steering, braking, and suspension systems.