LOWLANDER HD MK2 & WIDEBODY MANURE SPREADER – INSTRUCTION & SPARES MANUAL
Page 98
6.4.5 STEERING AXLES
6.4.5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Steering axles have a suspended traverse with two spindles that can swivel about a kingpin. This can considerably reduce tyre wear,
improve the manoeuvrability of trucks and trailers and significantly reduce parasitic forces on the chassis and wheels.
They are particularly useful for large vehicles with several axles.
The wheel alignment is finely controlled by a tie rod which is adjusted by turning the tie rod that has a left-hand thread at one end
and a right-hand thread at the other or by turning a flexible eccentric bushing, depending on the model.
There is a damper to reduce oscillations and stabilise the mechanism.
The two locking rams are used to straighten the wheels just BEFORE reversing. They can also be used on steep cambers or on
particularly rough surfaces (bumps, potholes, etc.).
6.4.5.2 STEERING AXLE MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
6.4.5.2.1 NORMAL MAINTENANCE
Steering axles should be maintained as for standard axles (See sections 9.2.2 AXLE MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT and 9.2.3
BRAKE MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT) as well as carrying out the maintenance and adjustments required for steer axles
described below.
Before intensive use and every 3 months:
(See figure 9.3.2.1)
- Lubricate the kingpins.
- Tighten the screws and nuts and all parts mounted on the axle (chambers, cylinders and mountings, locking cylinders, damper,
tie rod, etc.).
- Tighten the blind nut and lock nut on the locking cylinders (see section 6.4.5.2.3 LOCKING CYLINDER MAINTENANCE AND
ADJUSTMENT).
- Tighten the lock nuts at the end of the tie rod (See section 6.4.5.2.2.1 STEER AXLE WITH ADJUSTABLE LENGTH TIE ROD) or the
clamping screw for the flexible bushing (See section 6.4.5.2.2.2 STEER AXLE WITH ECCENTRIC FLEXIBLE BUSHINGS) depending
on the model.
- Check the flexible bushings on the tie rod and damper and change them if necessary.
- Check that the tie rod has not been accidentally bent as this adversely affects the steer axle, in particular the wheel alignment.
- Check the full-lock angle limit screws on the axle, if appropriate.
- If the steer axle oscillates, check the damper. Oil traces do not indicate that the damper is unserviceable but a major oil loss will
result in its failing. Uncouple it at one end and push it in and out by hand for the whole travel. If there is little resistance,
replace the damper. Also replace the damper if it is badly dented.
- Ensure that the damper is mounted the right way around. A new damper should have the label at the top as shown in figure
9.3.2.1
- Look for and correct any leaks of air or hydraulic fluid from the chambers, cylinders and damper.
NOTE: Before carrying out any work on hydraulic or pneumatic systems, take all necessary precautions to ensure that the
hydraulic fluid or air is not under pressure.
For steering axles with conical kingpins: check and adjust the clearance (See Section 6.4.5.2.4 ADJUSTING THE CLEARANCE, STEER
AXLES WITH CONICAL PINS ONLY).
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