SHEET 3506895 - Caterpillar

Personal injury or death can occur if personnel are trapped between the wheel and the frame.The steering system is hydraulically controlled and wheels can crush personnel during movement.Use caution when working between the wheels and the frame. If the wheels must be turned, ensure that all personnel are clear of the machine before any movement.
Inspect the horizontal wear limits for the ball studs in the steering linkage. At the same time, inspect the outer bearing race. Also, inspect the grease fittings and the seals.Note: Operating the machine with damaged or worn steering linkage components could lead to severe machine damage.
Prepare the machine for maintenance. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Prepare the Machine for Maintenance".
Illustration 1 g02725034
Typical example
(1) Steering cylinder
(2) Outer steering arm
(3) Center steering arm
(4) Steering link
Attach the magnetic base of a 8T-5096 Dial Indicator Group to the steering link. The dial indicator will allow the horizontal movement of the ball stud to be measured.
Measure the horizontal wear of the ball studs and outer bearing races on the outside ends of the linkage. Measuring the horizontal wear is done by placing the dial indicator against the side of the outer steering arm.
Set the dial indicator to zero.
Steer the front wheels in both directions. Record the amount of horizontal play from the dial indicator. The dial indicator indicates the amount of wear in the ball studs and the outer bearing races. Note: It is only necessary to move the steering wheel in each direction enough to absorb any slack that may have worn into the ball stud and outer race. When the front wheels have moved any amount each direction, the steering linkage has to moved enough to register the horizontal wear on the dial indicator.
Measure the horizontal wear of the ball studs and outer bearing races on the inside ends (center) of the linkage by placing the dial indicator against the side of the center arm.
Set the dial indicator to zero.
Steer the front wheels in both directions. Record the amount of horizontal play from the dial indicator.
Repeat this procedure in order to measure the ball studs and outer bearing races for the other steering link.
Repeat this procedure in order to measure the ball studs and outer bearing races for both steering cylinders.
The maximum amount of horizontal wear is 1.02 mm (0.040 inch). If any of the measurements exceed this limit, replace the worn ball studs and the outer bearing races.
Visually inspect each outer steering arm and the center steering arm for cracks. If necessary, use dye penetrant to confirm the presence of any suspected cracks. If a crack is confirmed, replace the damaged part immediately.
Inspect all of the covers for the ball studs. Inspect all grease fittings and seals. Replace any worn components and any damaged components. Note: Properly lubricate the steering linkage in order to ensure the durability of components. The steering linkage must be free of contaminants in order to ensure the durability of components.
Inspect bolts for proper torque. Inspect clamps on hardware. Inspect the