STEERING COLUMN GP-ADJUSTABLE 3498394 - Caterpillar

Removal Procedure
Start By:
Remove the parking brake. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Parking Brake - Remove and Install".
Park the machine on a flat, level surface. Lower the bucket to the ground. Chock the wheels in order to keep the machine from rolling when the drive shaft is removed.
Illustration 1 g00446923
Support front drive shaft (2). Remove four bolts (3) and two straps (4) from yoke (1) .
Use two persons to carefully remove front drive shaft (2). The weight of the front drive shaft is 20 kg (44 lb).Installation Procedure
When the front drive shaft is installed, it must be installed in phase with the front axle assembly yoke. The front drive shaft must be installed in phase with the center and rear drive shafts. Serious component damage could occur. Be certain that all the joint groups, all the yokes, and all the lubricating fittings are aligned.
Use new straps and bolts when servicing the drive shaft. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque by using an X pattern in order to ensure that all components fit correctly and that no gaps are present. Tighten the bolts again by using an X pattern to ensure that the correct torque has been reached. Failure to use new straps and bolts and follow the specified torque sequence may result in machine damage.
Illustration 2 g00446923
Use two persons to carefully install front drive shaft (2). The weight of the front drive shaft is 20 kg (44 lb).
Support front drive shaft (2). Install two new straps (4) and four new bolts (3) in yoke (1). The torque for bolts (3) is 150 15 N m (111 11 lb ft).
Lubricate the front drive shaft. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU7035, "966G Wheel Loader and 972G Wheel Loader" for the correct procedure.End By: Install the parking brake. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Parking Brake - Remove and Install".