• Home
  • Download PDF
  • Order CD-ROM
  • Order in Print
Driving Wheels
Power Steering

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
Page Navigation
  47    48    49    50    51  52  53    54    55    56    57  
CHAPTER 3 CHASSIS SYSTEMS Chassis systems provides operators with a means of controlling the direction the equipment travels and allows travel over uneven terrain by controlling the amount of shock reaching the passengers or cargo. This chapter covers the basic principles of steering systems, suspension  systems,  tires,  and  brake  systems. STEERING SYSTEMS Automotive  steering  mechanisms  are  classified  as either manual or power. In both types, the arrangement and  function  of  the  linkage  are  similar.  The  main difference is that manual steering requires more effort for   you   to   steer   the   vehicle.   Some   construction equipment has articulated steering which is powered by the  equipment  hydraulic  system. STEERING  MECHANISMS All  steering  mechanisms  have  the  same  basic  parts (fig. 3-1). The steering linkage ties the front wheels together and connects them to the steering gear case at Figure  3-1.—Steering  linkage  assembly. the lower end of the steering column which, in turn, connects the gear case to the steering wheel. The arms and rods of the steering linkage have ball ends  or  ball-and-socket  ends  to  provide  a  swivel connection  between  them.  These  joined  ends  have grease fittings, dust seals or boots, and many of them have end-play adjustment devices. These joints and devices  must  be  adjusted  and  lubricated  regularly. The arms, rods, and joints of steering linkage in your equipment may be arranged differently from those shown in figure 3-1, but you will find them in the same general location in the front and underneath the vehicle. The tie rod is usually behind the axle and keeps the front wheels in proper alignment. The tie rod is divided into two lengths and is connected to the steering gear near the center of the vehicle to provide for easier steering  and  maximum  leverage. The drag link between the steering arm and the pitman arm may be long or short, depending on the installation. The pitman arm is splined to the shaft extending from the steering gear case. It moves in an arc with its position, depending on which direction the steering wheel is turned. The arm is vertical when the front wheels are straight ahead. Therefore, the length of the drag link is determined by the distance between the steering arm and the vertical position of the pitman arm. Unlike the tie rods, the length of the drag link is fixed. Part of your prestart and operator maintenance responsibilities is to check and service the steering linkage lubrication. One example is the connecting joints   between   the   links   that   contain   bushings. Additionally, when a vehicle is equipped with manually operated steering, check the steering gear housing for lubrication,  and,  if  needed,  add  the  recommended manufacturer’s gear lubricant. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, check the belt tension because improper  tension  can  cause  low  oil  pressure  and  hard steering. Check the fluid level. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bring it up to the recommended level and only  use  the  recommended  power  steering  fluid.  Also, if the level is low, there may be a leak; therefore, check hose and power steering connections for signs of leaks. 3-1







Western Governors University

Privacy Statement
Press Release
Contact

© Copyright Integrated Publishing, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Design by Strategico.