FRONT AXLE
TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
CLEANING
CORROSION PREVENTION
Clean parts having ground and polished
Parts that have been cleaned, dried, inspected
surfaces, such as knuckle pins, knuckle pin sleeves,
and are to be immediately reassembled should be
bearings and spindles, with solvent type cleaners such
coated with light oil to prevent corrosion. Spindles,
as emulsion cleaners, or petroleum solvents excluding
knuckle pins or sleeves that are to be stored for any
gasoline. Do not clean these parts in a hot solution tank
length of time should be treated with a good rust
or with water and alkaline solutions such as sodium
preventative and wrapped in oiled paper and boxed to
hydroxide, orthosilicates or phosphates.
keep dry and clean.
DRYING
REPAIR OF FORGED PARTS
Parts should be thoroughly dried immediately
In deciding whether to repair or scrap a
after cleaning. Use soft, clean, lintless, absorbent paper
damaged part, always keep in mind that we, as
towels or wiping rags free of abrasive material, such as
manufacturers, never hesitate to scrap any part which is
lapping compound, metal filings or contaminated oil.
in any way doubtful.
Bearings should never be dried by spinning with
compressed air.
1. Straightening of bent parts should be done cold.
Various components are heat-treated and hot
INSPECTION
straightening would destroy some of the heat
It is impossible to overstress the importance of
treatment.
careful and thorough inspection of steering knuckle
components prior to reassembly.
Thorough visual
2. Axle centers (that are bent no more than 1/2")
inspection for indications of wear or stress and the
may be straightened cold; if bent more than 1/2"
replacement of such parts as are necessary will
they should be replaced.
eliminate costly and avoidable front end difficulties.
Bent steering arms or knuckles should be
1. Inspect the steering knuckle thrust bearing,
replaced rather than straightened.
wheel bearing cones and cups. Replace if
rollers or cups are worn, pitted or damaged in
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
any way.
The alignment of chassis according to the
2. If wheel bearing cups are to be-replaced,
specifications should prevent mis-adjustment, which can
remove from hubs with a suitable puller. Avoid
affect tire wear, directional stability and steering wheel
the use of drift and hammers as they may easily
alignment. Check alignment at regular intervals and
mutilate cup bores.
particularly after front suspension has been subjected to
3. Inspect the steering knuckles and replace if
extremely heavy service or severe impact loads. Before
indications of weakness or excessive wear is
checking and adjusting alignment, components such as
found.
wheel bearings, tie rods, steering gear, shock absorbers
4. Check wear of the knuckle pins; compare with
and tire inflation should be inspected and corrected
correct specification.
where necessary.
5. Check king pin bushing wear (see Bushing
Installation).
The procedure for checking and adjusting
6.Check the tightness of the steering connections such
alignment should be followed; name} checking king pin
as tie rod arms, steering arm, etc.
inclination, camber, caster and toe-in, in the order
named. A slight modification in obtaining the proper
caster and toe-in has been made and is outlined.
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