TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
FRONT AXLE
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Remember that all alignment angles are so closely related that any change of one will automatically change the others.
Because of this fact, it will probably be found that there is more than one cause for the complaint. The following list is not
all-encompassing but is representative of the more common causes of difficulty encountered in wheel and axle alignment
and should also prove of value in locating and correcting complaints on steering or tire wear.
COMPLAINT
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Shimmy (Generally exists at speeds
a.
Tire pressure incorrect.
below 30 miles per hour.)
b.
Tires of unequal size or weight.
c.
Wheel bearings loose.
d.
Steering arms loose.
e.
Steering gear loose.
f.
Too much caster.
g.
Drag link ends loose.
h.
Drag link springs weak or broken.
i.
Spring shackles loose.
j.
King pins and bushings worn.
k.
Tie rod ends loose.
l.
King pins loose in I-beam.
2. High-Speed Wheel Tramp (Generally
a.
Tire and wheel assemblies out of
exists at speeds above 35 miles per
balance.
hour.)
b.
Shock absorbers ineffective.
3. Wander or Weave
a.
Tire pressure incorrect.
b.
Tires of unequal size.
c.
Bent spindle.
d.
Wheel bearings loose.
e.
King pins and bushings worn..
f.
King pins bent.
g.
King pins tight in knuckle.
h.
Pitman arm loose.
i.
Steering gear assembly too tight or
too loose.
j.
Too little caster.
k.
Too much or too little camber.
l.
Too much or too little toe-in.
m.
Drag link ends tight.
n.
Drag link springs weak or broken.
o.
Tie rod ends too tight or too loose.
p.
Front axle bent.
q.
Front axle shifted.
r.
Springs broken.
s.
Rear axle shifted.
t.
Rear axle housing bent.
u.
Frame diamond shaped.
4. Hard Steering
a.
Tire pressure low.
b.
Wheel spindle bent.
c.
King pin assembly poor fit.
d.
Steering assembly too tight.
e.
Tie rod ends tight.
f.
Caster excessive.
g.
Lack of lubrication.
9
