SERVICE REPAIR
S30E S40E S50E S60ES Europe [D002]
1
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL
This section has the description and repair procedures
for the steering axle. See the following sections for
additional information of the steering system:
THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT
(1600 SRM 54)
THE HYDRAULIC PUMP (1900 SRM 97)
DESCRIPTION
The steering axle assembly includes an axle frame,
steering cylinder, and two spindle and hub assemblies
(See FIGURE 1.). The steering axle is articulated and
is connected to the frame by a center pivot or mount.
The center pivot or mount permits the steering axle to
move in the frame mount when the lift truck travels
over rough surfaces.
The steering axles and repair procedures described in
this section are similar. Some parts are the same, but
the axle frames are not the same. Different types of piv-
ot mounts are welded to the axle frames for the differ-
ent models of lift trucks. Procedures for the removal
and installation of the steering axle with the different
mounts are described in the first part of the Repair sec-
tion.
The ends of the piston rod extend from both ends of the
cylinder shell. A single piston and the seal are in the
center of the rod. Oil pressure on one side of the piston
moves the piston in the bore. The piston pushes an
equal amount of oil from the opposite side of the cylin-
der.
When the piston reaches the end of the stroke, a relief
valve controls the oil pressure. The relief valve is nor-
mally found in the steering hydraulic pump or in the
supply line to the steering control unit. The tie rods that
connect the spindle arms to the cylinder are not adjust-
able.
Each spindle turns on two tapered roller bearings in
mounts in the axle frame. The preload on the bearings
is controlled by shims at the lower bearing cap.
The wheel hubs rotate on two tapered roller bearings
and are held on the spindles by a castle nut. A bearing
preload of the wheel hubs is adjusted by the castle nut.
The grease seals protect t