YardMachine700SeriesRidersRepairManual

Steering and Front Axle

CHAPTER 3: STEERING AND FRONT AXLE

Steering

This section will cover:

• Inspection of steering components

• Changing the front wheel bearings

• Inspecting and removing the axles

• Replacing a stamped steel pivot bar

• Replacing a cast iron pivot bar

• Replacing the steering shaft and steering gear

• Replacing a damaged steering link

• Front end alignment

General Information

The toe angle is not adjustable. The front wheels are kept pointed in the same direction (except for the Ackerman effect) by a tie-rod with fixed ends. There is an adjustable end on the steering link that connects the steering gear to the steering arm on the right front axle.

NOTE: The front wheels should exhibit 1/16” to 5/16” (1.6mm - 7.9mm) toe-in.

If the tie-rod is visibly bent, its effective length is shortened, and toe-out will result. Very minor bends may be straightened. Substantial bends should be repaired by replacing the tie-rod.

A toe-angle problem may also be caused by worn axle bushings or worn wheel bearings: inspect the wheel bearings and axle bushings.

The wheel bearings may be easily examined for play:

1. Safely lift and support the end of the pivot bar that the wheel is attached to. See Figure 3.1.

2. Attempt to wiggle the wheel on a horizontal axis.

• Excessive play indicates worn wheel bearings. Rocking play (as distinguished from just slipping in and out on the axle) that exceeds the range of acceptable toe angle adjustment (5/16” - 1/16” = 1/ 4”) is considered excessive.