MT4400D AC Off-Highway Truck Caterpillar

1. Prepare the machine for maintenance. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Prepare the Machine for Maintenance".
   Show/hide table

   Illustration 1	g03461036
   Typical example (1) Steering cylinder (2) Tie rod (3) Spindle (King pin) (4) Steering arm

2. Attach the magnetic base of a 8T-5096 Dial Indicator Group to the top and bottom bosses of the front spindle (3). The dial indicator will allow the horizontal movement of the spindle to be measured.

3. Measure the movement of the spindle bosses.

4. Set the dial indicator to zero.

5. Steer the front wheels in both directions. Record the amount of horizontal play from the dial indicator. The dial indicator indicates the amount of wear in the spindle.

   Note: It is only necessary to move the steering wheel in each direction enough to absorb any slack that may have worn into the spindle. When the front wheels have moved any amount each direction, the steering linkage has to moved enough to register the horizontal wear on the dial indicator.

6. Measure the horizontal wear of the steering cylinder (1) and outer bearing races on the inside ends of the linkage by placing the dial indicator against the side of the steering cylinder.

7. Set the dial indicator to zero.

8. Steer the front wheels in both directions. Record the amount of horizontal play from the dial indicator.

9. Repeat this procedure in order to measure the steering cylinder and outer bearing races for the other steering cylinder.

10. Repeat this procedure in order to measure the tie rod (2) and outer bearing races for both tie rod ends.

11. The maximum amount of horizontal wear is 1.02 mm (0.040 inch). If any of the measurements exceed this limit, replace the worn ball studs and the outer bearing races.

12. Visually inspect each outer steering arm for cracks. If necessary, use dye penetrant to confirm the presence of any suspected cracks. If a crack is confirmed, replace the damaged part immediately.

13. Inspect all of the covers for the steering cylinder, tie rods, and spindles. Inspect all grease fittings and seals. Replace any worn components and any damaged components.

    Note: Properly lubricate the steering linkage in order to ensure the durability of components. The steering linkage must be free of contaminants in order to ensure the durability of components.

For more information on the inspection or replacement of the steering linkage, contact your Cat dealer.