TH103 Telehandler Steering System Caterpillar

Illustration 1	g00743936
Steering Geometry Adjustment (1) Cord lines (2) Locking nut (3) Tie rod (4) Stop bolt

Correct steering alignment minimizes tire wear. There should be no toe on either axle.

1. Park the machine on level ground and align the wheels straight ahead. Move the transmission control to the NEUTRAL position and engage the parking brake.

   Note: Ensure that the rear wheels are straight ahead. On machines that are equipped with self-aligning rear steering, if the steering is not synchronized, the rear wheels may be at an angle when the front wheels are straight. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU7371, "Steering Alignment" for the proper procedure to synchronize the wheels on machines that are equipped with self-aligning rear steering. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU7371, "Steering Modes" for the proper procedure to synchronize the wheels on machines that are not equipped with self-aligning rear steering.

2. Lower the boom and retract the boom. Stop the engine and attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" warning tag or similar warning tag to the controls.

3. Place a cord line (1) on each side of the machine. The lines should be parallel with the centerline of the machine. Each cord should be approximately 100 mm (4 inch) from the tires and at a height that corresponds to the centerline of the wheels. Measure the distance between the outer face of the tire and the adjacent cord in order to check that the wheels are parallel. Record the measurement at the front of each wheel and at the back of each wheel.

4. If the wheels are not parallel, loosen locknuts (2) and turn tie rods (3) until the wheels are parallel. The amount of chrome rod that is visible on each side of the steering cylinder must remain equal. Refer to distance (A) in Illustration 1. Tighten the locknuts after the adjustments for the tie rods are complete.

5. Remove the cord lines.

Show/hide table



Illustration 2	g00744697
(4) Steer stop bolt (5) Access hole

6. Each wheel is equipped with a steering case. The steering case is equipped with two bolts that act as steering stops. Loosen the locknuts on each steer stop bolt (4) and turn the bolts inward until the bolts bottom out. Access hole (5) is located on the opposite side of the stop bolt. Use the access hole and a 5/16 in. hex wrench in order to adjust the steer stop bolts.

7. Start the engine. Slowly steer the machine to the left until you reach full lock. Stop the engine. The stop bolts should still be clear of the axle. Measure the amount of chrome rod that is visible from the steering cylinder. Record this amount.

8. Start the engine. Turn the steering wheel to the right and then turn the steering wheel back to the left. Turn the wheel until the chrome rod that is visible is showing 3 mm (0.125 inch) less than the amount that was measured in Step 7. This position will ensure that the maximum steering angle is attained and that the cylinder pin is not in contact with the end cap.

9. Stop the engine. Turn the two stop bolts into contact with the axle housing. Tighten the locknuts on the stop bolts to a torque of 210 N·m (155 lb ft).

10. Repeat Step 7 to Step 9 in order to adjust the maximum steering angle for the right hand steering.

11. Repeat the entire procedure for the rear axle.