SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 1

SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS

Chapter 1 – Front Axle and Wheels

CONTENT

Section Description Page

44 000 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Tightening Torques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Special Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Description and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sectional Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
44 101 Removal – Installation – Overhaul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
44 511 Front Wheel Camber and Toe–in (Standard Duty Axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Front Wheel Camber and Toe–in (Heavy Duty Axle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

44 000 – SPECIFICATIONS – TIGHTENING TORQUES – TOOLS – SECTIONAL VIEWS –

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION – TROUBLESHOOTING

STANDARD AXLE SPECIFICATIONS

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centrally pivoted U–type centre
beam with telescopic outer
sections
Track settings (7 off) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 1545–1645–1745–1845–1945–
2045–2145
Wheel camber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2°, corresponding to approx.
15 mm with 16” rims
Wheel toe–in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 0 to 5
Swivel Pin Assembly
Swivel pin (3, Fig. 2) diameter at the bushes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 49.961 to 50.000
Press–fit bush (4) inner diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 50.050 to 0.140 (1)
Swivel pin to bush clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 0.050 to 0.179
Axle Pivot Pin Assembly
Pivot pin (9, Fig. 2) diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 37.961 to 38.000
Press–fit bush (8) inner diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 38.050 to 38.140 (1)
Pivot pin to bush clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 0.050 to 0.179

(1) final dimension without reaming

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2 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

HEAVY DUTY AXLE SPECIFICATIONS

Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centrally pivoted square tube
centre beam with telescopic
outer sections
Track settings (6 off) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 1549–1651–1752–1854–1955–
2057
Wheel camber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2°, corresponding to approx.
15 mm with 16” rims
Wheel toe–in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 3 to 9
Swivel Pin Assembly
Swivel pin (3, Fig. 2) diameter at the bushes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 49.961 to 50.000
Press–fit bush (4) inner diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 50.050 to 0.140 (1)
Swivel pin to bush clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 0.050 to 0.179
Axle Pivot Pin Assembly
Pivot pin (9, Fig. 2) diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 49.95 to 50.000
Press–fit bush (8) inner diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 38.050 to 38.140 (1)
Pivot pin to bush clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mm 0.050 to 0.179

(1) final dimension without reaming

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 3

TIGHTENING TORQUES
DESCRIPTION Thread size Torque
Nm kgm
Standard Front axle
Bolts or nuts, front axle carrier to housing (C1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4” – 10UNC 333 to 34 to 38
373
Nut, track control rod clamp (C2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 10x1.25 49 5
Locknut, steering rod (C3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 20x1 176 18
Nut, RH and LH levers to swivel pins retaining screw (C4) . . . M 16x1.5 294 30
Nut, axle outer section (C5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 16x1.5 211 21.5
Bolt, front wheel to hub (C6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 18x1.5 314 32
Bolt, axle pivot pin (C7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 10x1.25 49 5

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4 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

DESCRIPTION Thread size Torque

Nm kgm
Heavy Duty Front axle
Bolts or nuts, front axle carrier to housing (C1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4” – 10UNC 333 –373 34 to 38
Nut, track control rod clamp (C2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 20 136 13.8
Locknut, steering rod (C3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1/8 271–305 27.6–31
Bolt, RH and LH levers to swivel pins retaining screw (C4) . . . M 20x55 470–530 47.9–54
Bolt, axle outer section (C5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 24x200 530–950 54–96.8
Bolt, front wheel to hub (C6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 18x1.5 314 32
Bolt, axle pivot pin (C7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M 10x1.25 49 5

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 5

SPECIAL TOOLS List of special tools necessary to carry out the

CAUTION different operations described in this Section.
Operations described in this Section of the Manual
X 293521 Swivel pin ring nut spanner.
must be performed using the following ESSENTIAL
tools marked with the identification code (X).
X 290793 Axle pivot pin adapter (M 12x1.25)
To work safely and achieve the best technical results
(use with 292927).
with additional savings of time and effort, these
mandatory tools should be used in conjunction with
the suggested special tools listed below and 292927 Slide hammer.
integrated with the Dealer made ones for which you
will find the necessary construction drawings and 292400 Wheel lifting hook.
specifications in this Manual.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible Cause Correction

Premature tyre wear
Poor tractor stability
1. Wrong inflation pressure.
2. Wrong front wheel toe–in.
1. Wrong inflation pressure.
Inflate tyres to correct
pressure, refer to values
suggested in the Operator’s
Manual. Always comply with
values specified by the tyre
manufacturer.
Adjust toe–in
Inflate tyres to correct
pressure

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

There are two types of two wheel drive front axles The front axle is controlled by the power steering
fitted to this range of tractors. Firstly the standard system through a cylinder attached to the axle
duty axle fitted to TM120 to TM155 Tractors and housing and the swivel pin control lever. The two
secondly a heavy duty version as fitted to TM175 and swivel pins are connected by an adjustable track
TM190 Tractors. control rod for toe–in adjustment, if required.
The standard front axle for two wheel drive tractors Axle centre beam and telescopic outer sections are
is composed of a reversed U type centre beam with drilled to obtain 7 possible track settings.
telescopic axle outer sections. The heavy duty axle is composed of a square tube
The centre beam is attached to the front axle carrier centre beam with telescopic outer sections and is
by means of a single pivot which allows oscillation on also attached by use of a single pivot. The centre
both sides. beam and telescopic outer sections are drilled to
obtain 6 possible track settings.

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6 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

2
Standard Front Axle and Carrier – Sectional View
1. Adjustable track control rod 6. Swivel pin thrust bearing
2. Swivel pin control lever 7. Axle centre beam
3. Swivel pin 8. Axle pivot pin bushings
4. Swivel pin bushings 9. Axle pivot pin
5. Wheel hub tapered roller bearing. 10. Front axle carrier.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 7

Heavy Duty Front Axle Components

1. Axle Assembly 15. Cotter Pin
2. Bushing 16. Washer
3. Washer 17. Bearing Cone
4. Bolt 18. Bearing Cup
5. Bolt 19. Hub assembly
6. Special Washer 20. Bearing Cup
7. Arm 21. Bearing Cone
8. Bushing 22. Retainer
9. Axle Assembly 23. Seal
10. Grease Fitting 24. Protective Shield
11. Bushing 25. Spindle Assembly
12. Grease Fitting 26. Thrust Bearing
13. Nut 27. Square Nut
14. Cap 28. Bushing

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8 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

Heavy Duty Axle Tie Rod and Steering Cylinder Components

1. Nut 15. Nut
2. Seal 16. Seal
3. Cotter Pin 17. Socket Assembly
4. Nut 18. Grease Fitting
5. Washer 19. Cylinder
6. Bolt 20. Bolt
7. O–Ring 21. Washer
8. Bushing 22. Trunnion
9. Arm assembly 23. Slotted Nut
10. Washer 24. Seal
11. Washer 25. Cotter Pin
12. Roll Pin 26. Socket Assembly
13. Pin 27. Socket Assembly
14. Grease Fitting 28. Grease Fitting

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 9

FRONT AXLE
Removal – Installation (Op. 44 101 30)
DANGER
Lift and handle all heavy components using lifting
equipment of appropriate capacity. Ensure that units
or parts are supported by suitable slings or hooks.
Ensure that no–one is in the vicinity of the load to be
lifted.

Remove the front axle assembly from the tractor as

follows:
1. Open and raise engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative cable (1) from the
battery and insulate.
3. Safely block rear wheels.
4. Remove front weights and weight support, where
fitted.

1
5. Jack up front of tractor and place a stationary
stand (1) under the sump.

2
6. Loosen retaining bolts and remove front wheels.

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10 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

7. Connect axle to a hoist using two nylon cables (2)

(one on each side). Disconnect steering cylinder
control lines (1).

4
8. Loosen the axle pivot pin locking bolt (1).

5
9. Using a slide puller (1) on the pivot pin (2)
withdraw the pivot pin.

6
10. Remove front axle using a hoist.
WARNING
Always use suitable tools to align holes. DO NOT
USE HANDS OR FINGERS.

11. Reinstall the front axle assembly to carrier

observing the following:
– Reassembly follows disassembly procedure
in reverse, from step 10 back to step 1.
– Tighten to correct torques as detailed on
page 2.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 11

FRONT WHEEL HUB

Removal–Installation (Op. 44 101 22)
WARNING
Handle all components with the greatest care. Do not
insert hands or fingers between the parts. Wear
suitable protection clothing, including goggles,
gloves and footwear.

Wheel hubs can be removed with the front axle on the

tractor. Proceed as follows for each hub:
1. Open and raise engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative cable (1) from the
battery and insulate.
3. Safely block rear wheels.
4. Remove front weights and weight support, where
fitted.

1
5. Jack up front tractor and place a stationary stand
(1) under the sump.

2
6. Loosen retaining bolts and remove front wheels.

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12 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

7. Remove the wheel hub bearing grease cup (1)

4
8. Unstake locking tab on the wheel hub bearing
adjustment ring nut (1).

5
9. Using the socket spanner tool no. 293521 (1),
loosen the wheel hub bearing adjust ring nut.

6
10. Remove the wheel hub (2) and recover bearings
(1 and 3).
11. Replace faulty seals and worn bearings using
suitable pullers and drifts.
12. Fill the wheel hub with AMBRA GR 75 MD
grease.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 13

13. Re–assemble the wheel hub (2) complete with

the bearings (1 and 3).

8
14. Using a torque wrench and socket spanner tool
no. 293521 (2), torque the ring nut to 196 Nm
(20 kgm) while turning the wheel hub to settle the
bearings.
15. Loosen the ring nut and torque it again to 24 to
29 Nm (2.5 to 3 kgm) continuing to turn the wheel
hub.
NOTE: The ring nut should be replaced at each
re–assembly.

9
16. Stake the locking tab on the ring nut in 2 positions
as shown (1).

10
17. Reassemble the wheel hub bearing grease cup
(1).

11

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14 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

SPINDLE ASSEMBLY
Overhaul (Op. 44 101 46)
WARNING
Handle all components with the greatest care. Do not
insert hands or fingers between the parts. Wear
suitable protection clothing, including goggles,
gloves and footwear.

Swivel pins can be overhauled with the front axle on

the tractor. Proceed as follows for each wheel:
1. Open and raise engine hood.
2. Detach the negative cable (1) from the battery
and insulate.
3. Safely block rear wheels.
4. Remove front ballast and ballast support, if
present.

1
5. Jack up front of tractor and place a stationary
stand (1) under the sump.

2
6. Loosen retaining bolts and remove front wheels.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 15

7. Place an hydraulic jack under the spindle

assembly and loosen the swivel pin control lever
(1) retaining screw.

4
8. Slide out the control lever (1) from the spindle
assembly.

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16 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

9. On Heavy Duty axles a bolt (1) holds the spindle

in place. Loosen the bolt and lower using a
hydraulic jack.

6
10. Lower the hydraulic jack and remove the spindle
and hub assembly (1).

7
11. Loosen the axle outer section (1) attaching bolts.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 17

12. Remove the axle outer section (1).

9
13. Fix the axle outer section in a vice and using a
slide puller remove the swivel bearing bushings
(1).

10
14. Reinstall the spindle assembly to the front axle
following the disassembly procedure in reverse
and using a suitable drift to install new bushings
(1) on the axle outer section.

11
15. Reinstall axle outer section (1).
16. Reinstall the spindle assembly to the axle outer
section.

12

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18 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

17. Place the control lever (1) on the spindle

assembly (2) and torque retaining bolt.

13
18. On Heavy Duty axles insert spindle and replace
bolt. Apply Loctite 242 and torque bolt to
470–530 Nm.

14
Heavy Duty Axle Hub Removal and Installation
1. Support axle and tractor as previously described.
2. Remove the bearing grease cup.
3. Remove the cotter pin (2)and undo the hub nut
(1).
4. Remove the wheel hub and recover bearings.
5. Replace faulty seals and worn bearings.
6. Fill the wheel hub with AMBRA GR 75 MD
grease.

15
7. Re–assemble the hub and bearings
8. Revolve the hub and torque the castellated nut to
20.3 Nm. Then back the nut off to the first slot.
9. Lock the nut using the cotter pin (2).
10. Refit the bearing grease cup.

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 19

Centre Arm Installation

Press two bushings into the centre steering arm so
they are 5mm (0.196 inch) below the surface.Install
the pivot pin through the bottom of the axle centre
section. Lubricate the two o–rings with petroleum
jelly and install in the top and bottom of the centre
arm. Locate the centre arm between the upper and
lower boss of the axle.
Install two 3.96mm (0.156inch) thickness washers
(4)(5) between the bottom of the arm and the axle.
Push the pivot pin thhrough the arm and then install
one 3.96 mm ((0.156inch) washer(1) and one
1.06mm (0.042 inch) washer (2) at the top of the arm.
Check the clearance between the upper washer and 16
axle centre section. The gap must be no greater than
1.067mm (0.042inch). Add or subtract washers at
the top of the steering arm to adjust the
clearance.Insert the spring pin through the pivot pin
to complete installation.
Steering Cylinder Alignment
Steering cylinder alignment is critical to seal life. Use
washers (1) and (2), (4) and (5), as shown Fig 16. to
shim gap at top of centre steering arm to a maximum
gap of 1mm.
Position arm such that there is a gap between
trunnion fitting (22,Page 8) and cylinder at top and
bottom.

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20 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

FRONT WHEEL SETTING TESTS

(Op. 44 511 80)
Wheel camber test
Check the front wheel camber considering that,
when the tractor moves along a straight line, wheels
should be tilted by 2° relative to the ground,
corresponding to a difference (X) of approximately
15 mm between the rim edges (with 16” rims).

1
Front wheel toe–in alignment (Standard Axle)
When the tractor moves along a straight line, wheels
should be parallel to the tractor centre line or slightly
toe–in until a max. of 5 mm, measured between the
rim edges.
Check correct toe–in as follows:
1. Inflate front tyres to a pressure of 2.5 bar
(kg/cm2).
2. Place the steering wheel at mid–travel, with one
spoke along the tractor centre line.
3. Check if wheels are parallel to the tractor centre
line.
4. Measure the distance (B) between the wheel 2
inner rims at hub height at the front of the
wheels.
5. Measure the distance between the wheel inner
rims at hub height at the rear of the wheels. The
measurement taken should be the same as (B)
or greater by up to 5 mm max.
6. Should it be necessary to adjust the front wheel
toe–in, proceed as follows:
1
– Loosen the locknuts (1) on both ends of the
track control rod.
– Turn the track control rod hex end (2) in or out
to shorten or lengthen the track control rod
until 0–5 mm toe–in is achieved.
– Torque the locknuts (1) to the specified
torque (see on page 2).
7. Move the tractor forward to rotate both front
wheels 180° and check the measurements 24440 2
again, this time at the rear of the wheels . This will
eliminate wheel rim run–out errors.
3

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 21

Track Adjustment – Heavy Duty Axle

1. To alter the track setting, apply the handbrake
and block the rear wheels. Jack up the front axle
and place on axle stands. Remove the nuts, bolts
and washers securing the right-hand telescopic
section (1) to the centre beam (2). Repeat on the
left-hand side of the axle.

The two adjustable track control rods consist of a

hollow tube that is attached to the central steering
pivot, and a solid, extendible rod that attaches to the
steering arm on the kingpin. Each control rod has a
number of adjustment holes at 50 mm (2 in.)
intervals.

The two locating bolts (1), pass through the hollow

tube and the holes in the extendible rod, locking the
track rod assembly at the desired length.
Additionally, the inner ends of each track rod have a
threaded section (2), and locknut (3), to provide fine
adjustment.
2. Remove the locating bolts (1) from the both track
rods. This will permit the track rods to extend or
retract freely.

5
3. Reset the left and right-hand axle telescopic
sections, passing the securing bolts through the
centre beam and telescopic sections, as
indicated in Figure 6 and table below:
Tighten the nuts on the axle extension securing bolts
to 530 – 950 Nm (391 – 701 lbf.ft.).
NOTE: If the outer locating bolt on the axle is in the
fourth hole from the kingpin, then the outer bolt on
the track control rod must also be in the fourth hole
from the outer end of the control rod.

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22 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1

Track Settings (11.0 x 16 tyres)

Track Setting Securing Bolt Locations
mm (in.) Refer to Figure 6
1549 (61.0) A C
1651 (65.0) B D
1752 (69.0) C E
1854 (73.0) D F
1955 (77.0) E G
2057 (81.0) F H

6
Track Settings (14L x 16.1 tyres)
Track Setting Securing Bolt Locations
mm (in.) Refer to Figure 6
1574 (62.0) A C
1676 (66.0) B D
1778 (70.0) C E
1879 (74.0) D F
1981 (78.0) E G
2082 (82.0) F H

With both front wheels parallel, reinstall the locating

bolts (1) in the nearest aligning holes in the track
control rod. Tighten the nuts on the locating bolts to
54 – 68 Nm (40 – 50 lbf. ft.).
IMPORTANT: The front wheel discs are offset
relative to the centre line of the rim. The track settings
in the table above are with the deeply dished side
of the wheel nearest the axle hub. If the front
wheels are reversed on the hubs each track setting
will be increased by approximately 203 mm (8.0 in.).

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 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS – CHAPTER 1 23

Front Wheel Toe–in alignment (Heavy Duty)

Toe–in Setting 3 – 9 mm
(0.118 – 0.354 in.)

1. To adjust the toe–in setting first loosen the

locknut (3) on the inner end of the track rod.
Remove the two clamp bolts (1) to allow the track
rod tube to be rotated. To increase toe–in the
track rod must be lengthened.
2. After adjusting, replace the two bolts (1) and
tighten to 54–68Nm (40–50 lbf.ft.). Re–tighten
the lock nut (3) to 271–305 Nm., and check the
toe–in setting again.
If the toe–in setting requires considerable
adjustment, both track control rods should be moved
by the same amount to ensure the steering action
remains centralised.
8

CAUTION
Operators should ensure that all steering
components are maintained in a reliable and
satisfactory condition to ensure safe operation and
comply with legal requirements.

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24 SECTION 44 – FRONT AXLE AND WHEELS - CHAPTER 1

NOTES

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