Tube Inspection; Ball Joint Play Inspection; Fine Adjustment Sleeve Play Inspection; Tie Rod Ball Joint Inspection For Corrosion - PREVOST H3-41 Maintenance Manual

SECTION 14: STEERING
MAINTENANCE
Inspect tie rod once a year.

14.8.1 Tube inspection

Check the tube for damage. If there are signs of
deformation, replace the tie rod assembly.

14.8.2 Ball joint play inspection

FIGURE 35 TIE ROD BALL JOINT
To inspect joint wear and play, turn the wheels
alternately left and right until the wheels move.
Perform this with the axle loaded normally.
During this process, the spring deflection of the
ball pivot against the housing should not exceed
0.020" (0.5 mm) axially. Replace the joint if the
movement of the ball stud exceeds 0.020" (0.5
mm) axially in the housing.
Measure the distance with a caliper (Figure 36).
FIGURE 36: MEASURING AXIAL PLAY, TIE ROD JOINTS

14.8.3 Fine adjustment sleeve play inspection

Turn the wheels alternately left and right while
keeping a finger on the threads to feel any
movement in the threads. (Figure 37). If there is
too much play in the sleeve, replace the tie rod.
26 PA1621 Maintenance Manual All Series | Section revised June 2019
FIGURE 37:

14.8.4 Tie rod ball joint inspection for corrosion

MAINTENANCE
Inspect tie rod ball joints for corrosion once a
year.
FIGURE 38: TIE ROD BALL JOINT CONSTRUCTION
1. Carefully clean the sealing boot contact area
to ensure that no contaminants can get
under the sealing
inspection procedure. Do not use cleaning
agents or solvents, only use dry cloth or
cotton wool.
2. Housing: The housing must not show any
signs of deep rusting (depth of no more than
approx. 1mm). Pay particular attention to the
roll edge and cover, they must be rust free.
Clean corrosion on the axle steering lever
contact faces also.
3. Bellows: They must be in perfect condition
to protect from corrosion. Squeeze the
bellows by hand and make sure no grease is
bellows during the