Steering - White Outdoor LT-5 Service Manual

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
14.

STEERING

14.1. 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 drag link
that connects the steering gear to the steering
arm on the right front axle. See Figure 14.1.
Drag link
Tie rod
Figure 14.1
NOTE: The front wheels should exhibit 1/16" to
5/16" (1.6mm - 7.9mm) toe-in.
14.2. 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.
14.3. A toe-angle problem may also be caused by
worn axle bushings or worn wheel bearings:
inspect the wheel bearings and axle bushings.
See Figure 14.3.
Figure 14.3
Axle bushings
Wheel bearing
14.4. The wheel bearings may be easily examined for
play:
• Safely lift and support the end of the pivot bar
that the wheel is attached to.
• 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.
14.5. The wheel bearings are accessible by prying-off
the hub-cap, then removing the cotter pin and
flat washer that retain the front tires.
See Figure 14.5.
14.6. With the front of the tractor safely lifted and sup-
ported, the wheel can be removed, and the bear-
ings driven-out and replaced. See Figure 14.6.
22
Figure 14.5
Figure 14.6