Checking and Adjusting the Steering Angle

49X mm 33.04.004
Steering (or turning) angle is the degree of front wheel movement from a straight-ahead position to either an extreme right or left position. Although front wheel movement can be limited by the amount of internal travel in the steering gear, it generally depends on how much clearance there is between chassis components and the tire and wheel assemblies. All axles have adjustable stopscrew-and locknut-type axle stops (Fig.), which are located on the rear side of each front axle spindle.

  1. Stopscrew and Locknut

Fig. 1,  Axle Stop

  1. Make sure the steering gear is in the center of travel when the wheels are in a straight-ahead position. Center the gear, using the instructions in the applicable steering section in this manual. Bottoming of the steering gear must not occur when making an extreme right or left turn.
  2. With the brakes fully applied, turn the steering wheel clockwise to the end of travel. Have someone check both sides of the vehicle for interference at the tires and wheels. There must be at least 0.50 inch (13 mm) clearance from any fixed object, and 0.75 inch (19 mm) from any moving object. If necessary, loosen the stopscrew locknut; adjust the stopscrew to contact the axle when the maximum turning angle of the wheels is determined. Tighten the locknut to the value in the torque table under Alignment Specifications.
  3. Repeat the step above with the steering wheel turned counterclockwise. Adjust the axle stop, as needed.
  4. Adjust the steering gear so that pressure is released ahead of the axle stop. This will prevent possible damage to the steering or axle components. For poppet valve adjustment instructions, refer to  in the Western Star 47X and 49X Workshop Manual.
  5. Drive the vehicle off the turn-plates or turntables.
Note:
Parent topic: All-Axle Alignment Check
Document Number: 0000119317
Manual Publication Date: 2024-05-16
Topic Publication Date: 2024-10-31