L4802 Front Axle Pivot adjusting

[Tonka]

Question on adjusting the front axle pivot on an L4802. According to the workshop manual, if I am understanding it correctly, with the front of the tractor in the air it should take 36.2 - 144lbf to pivot the axle. And if it doesn't to adjust the pivot bolt until it is within specs.

I have a handheld luggage scale for weighing luggage. If I hook this scale to the wheel flange and pull up to pivot the front axle, it should take 36.2 to 144 lbs to move the axle. Am I understanding this procedure correctly?

With only 50hrs on my machine the front axle currently moves with a force of around 20lbs.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

You will also note this is done without the front wheels attached.
Also note: Greasing the pivots will change the value you get.

 

[Tonka]

You will also note this is done without the front wheels attached.
Also note: Greasing the pivots will change the value you get.

Yes, I did see that it is done without the front wheels attached.
Am I understanding the procedure correctly in that it could take basically 36 lb to 144 lbs to pivot the axle? That is a huge range.

What lead me down this path is I have some noise that is coming from the steering when turning the steering wheel with a full load of material, dirt or gravel, in the bucket. There's an 850lb box scrapper on the back for ballast. The tie rods and axle pivots are greased. And the front axle is full of fluid.

When I initially checked the front axle, I could literally touch the front axe with a couple fingers and easily move the axle up and down. I think I'll set the axle to the middle-ish of it's range and see if that makes a difference. It took alot of turns in of the pivot adjusting bolt just to get it to 25lbs.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes, I did see that it is done without the front wheels attached.
Am I understanding the procedure correctly in that it could take basically 36 lb to 144 lbs to pivot the axle? That is a huge range.

What lead me down this path is I have some noise that is coming from the steering when turning the steering wheel with a full load of material, dirt or gravel, in the bucket. There's an 850lb box scrapper on the back for ballast. The tie rods and axle pivots are greased. And the front axle is full of fluid.

When I initially checked the front axle, I could literally touch the front axe with a couple fingers and easily move the axle up and down. I think I'll set the axle to the middle-ish of it's range and see if that makes a difference. It took alot of turns in of the pivot adjusting bolt just to get it to 25lbs.

Yes you have the procedure right.
I've seen quite a few of these loose and they normally don't make any noise.