Thomas NUT BANKOUT Manual De Operación página 25

Trouble-Shooting
Steering
If the vehicle wheels fail to track in tandem during straight-ahead travel, this is
known as "dog-tracking".
"Dog-Tracking" has been known to occur while using the Thomas Bankout
vehicle. This happens when the front and rear ends of the vehicle are not in line while
traveling in a straight-ahead direction. One cause of this condition is the vehicle's
wheels going over a hole or solid object in the path of travel. This leads to damage of
specific steering components, and can limit the overall movement of the machine. Other
possible causes for "Dog-Tracking" may lie in loosened bolts on vital suspension and
steering parts as well. Due to the varied causes of "Dog-Tracking", correction of the
problem must begin with a thorough inspection of all steering components including:
axles, steering track rods, spring/ axle U-bolts, steering drag link, front-rear steering
linkage, and steering cylinder. Be watchful for loose or broken bolts, and other damaged
parts.
Movement of either axle, relative to suspension leaf springs, can cause "Dog-
Tracking" or other steering irregularities. Bent or loose tie rods, linking right and left
wheels, can cause steering problems or excessive tire wear. Make certain that such
problems are corrected and that both the front and rear "toe-in" is properly adjusted.
Having made all other repairs and inspections, final elimination of "Dog-Tracking"
takes place with the adjustment of the front-to-rear steering apparatus. This mechanism
consists of a forward steering link, a pivot arm, and a rear steering link. Both front and
rear steering links are provided with threaded tie-rod ends by which the effective length
of each link may be increased or decreased.
By increasing the total length of the front-to-rear steering assembly, the rear of
the Bankout will tend to move to the left during travel. By decreasing the total length of
the steering assembly, the rear of the Bankout will tend to move to the right during
travel. Continue this process of lengthening or shortening the steering link assembly,
then test the vehicle. A satisfactory adjustment will have been achieved when both the
front and rear wheels run in parallel tracks during straight-ahead travel. Take care to
lengthen or shorten the front and rear steering links equally, thereby maintaining a near
vertical positioning of the pivot arm when steering is straight.
Section 5 – Trouble-Shooting
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