Kenworth T410, Driver'S Handbook Manual

Page: 304 / 418

Page 278 CAT: 8612 November 2019
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
STEERING
Frequent visual checks of the steering gear and components are vital to
driving safety. Check the crosstube for straightness. Check draglink ends,
ball joints and steering U-joints for looseness.
Check draglink for evidence of tyre rubbing and draglink clamp for
looseness or interference. Check steering wheel free play. It is good
practice to make a special check of these components after a hard trip
over rough roads.
If the steering feels awkward, check the simplest probable causes first, for
example unequal tyre pressures, loose cap nuts, bent crosstube or lack of
lubrication. If these checks do not reveal the problem, have the problem
diagnosed and corrected by an authorised Kenworth dealer.
While operating the vehicle, the driver should avoid deep ruts or obstructions
which cause a binding condition on front wheels. If the front wheels are in a
rut or against a curb, the vehicle should be driven out under its own power,
rather than lifted out by turning the wheels while the vehicle is stopped.
UNDERSTEER AND OVERSTEER
Are vehicle dynamics terms used to describe the sensitivity of a vehicle to
steering. Simply put, oversteer is what occurs when a vehicle turns (steers)
by more than (over) the amount commanded by the driver. Conversely,
understeer is what occurs when a vehicle steers less than, or ‘under’ the
amount commanded by the driver.
Oversteer
The vehicle turns more
sharply than intended and
could get into a spin.
Understeer
The vehicle does not turn
enough and leaves the
road.