A logistics yard reported that a JCB 30D Teletruk had excessive free-play in the steering wheel (over 90 degrees of rotation). The steering felt "loose," and the operator had to constantly correct the wheel to drive straight.
The technician inspected the "Steering Column Linkage." The Teletruk uses a shaft that runs from the steering wheel to the "Orbitrol" (hydraulic steering unit) located under the floor pan. He found the "Universal Joint" (U-joint) on the lower end of the shaft was worn. The needle bearings were dry and had flat spots. This allowed the shaft to rotate 45 degrees before engaging the orbitrol.
He then checked the "Orbitrol Mounting." The four bolts securing the orbitrol to the chassis frame were loose. Because the orbitrol is connected to the steering hoses, the loose mounting allowed the entire unit to twist in its bracket when the driver turned the wheel. This twisting absorbed the steering input, adding to the free-play.
The repair involved replacing the worn U-joint. He also applied thread-locking compound to the orbitrol mounting bolts and tightened them to the specified torque. The "Steering Hose fittings" were checked for leaks (air ingestion can also cause spongy steering). After the repair, the steering free-play was reduced to less than 15 degrees, restoring precise control.
