TM 10-3930-671-24 9.7. Steer Axle Removal/Installation Steer Axle Removal ........................................................................................F-425 Steer Axle Mounting Parts ..............................................................................F-426 Steer Axle Installation .....................................................................................F-428 Steer Axle Removal NOTE To  perform  this  service  procedure,  it is recommended that you first: • Park  truck  on  level  surface  and fully lower upright. • Return  controls  to  neutral,  apply parking     brake,     and     turn     key switch OFF. • Block the drive wheels. • Lift  and  block  truck  up  to  raise steer wheels off the floor. Do    not    remove    the    counterweight    unless    you    have training   and   are   familiar   with   the   correct   procedures. Counterweights   can   fall   if   not   handled   correctly   and cause severe injury or death. 1. It   is   recommended   that   the   counterweight   be removed   before   starting   removal   of   the   steer axle.    Refer  to  Section  12.    1,  Counterweight Maintenance, Removal, & Installation. 2. Before   completing   the   raising   and   lowering   of truck  onto  blocks,  if  axle  is  to  be  disassembled this  is  a  convenient  time  to  remove  pneumatic tires    and    wheels    to    facilitate    clearance    for moving axle from under the truck. 3. Loosen wheel bolts or lug nuts before completely raising steer wheels off the floor.  After lowering truck   onto   blocking,   remove   wheel   nuts,   and then wheel assembly from the hub. Do   not   raise   truck   by   hoisting   on overhead    guard    or    by    jacking    or lifting on counterweight. 4. Use an approved chain hoist or equivalent lifting method to raise rear of truck frame approximately  12  in.    [300  mm]  off  the  floor,  or high enough for steer tires to clear floor. Refer to Section 3.3, Machine Jacking and Blocking. 5. Truck  may  also  be  raised  with  floor  jack  placed under center section of steer axle only. 6. Put  solid  hardwood  blocking,  e.g.,  12"x12"  solid timber, under the frame.  Be sure the blocks will not interfere with the axle as it is being removed. 7. Lower the truck onto the blocks and remove the jack. Before  performing  any  maintenance work,    check    the    truck    for    stable condition  on  the  blocking  to  prevent injury  to  personnel   and   damage   to equipment. F-425