Tires Front tire angles

[scottgze]

Hi people
I've recently aquired an FE35, the serial number indicates it's a 1959. Over all, I like it. However, I've noticed that the front wheels seem to be at odd angles, as per the attached photos.
Since these tractors don't have camber adjustment, what could be the cause? I have noticed that it also seems to have toe out, could this be a contributing factor?

TIA

TIA

 

[oosik]

You need to get an Op Manual and see what is recommended for your specific unit. Pictures can be very deceiving. Somebody will probably post here with the data you need. Just hang in there.

By the way - - Welcome to TBN, Scott.

 

[pmsmechanic]

To me the right tire looks like it's taller than the left one. Are they both the same size? Check to see that the spindles aren't bent and that the wheel bearings aren't loose. I'm also thinking that the right front wheel is up on a bump for the picture which would also distort things. How does it look on a level surface?

 

[scottgze]

Cheers oosik. I have all four manuals, and I can't find any reference to wheel camber. While the pictures can deceive, my eyes don't, The LH front wheel has a definate outward lean (positive camber). I'm wondering if the stub axle is a bit bent?
I've been lurking here for about a week, pretty impressed by the level of knowledge I've seen so far

 

[scottgze]

Thanks pmsmechanic. How would I go about checking if a spindle is bent?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Thanks pmsmechanic. How would I go about checking if a spindle is bent?

I would do something like taking the tires off and putting a straight edge on the flange that the tires bolt onto. You might have to tighten the wheel bearing so that there is minimal play in the bearings. Then measure the distance from the straight edge to the top of the spindle. Take the measurement from something that will be the same on both sides, like the machining hole in the center of the nut that holds the steering arm on. The distance should be the same on both sides. If it isn't then I would take the hubs off and eye ball both the spindles to see which one is bent. If you have trouble eye balling stuff like this then use a small square and place it against the flange that the seal rides on. If you compare the flat of the square to the axle you should be able to see right away if something is bent.

Before I get into something like this though check all of the simple stuff first as mentioned in my first post.

Edited to add that you could also place the square against the "knee" that the spindle slides into. That might show a bend better than the flange that the seal rides on.

 

[art]

That is not unusual!!! That is the way they were made! you can go from brand to brand and you will find the same thing!

 

[scottgze]

Thanks for everyone's help! Being new to tractors, this website has been invaluable.

 

[zzvyb6]

The purpose of camber on the wheels is to reduce the scrub radius. This is the intersection of the wheel plane at the kingpin axis on the ground. This greatly reduces the overall steering effort, especially on dirt or in a furrow. Obviously it makes manual steering manageable. Ideally, the steered wheels just twist instead of twisting, scrubbing and rolling.

 

[TractorGuy]

The only thing I can tell by those photos is you have it parked on unlevel ground. The only way you will be able to measure camber and toe accurately is to park it on level ground or better yet concrete.

You should probably start by jacking it up and checking wheel bearing play.

For doing home alignments I cut a piece of pipe that fits inside the rim beads and hold a digital level or angle gauge against it. Add or subtract from 90 degrees to figure out the camber.