KW wheel cut

I took out my stops and it's fine now...

 

I also took out my stops made big difference

 

Be careful removing the set stops!
The three W900s I have owned all had the same type of steering box/pitman arm setup, and turned quite a bit shorter one way. My 1996, and present W900, a 2004 model, turn shorter to the left. Trucks with this type of steering box (can't recall the name), cannot turn short to the right, because the left steer tire will rub on the pitman arm. Mine is adjusted where it keeps the arm shiny, but removing the set stops will allow the tire to rub REALLY hard, possibly cutting it. With the hood open, stand by your left steer tire and look at the inside sidewall while someone steers your truck hard to the right. Check how close your tire is before you make adjustments.
Some years back, around 2002, Kenworth issued a bulletin concerning steering adjustments that resulted in frame breakage, (which naturally voided warranties). This bulletin was aimed at T800s, and W900s, (don't remember if the T600s were included, but I would think so), with the steering box that you could make adjustments on the box itself. Tools needed for this were an allen wrench, and open end/box end for the jam nut. IIRC, adjusting screw was at the top near the steering shaft. Thinking it was a Saginaw brand, but don't hold me to that! I personally have seen one W900 with a broken frame rail, and the company I used to work for had posted a copy of said KW bulletin, stating that they had two T800s with broken rails due to excessive adjustment. All had broken in the same area, passenger side frame rail, about 18"-28" behind the front spring pin. Don't know if the adjustments were the reason for the breakage, but I do know that when I drove/worked in the shop of aforementioned company, I personally adjusted and/or removed the set stops on many a KW. 15/16" for the jam nut, and 5/8" for the square head adjusting screw.

 

The stops are on the back side of the brake backing plate , so when you turn the set screw hit the axle about the middle of the kingpin on both sides, left and rite, the jam nut is like Droy said 5/8,but when you turn sharp to the rite remember the tire will rub on pittman arm so take it easy,I also have been wrote up by D.O.T. for tire rubbing on pittmanarm

 

A W9 with LP22.5 will also cut a little tighter than a W9 with LP 24.5.

 

there is another reason not to do this,,,if you back off the stops to where the limits of the steering box act as your turn stops,,this can damage the box internally,,the turn stops are there for a reason,to protect all the steering components and the suspension

 

Oneshot could care to elaborate on this please. I am very curious to know why a bigger tire would not turn tighter.

KH

 

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