GLOBAL MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT

988K WHEEL LOADER, 834K WHEEL DOZER,

AND 836K LANDFILL COMPACTOR
988K STEERING SYSTEM
MODULE 7 - TEXT REFERENCE

SERV1975

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, ACERT, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the POWER EDGE
trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar
and may not be used without permission. © 2013 Caterpillar Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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SERV1975 - 07/13 -2- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participants will meet the following learning outcomes

during this Steering System module for the 988K Wheel
Loader course:
• Locate and identify the steering system components.
• Test and adjust the steering system.
• Identify the function of the steering system components
during a Post-Assessment.

Pre-module Learning Outcomes Participants will meet the following learning outcomes during this Steering System
(objectives): module for the 988K Wheel Loader course:

• This slide and statement for
the 988K Steering System
module should be shown at the
beginning of the module.
• Given a 988K Wheel Loader and the Lab 1 Worksheets, the participant
will locate and identify the steering system components;
• Given a 988K Wheel Loader and the appropriate reference material, the
participant will test and adjust the steering system during a lab exercise.

• Given all the reference materials and class notes, the participant will
identify the function of the steering system components during a
Post-Assessment.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -3- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
STIC
STEERING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM Lever (2)
HOLD

Neutralizer Neutralizer
Valve (3) Valve (3)

Quad Check
Secondary
Valve (4)
Steering Pump (10)
Brake
Combination
Valve (1)

Implement
Steering Hydraulic
Steering Control System (9)
Pump Valve (5)
(7)
Steering
Cylinders
Excess Flow (6)
Solenoid (8)
3_1

Introduction

•E
 xplain the oil flow through the The 988K steering system is similar to the 988H. The 988K steering control valve
steering system. has been redesigned and is equipped with an excess flow valve, which is used to
supplement the implement system oil flow when necessary.

This block diagram of the 988K steering system shows the components and oil flow.

Oil from the brake combination valve (1) provides pilot oil to the Steering
Transmission Integrated Control (STIC) lever (2). When the STIC control lever is
moved to the left or right, pilot oil is sent through the respective neutralizer valve (3)
and quad check valve (4) to the steering control valve (5). The pilot oil moves the
stem in the steering control valve and allows steering pump oil to flow to the steering
cylinders (6).

The steering pump (7) draws oil from the hydraulic tank and sends oil flow to the
steering control valve. The steering control valve directs oil to the steering cylinders.
The steering control valve is equipped with an excess flow solenoid (8) and excess
flow spool, which direct excess flow to the implement hydraulic system (9) when
necessary.

The secondary steering pump (10), if equipped, supplies oil flow to the steering
system when the engine stops or if the primary steering pump fails while the machine
is moving. The steering control valve also includes a secondary relief valve and a
diverter valve if the machine is equipped with secondary steering.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -4- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

4_1

Steering System Main Components

• Identify the steering system main
components.
Shown are the locations of the following components in the steering system:
• STIC lever (1)
• Hydraulic tank (2)
• Steering pump case drain oil filter (3)
• Steering pump (4)
• Optional secondary steering pump (5)
• Quad check valve (6)
• Steering cylinders (7)
• Neutralizer valves (8)
• Steering control valve (9)

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SERV1975 - 07/13
• Identify the steering pump.
-5- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
5_1
Steering Pump
The steering pump (1) can be accessed from the rear platform behind the cab. The
steering pump is a variable displacement, piston-type pump mounted to the front of
the pump drive on the left side. The pump control valve (2) controls the pump oil flow.
The pump control valve contains the flow control adjustment (3) and the high
pressure cutoff adjustment (4).
Oil from the supply port (5) flows to the steering control valve. The suction port (not
visible) is located on the bottom of the pump. Case drain oil flows through the case
drain hose (6) to the case drain oil filter, which is located at the rear of the hydraulic
tank. Case drain oil pressure can be checked with the pressure tap (7) located above
the pump.
The pump case fill port (8) allows the pump to be filled with oil.
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SERV1975 - 07/13
• Identify the hydraulic tank and
case drain filters.
-6- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
6_1
Hydraulic Tank and Case Drain Oil Filters
The hydraulic tank is located on the right side of the machine below the platform. A
sight gauge (1) is mounted on the tank, which allows the hydraulic fluid level to be
checked while standing on the ground next to the machine. The hydraulic oil tank
breather (2) and hydraulic oil fill cap (3) are accessed through a panel (4) on top of
the tank.
The steering pump case drain oil filter (5), the implement pump case drain oil
filter (6), and the fan pump case drain oil filter (7) are accessed by removing a
cover (8) at the rear of the hydraulic tank.
The fan pump case drain oil filter also filters the oil from the brake/pilot pump and the
hydraulic fan motor.
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SERV1975 - 07/13 -7- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

7_1

STIC Lever

• Identify the STIC lever The STIC lever (1) is located at the left front of the operator’s seat and is used to
components. steer the machine. When the lever is moved left or right, the respective valve spool
in the pilot control valve (not visible) directs pilot oil to the steering control valve. The
pilot control valve is located at the base of the STIC lever.

The steering/transmission lock lever (2) is shown in the LOCKED position in this
view. When the lever is placed in the LOCKED position, the STIC control lever is held
in the HOLD position by the lock lever.

Other components on the STIC lever are the transmission directional control (3) and
the transmission upshift and downshift switches (4).

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SERV1975 - 07/13
• Identify the steering components
located below the cab.
-8- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
8_1
Steering Components Below Cab
Two neutralizer valves (1) are mounted at the articulation joint on top of the rear
frame below the cab. Each neutralizer valve is actuated by an adjustable striker (not
shown) mounted on the front frame. When the machine makes a maximum turn
(either left or right), the respective striker will contact the neutralizer valve at the end
of the turn. The striker moves the neutralizer valve and blocks pilot oil flow from the
STIC pilot valve to the steering control valve. With the oil flow stopped, the steering
control valve centering spring centers the valve and stops the machine from turning.
The quad check valve (2) dampens the movement of the steering control valve spool
by restricting the pilot oil returning from the steering valve control spool to the STIC
control lever.
The steering control valve (3) directs steering pump oil to the steering cylinders and
sends signal oil to the compensator valve on the steering pump.
The primary steering pressure sensor (4) sends a signal to the Implement ECM
indicating steering discharge pressure. The Implement ECM uses the primary
steering pressure information to monitor the steering system pressure and to
calibrate the excess flow solenoid.
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SERV1975 - 07/13 -10- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

10_1

Steering Control Valve

• Identify the steering control valve
components.
The steering control valve has been redesigned and now includes an excess flow
solenoid (1) and an excess flow spool (2). When the implement system requires
additional flow, normally during low idle, the Implement ECM energizes the excess
flow solenoid. The solenoid directs oil to the excess flow spool, which moves and
directs steering pump oil flow not being used by the steering system to the implement
hydraulic system.

The back-up relief valve (3) limits the maximum steering system pressure if the high
pressure cutoff fails in the pump compensator valve. The line relief valves (4) limit oil
pressure in the steering cylinders due to an external force on the machine.

The load sensing relief valve (5) limits the load sensing signal to the steering pump
control valve.

The main spool (6) directs oil from the steering pump to the steering cylinders.

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SERV1975 - 07/13
• Identify the secondary steering
pump and diverter valve.
-11- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
11_1
Secondary Steering Pump and Diverter Valve
If the machine is equipped with the optional secondary steering system, the
secondary steering pump (1) is splined to the front of the transmission output transfer
gear near the articulation joint. The pump is ground driven and turns when the
machine is moving. If the primary steering pump fails or the engine stops while the
machine is moving, the secondary steering pump supplies oil to the steering system.
The diverter valve (2) has been relocated and is attached to the secondary steering
pump. The diverter valve directs oil from the secondary steering pump to the steering
control valve when there is a loss of main steering system pressure. The diverter
valve sends secondary pump oil flow to the tank when main steering system pressure
is present. The diverter valve contains a relief valve (3), which limits the steering
system pressure when the secondary steering pump is providing the steering system
oil flow.
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SERV1975 - 07/13 -12- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Steering
Control Valve STEERING PUMP AND
PUMP CONTROL VALVE
Flow ENGINE OFF
Compensator
Spool (4)

Pressure
Compensator
Large
Spool (5) Pump Actuator
Output Piston (3)
Pump
Output Swashplate (6)

Large
Actuator
Piston (3)

Small Actuator
Piston (1) Steering
Control Valve
Small Actuator
Bias Spring (2) Piston (1)

Pressure
Flow Compensator
Compensator Spool (5)
Spool (4)

12_1

Steering Pump - Engine Off

•E
 xplain the operation of the Shown is a schematic and sectional view of the steering pump and pump control
steering pump with the engine valve group.
OFF.
The pump has two actuator pistons which work together to continually adjust
the angle of the swashplate. The small actuator piston (1), assisted by the bias
spring (2), is used to upstroke the pump. The large actuator piston (3) is used to
destroke the pump.

The pump control valve group consists of a flow compensator (margin) spool (4) and
a pressure compensator (cutoff) spool (5). The valve group keeps the pump flow and
pressure at a level needed to fulfill the demands of the steering system.

The margin compensator spring maintains the pump supply pressure at approximately
2100 kPa (305 psi) above the signal pressure. The pressure compensator spring
limits the system pressure to approximately 32000 kPa (4,640 psi).

When the engine is OFF, the small actuator spring moves the swashplate (6) to
maximum angle.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -13- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Steering
Control Valve (4) STEERING PUMP AND
PUMP CONTROL VALVE
Flow LOW PRESSURE STANDBY
Compensator
Spool (5)

Pressure
Compensator
Large
Spool (6)
Pump Actuator
Output Piston (7)
Pump Swashplate
Output (3)

Large
Actuator
Piston (7)

Small Actuator
Piston (2)
Steering
Control Valve
(4) Small Actuator
Bias Spring (1) Piston (2)

Pressure
Flow Compensator
Compensator Spool (6)
Spool (5)

13_1

Steering Pump - Low Pressure Standby

•E
 xplain the operation of the When the engine is started and the steering pump has no demand for steering oil,
steering pump during low the bias spring (1) moves the small actuator piston (2), which holds the
pressure standby. swashplate (3) at maximum angle. When the steering control valve (4) is in the
HOLD position, pump flow is blocked at the steering control valve and no signal
pressure is generated. As the pump produces flow, the system pressure begins to
increase. This pressure is felt at the lower end of both the flow compensator
spool (5) and the pressure compensator spool (6). The flow compensator spool
moves up against spring force and permits system oil to flow to the large actuator
piston (7). The oil pressure at the large actuator piston overcomes the combined
force of the bias spring and system oil pressure at the small actuator piston.

The large actuator piston moves the swashplate to the LOW PRESSURE STANDBY
position. In LOW PRESSURE STANDBY, the pump produces enough flow to
compensate for system leakage at sufficient pressure to provide instantaneous
response when the steering control valve is moved.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -14- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

STEERING PUMP AND Steering

PUMP CONTROL VALVE Control Valve (1)
UPSTROKE

Pressure Compensator Spool (2)

Pump Output

Large
Actuator
Piston (3)

Small
Actuator
Piston (5)
Bias Spring (4) 14_1

Steering Pump - Upstroke

•E
 xplain the operation of the
steering pump during upstroke.
During a turn, signal pressure at the steering control valve (1) increases. This
increased pressure causes the force (flow compensator valve spring plus oil
pressure) at the right end of the flow compensator spool (2) to become greater than
the pump supply pressure at the left end of the spool.

The increased pressure at the right end of the flow compensator spool causes the
spool to shift left. The spool reduces or blocks pump output oil flow to the large
actuator piston (3), and opens a passage to drain. Reducing or blocking oil flow to
the large actuator piston reduces or eliminates the pressure acting against the large
actuator piston. When the pressure in the large actuator piston decreases, the bias
spring (4) and small actuator piston (5) move the swashplate to a greater angle, and
the pump upstrokes.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -15- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

STEERING PUMP AND Steering

PUMP CONTROL VALVE Control Valve (5)
DESTROKE

Flow Compensator Spool (1)

Pump Output

Large
Actuator
Piston (2)

Small
Actuator
Piston (3)
Bias Spring (4) 15_1

Steering Pump - Destroke

•E
 xplain the operation of the
steering pump during destroke.
When the load on the steering system decreases, signal oil pressure at the right end
of the flow compensator valve (1) decreases. This decreased pressure causes the
force (flow compensator valve spring plus oil pressure) at the right end of the flow
compensator spool to decrease below the pump supply pressure at the left end of
the spool. The decreased pressure at the right end of the flow compensator spool
causes the spool to shift and allows more flow to the large actuator piston (2), causing
the pressure in the large actuator piston to increase. The increased pressure in the
large actuator piston overcomes the combined force of the small actuator piston (3)
and bias spring (4) and moves the swashplate to a reduced angle.

As pump flow decreases, supply pressure also decreases. When the supply
pressure decreases and equals the sum of the oil pressure at the right end of the
flow compensator spool and spring force, the flow compensator spool moves to a
metering position and the system stabilizes. At that time, the oil from the steering
control valve (5) will be blocked.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -16- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

STEERING PUMP AND

Steering
PUMP CONTROL VALVE Control Valve
HIGH PRESSURE CUTOFF

Pressure Compensator Spool (1)

Pump Output

Large
Actuator
Piston (2)

Small
Actuator
Piston (3)
Bias Spring (4) 16_1

Steering Pump - High Pressure Cutoff

•E
 xplain the operation of the The pressure compensator spool (1) limits the maximum system pressure for any
steering pump during high given pump displacement. The pressure compensator spool is held in the left position
pressure cutoff. during normal operation by spring force.

When steering hydraulic system pressure is at maximum, pump supply pressure

increases and the pressure compensator spool moves right against spring force. The
pressure compensator spool blocks oil in the large actuator piston (2) from returning
to the tank and allows supply oil to go to the large actuator piston.

The increase in pressure allows the large actuator piston to overcome the combined
force of the small actuator piston (3) and bias spring (4) to destroke the pump. The
pump is now at minimum flow and pump supply pressure is at maximum.

This feature eliminates the need for a main relief valve in the steering hydraulic
system. Maximum system pressure is adjusted by turning the pressure compensator
adjustment screw.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -17- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

STEERING PILOT CONTROL VALVE

Handle (1) NO TURN

Cam Follower Linkage (2)

Centering Spring (3)

Right Port Plunger (10)

Left Port Plunger (4)

Regulating Spring (11)

Drain Passage (5)
Return Spring (12)

Pilot Oil Passage (13)

Pilot Stem (6)

Capsule (7) Orifice (14)

Capsule (15)
Orifice (8)
Orifice (16)
Left Port (9)
Right Port (17)

17_1

Steering Pilot Control Valve - NO TURN

• Identify the components of the The steering pilot control valve controls the displacement and direction of pilot oil
steering pilot control valve. flow to the steering control valve. The steering pilot valve assembly works similar to
other modulating pressure reducing valves. The major components of the steering
pilot valve are:

• Handle (1)
• Cam follower linkage (2)
• Centering spring (3)
• Left port plunger (4)
• Drain passage (5)
• Pilot stem (6)
• Capsule (7)
• Orifice (8)
• Left port (9)
• Right port plunger (10)
• Regulating spring (11)
• Return spring (12)
• Pilot oil passage (13)
• Orifice (14)
• Capsule (15)

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SERV1975 - 07/13
Cam Follower Linkage (1)
Left Port Plunger (2)
Regulating Spring (3)
Left Pilot Stem (4)
Left Port (5)
•E
 xplain the operation of the
steering pilot control valve during
a LEFT TURN.
-19- Module 7 - 988K Steering System
STEERING PILOT CONTROL VALVE
LEFT TURN
Right Port Plunger (7)
Drain Passage (9)
Supply Passage (6)
Right Pilot Stem (8)
19_1
Steering Pilot Control Valve - LEFT TURN
When the operator moves the STIC lever to the left (as shown), the cam follower
linkage (1) depresses the left port plunger (2) and the regulating spring (3). The
increased force on the regulating spring pushes the left pilot stem (4) down and
opens a passage through the pilot stem from the pilot oil passage to the left port (5).
The left pilot stem meters the pilot oil from the supply passage (6) to the left port.
This metering controls the signal pressure to the steering control valve. The pressure
of this signal is determined by the force of the regulating spring, which depends
on the distance the plunger is depressed. The amount the plunger is depressed is
controlled by how far the STIC lever is moved.
As the STIC lever moves to the left, the right port plunger (7) raises with the linkage
as the pivot plate rotates. However, the right pilot stem (8) remains in position. The
right pilot stem lands are open to the drain passage (9), providing a path for return oil
from the opposite end of the steering control valve spool.
When a RIGHT TURN is made, the right port plunger is depressed and the right pilot
stem meters pilot oil to the steering control valve.
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SERV1975 - 07/13 -20- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Implement
Steering
Cylinders
988K STEERING SYSTEM
System (20) (3) HOLD
Steering Control Valve (2)

Ball Resolver (9)

Excess Flow Control Back-up

Spool (19) Valve Relief
Spool Valve
(17) (11)

Line Diverter
Relief Priority Valve (16)
Valves Valve (18)
(21)

Pressure Secondary
Excess Flow Reducing Relief
Solenoid (6) Valve (12) Valve (15)

Secondary
Quad Steering
Check Pump (14)
Selector and
Valve Pressure
(8) Control Valve (13) Brake
Pilot Combination
Control Valve (5) Valve (4)
Primary
Pressure Pump Control
Sensor Valve (10)

Pressure Steering
Sensor Pump (1)
Neutralizer
Valves (7)

Tank

20_1

Steering System Schematic - HOLD

•E
 xplain the operation of the This illustration shows the steering hydraulic system in the 988K Wheel Loader.
steering system in HOLD.
The steering pump (1) is a variable displacement, piston-type pump that provides
oil flow to the steering control valve (2) and the steering cylinders (3) to turn the
machine. The pump control valve (10) controls the pump oil flow.

Pilot oil from the brake combination valve (4) flows to the pilot control valve (5) and
to the excess flow solenoid (6). When the STIC lever is moved left or right, the
respective valve spool moves in the pilot control valve. The pilot oil flows past the
pilot control valve spools through the neutralizer valves (7) and quad check valve (8)
to the steering control valve.

The neutralizer valves block pilot oil flow to the steering control valve when the
machine makes a maximum turn (either left or right ).

The quad check valve dampens the movement of the steering control valve spool by
restricting the pilot oil returning from the steering valve control spool (17) to the pilot
control valves.

The steering control valve spool directs steering pump oil flow to the steering
cylinders and sends signal oil through the ball resolver (9) to the pump control
valve on the steering pump.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -22- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Steering
Implement Cylinders 988K STEERING SYSTEM
System (5) GRADUAL RIGHT TURN

Control
Valve
Spool
(3)

Brake
Pilot Combination
Control Valve (1) Valve
Pump Control
Valve (6)

Steering
Pump (4)
Right Neutralizer
Valve (2)

22_1

Steering System Schematic - GRADUAL RIGHT TURN

•E
 xplain the operation of the When the operator moves the STIC lever to the right, pilot oil flows through the pilot
steering system during a control valve (1) and the right neutralizer valve (2) to the bottom of the steering
GRADUAL RIGHT TURN. control valve spool (3). Pilot oil pressure moves the steering control valve spool up.
The steering control valve spool directs oil from the steering pump (4) to the steering
cylinders (5). Oil flows to the rod end of the right steering cylinder and to the head
end of the left steering cylinder. The machine articulates to the RIGHT.

As pressure increases in the steering cylinders, an increase in signal pressure is

sensed at the pump control valve (6). This increase in signal pressure causes the
pump to upstroke, which increases pump oil flow as previously described.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -23- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Implement
Steering
Cylinders
988K STEERING SYSTEM
System (4) SHARP RIGHT TURN
Steering Control Valve (3)

Brake
Pilot Combination
Control Valve (2) Valve

Steering
Pump (5)
Right
Neutralizer
Valve (1)

Tank

23_1

Steering System Schematic - SHARP RIGHT TURN

•E
 xplain the operation of the When making a SHARP RIGHT TURN, the right striker (not shown) contacts the right
steering system during a SHARP neutralizer valve (1). Oil flow from the pilot control valve (2) to the steering control
RIGHT TURN. valve (3) is blocked by the movement of the neutralizer valve. The steering control
valve spool returns to the center position. Flow to the steering cylinders (4) is blocked
and the machine stops articulating. The steering pump (5) returns to the LOW
PRESSURE STANDBY condition.

The neutralizer valves prevent the machine front frame from contacting the machine
rear frame when making a SHARP RIGHT or SHARP LEFT turn.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -24- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

Implement 988K STEERING SYSTEM

System GRADUAL RIGHT TURN
Steering Control Valve (5) SECONDARY STEERING

Pressure
Reducing
Valve (6)

Diverter
Valve (4)

Secondary
Steering
Pump (3)

Brake
Pilot Combination
Control Valve (7) Valve (2)

Steering
Pump (1)

24_1

Steering System Schematic - Secondary Steering Active

•E
 xplain the operation of the Shown is a schematic of the steering system with the engine OFF and the machine
secondary steering system. moving.

When the engine is OFF, there is no oil flow from the steering pump (1) and no pilot
oil flow from the brake combination valve (2). The steering system oil is supplied by
the secondary steering pump (3).

When the machine is moving, the output transfer gear turns the secondary pump.
Secondary pump oil flows through the diverter valve (4) and a check valve to the
steering control valve (5).

Secondary pump oil also flows through the pressure reducing valve (6) and a check
valve to the pilot control valve (7).

When the operator moves the STIC lever, secondary pump oil is used to steer the
machine.

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SERV1975 - 07/13 -25- Module 7 - 988K Steering System

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participants have met the following learning outcomes

during this Steering System module for the 988K Wheel
Loader course:
• Located and identified the steering system components.
• Tested and adjusted the steering system.
• Identified the function of the steering system
components during a Post-Assessment.

Post-module Learning Outcomes Participants have met the following learning outcomes during this Steering System
(objectives): module for the 988K Wheel Loader course:

• This slide and statement for the
988K Steering System module
should be shown at the end of
the module.
• Given a 988K Wheel Loader and the Lab 1 Worksheets, the participant
located and identified the steering system components;
• Given a 988K Wheel Loader and the appropriate reference material,
the participant tested and adjusted the steering system during a lab
exercise.

• Given all the reference materials and class notes, the participant
identified the function of the steering system components during a
Post-Assessment.

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