34
PROCEDURE 5 WHEELS
FIGURE 8 - REPLACING CASTERS
Locknut
Fork
Bolt
Axle
Spacer
Caster
Axle
Spacer
Locknut
Washer
REPLACING FORKS (FIGURE 9)
1. Remove front casters from wheelchair. Refer to RE-
PLACING CASTERS in this section of the manual.
2. Remove the headtube cap.
3. Remove the locknut and washer(s).
NOTE: There may be up to four (4) washers on the fork
stem above and/or below the headtube. Note the num-
ber and position of these washers for reinstallation.
4. Drop the fork out of the caster headtube.
5. Slide the new fork into the caster headtube.
NOTE: Check bearing assemblies and replace if necessary.
6. Ensure that fork slides completely into caster headtube.
7. Install washer(s) and secure with locknut.
WARNING
Improper positioning of the washer will prohibit
the free movement of the fork.
8. Reinstall existing/install new front casters onto the
wheelchair. Refer to
REPLACING CASTERS in this
section of the manual.
9. To properly tighten caster journal system and guard
against flutter, perform the following check:
A. Tip front of wheelchair off floor.
B. Pivot forks and casters to top of their arc simul-
taneously.
C. Let casters drop to bottom of arc (wheels should
swing once to one-side, then immediately rest in
a straight downward position).
D. Adjust locknuts according to freedom of caster swing.
E. Test wheelchair for maneuverability.
FIGURE 9 - REPLACING FRONT FORKS
Headtube Cap
Caster
Headtube
Fork
W
H
E
E
L
S
REPLACING/ADJUSTING CASTERS
(FIGURE 8)
NOTE: Both casters should be the same size.
1. REPLACING CASTERS ONLY - If replacing the
EXISTING caster with the same size NEW caster,
note the mounting position of the EXISTING caster.
2. Remove the bolt and locknut that secure the caster
and axle spacers to the fork.
3. Perform one (1) of the following:
A. REPLACING CASTERS -
1. Remove existing caster and axle spacers
from fork.
2. Install the new caster, bolt, locknut and axle
spacers onto the fork and securely tighten.
B. ADJUSTING CASTER POSITION -
1. Install the caster, bolt, locknut and axle spac-
ers onto the fork in the mounting position
determined in
ADJUSTING FRONT SEAT-
TO-FLOOR HEIGHT in this procedure of the
manual. Tighten securely
4. Repeat STEPS 1-2 for the opposite caster if necessary.
NOTE: If replacing casters with a different size than what
was originally on the wheelchair, the caster height MUST
be adjusted to keep the wheelchair frame parallel to the
floor. Refer to
ADJUSTING CASTER HEIGHT in this
section of the manual.
NOTE: Only one
(1) washer is
shown here for
clarity. There may
be up to four (4)
washers on the
fork stem.