Tip Tuesday

Problem:  Front Tires Sagging, Bowing In on a Power Wheels


One of the common questions we get from our Power Wheels customers is how to fix the front alignment on the Power Wheels vehicles.  If there is too much weight in the vehicle the front end parts can become damaged.  In most cases if the front wheels are bowed in or sagging your steering linkage assembly is getting ready to let go.

There are several things that can cause this issue, mainly exceeding the weight limit of the vehicle.  The front end of the Power Wheels vehicle includes 2 front axles, a cross bar and a steering linkage.  The 2 front axles slide through the plastic brackets which are riveted to the steering linkage.  When these rivets become loose, or if any of the parts become bent the alignment of the vehicle will become damaged.

You will want to remove the battery from the vehicle and tilt the vehicle up.  Carefully inspect the front end parts.  The first thing to check will be the axles, these should be in a "L" shape and have a right angle.  These run through a plastic bracket which is riveted to a long metal bar that runs between the two front wheels.  Check to see if the rivets are loose, the brackets are damaged or cracked or if the long bar is bent.  Next you will want to check the crossbar which is a long metal bar that runs between the wheels and hooks onto the axles, make sure this bar is not bents.  The last part that you will need to check will be the wheels, depending on how long the front wheels have been bowing in/sagging out the wheels may have become damaged.

Here is a link to the parts you may need to replace:

Front Axle:  http://www.mendingshed.com/pwfrontaxle.html
Steering Linkages & Crossbars:  http://www.mendingshed.com/steerlinkage.html
Tires:  http://www.mendingshed.com/pwtires.html

Remember you will need to purchase one Push Nut Retainer Cap (Axle Cap) for each one you remove.

If you have any questions, or if you need help finding the correct parts call us with your model number and we will be happy to help.

The Mending Shed
Repair Team