325 VM and VH Variable Gauge Undercarriage Recoil Spring - Disassemble Caterpillar

Disassembly Procedure

Start By:

1. Remove the front idler, recoil spring, and hydraulic track adjuster.

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The spring of the recoil spring assembly is compressed under several tons of force. Do not attempt to compress or release the tension of the spring with the nut on the end of the retaining rod. Damaged threads on the retaining rod or nut can cause the assembly to come apart with force, resulting in injury or death.

1. Prior to disassembling the recoil spring assembly, make sure that Tooling (A) is on a level surface.

2. Prior to disassembling the recoil spring thoroughly clean the outside surface.
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   Illustration 1	g02160900

3. Use a suitable hammer and punch to remove spring pin (1).
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   Illustration 2	g00483426

4. Install Tooling (C) on Tooling (B), as shown.
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   Illustration 3	g02160893

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   Illustration 4	g02160909

   Note: Two adjustable supports (2), reaction plate (3), and movable plate (4) are part of Tooling (A).

5. Adjust the spacing between reaction plate (3) and movable plate (4). The spacing is approximately the same length as the recoil spring assembly (free length). Also, make sure that two adjustable supports (2) are positioned between the reaction plate and the movable plate, as shown. Level the two supports.

   Note: The recoil spring assembly may be installed in Tooling (A) from the end. In this case, reaction plate (3) must be removed. Then reinstall the reaction plate after the recoil spring assembly is in place on two adjustable supports (2).

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   NOTICE
   Do not remove the hoist from the recoil spring assembly until the unit is leveled, centered and locked in the specified tooling.

6. The combined weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 132 kg (290 lb).

7. Fasten a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly. Put the recoil spring assembly in position on two adjustable supports (2) in Tooling (A).

8. Adjust the two adjustable supports in order to align the centerline of the recoil spring assembly with the centerline of Tooling (A).
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   Illustration 5	g02160895
   The hoist has been removed from the recoil spring assembly in order to provide a better illustration of level gauge (5).

9. Put a level gauge (5) on the recoil spring assembly.
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   Illustration 6	g02160821

10. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the recoil spring assembly is level. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the retaining rod and nut (7) are centered in the hole in reaction plate (3).

11. The recoil spring assembly is leveled by moving adjustable supports (2) higher or lower. After the recoil spring assembly is leveled and centered, install two pins (6) on the back side of reaction plate (3), as shown.

12. Operate Tooling (B) in order to hold the recoil spring assembly in position between reaction plate (3) and movable plate (4) (not shown). Make sure that the recoil spring assembly is level and centered.
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    Illustration 7	g02160899

13. Close covers (8) on Tooling (A). Use Tooling (B) to compress the recoil spring assembly slightly.
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    Illustration 8	g02160822

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    Several tons of force are required to compress the recoil spring during assembly. Do not compress the spring assembly until the covers on the tooling have been closed. It is possible for the recoil spring to twist under load and come out of the tooling resulting in injury or death.

14. Remove nut (7) with Tooling (D). Release the force on the recoil spring assembly.

15. Open the covers on Tooling (A). Attach a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly, and remove the recoil spring assembly from Tooling (A).

16. Separate the components of the recoil spring assembly. Remove plate (11), spring (10), and cylinder (9).