973D Track-Type Loader Power Train Caterpillar

Assembly Procedure

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Illustration 1	g01482435

1. Install backup ring (16) and O-ring seal (17) into cylinder (9).
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   Illustration 2	g01482433

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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.

2. Check the condition of the threads on bolt (8) and nut (7). If any of the threads are worn or damaged, install new parts.

3. Loosely assemble bolt (8), cylinder (9), plate (11), tube (10), spring (12), and support (13).
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   Illustration 3	g00483426

4. Install Tooling (C) on Tooling (B), as shown.
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   Illustration 4	g00561928

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   Illustration 5	g00561991

   Note: Two adjustable supports (1), reaction plate (2) and movable plate (3) are part of Tooling (A).

5. Position two supports (1) of Tooling (A) in order to support the recoil spring assembly. Make sure that the two adjustable supports (1) are level.

6. Adjust the spacing between reaction plate (2) and movable plate (3) so that the spacing is approximately the same length as the recoil spring assembly.

   Note: Do not remove the lifting device from the recoil spring assembly until the unit is leveled, centered, and locked in Tooling (A).

   Note: The recoil spring assembly may be installed in Tooling (A) from the end. In this case, reaction plate (2) must be removed. Then reinstall reaction plate (2) after the recoil spring assembly is in place on two adjustable supports (1).

7. The weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 185 kg (410 lb). Put the recoil spring assembly in position on two adjustable supports (1) in Tooling (A). Adjust adjustable supports (1) until the centerline of the recoil spring assembly and the centerline of Tooling (A) are aligned.
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   Illustration 6	g00370415
   The lifting device is removed for photographic purposes.

8. Put a level gauge (4) on the recoil spring assembly. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the recoil spring assembly is level. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the retaining rod and the are centered in the hole in reaction plate (2). After the recoil spring assembly is leveled and centered, install two pins (5) on the back side of reaction plate (2), as shown. Operate Tooling (B) enough to hold the recoil spring assembly in position between reaction plate (2) and movable plate (3). Make sure that the recoil spring assembly is level and centered.
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   Illustration 7	g00562007

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   Illustration 8	g01483235

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   Personal injury or death can result from recoil spring force. Recoil spring force, if not relieved, can result in personal injury or death. Relieve spring force before removing threaded retainer, performing repairs on recoil spring housing, or removing recoil spring. See Service Manual for disassembly instructions. Maximum pressure is 20 700 kPa (3,000 psi).

9. Close covers (6) on Tooling (A). Use Tooling (B) to compress the recoil spring assembly slightly.

10. Open the covers (6) on Tooling (A). Measure Dimension (X). Dimension (X) equals 603.0 mm (23.74 inch). If the compressed length of Dimension (X) is not correct, close covers (6) on Tooling (A) and adjust the length with Tooling (B). Adjust the length of Dimension (X) until the compressed length of Dimension (X) is correct.

11. Install nut (7). Tighten nut (7) until there is sufficient clearance in order to install strip (14). Position strip (14) and bolts (15).

12. Fasten a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly. The weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 185 kg (410 lb). Remove the recoil spring assembly from Tooling (A).

End By:

1. Install the recoil spring and the track adjuster. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Recoil Spring and Track Adjuster - Install".