Oil Leaks From the Axle Between the Leg Housing and the Center Housing On Certain 966M and 972M Medium Wheel Loaders {0645, 3013, 3278, 3282} Caterpillar

Wheel Loader

966M (S/N: DYC1-UP; LMM1-UP; KJP1-UP)

966M Series XE (S/N: P6C1-UP)

972M (S/N: L8E1-UP; GGN1-UP; A8P1-UP; JPR1-UP)

972M Series XE (S/N: EDW1-UP)

Introduction

The problem that is identified below does not have a known permanent solution. Until a permanent solution is known, use the solution that is identified below.

Problem

Oil is leaking between the axle leg housing and the center housing on certain 966M and 972M Medium Wheel Loaders.

Solution

Fill out all the information to the best of your ability. Your time is appreciated to help document this issue.

Although you may not be able to give all the information required in this document, report as much data possible. More data reported improves the ability to find a solution.

Thank you for your help.

1. Take pictures of axle external surfaces in leak location. Identify the exact location of the leak on Illustration 1.
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   Illustration 1	g06068014
   Bottom View

2. Check bolted joint tightness. Tighten bolts to a torque of 260 N·m (192 lb ft) and check bolt movement.

   Slight rotation (5° to 10°) is acceptable. Movement more than 10° is unacceptable.

   Identify the improper bolts on Illustration 2.

   Note bolt movement amplitude.

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   Illustration 2	g06068024

3. Dissemble the axle.

4. Measure the bolt length.
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   Table 2

   What was the length

5. Take pictures of the axle abutment flanges in leak location (before removing sealant).
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   Illustration 3	g06068030

6. Remove the old sealant from the axle abutment flanges.

   Note: Loctite SF 7200 is the recommended cleaner .

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   Table 3

   Cleaner	Tool	Cleaning Method Description
   . . . . .

7. Take pictures of the axle abutment flanges in leak location (after removal operation).

8. Visually inspect the axle abutment flanges for dents, deep scratches, or changes in surface texture/machining lay and flatness in leak location. Document all findings.
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   Table 4

   Defect Description	Defect Location
   . . . . .

   Identify the defect location on Illustration 4.

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   Illustration 4	g06068046

9. Measure the surface texture in the leak location. Describe the process and the tool used.
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   Table 5

   Process Description	Tool Used	Remark
   . . . . .

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   Illustration 5	g06068054

10. Inspect the surface flatness in the leak location. Describe the process and the tool used.

    Are there visible gaps under the straight edge?

    Note: Fuji paper impressions is the recommended method.

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    Table 6

    Process Description	Tool Used	Remark
    . . . . .

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    Illustration 6	g06068060

11. Clean the axle abutment flanges.

    Note: Loctite SF 7063 is recommended.

12. Apply sealant to the axle abutment flanges. Use Loctite Blue 5127 for the first repair. Use Loctite Red 5188 in the case of a second repair.

    The use of activator/primer SF 7240 or SF 7649 is recommended due to short time to oil and load exposure.

    Describe the application method and the condition (Temp,…).

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    Table 7

    Application Method	Remark
    . . . . .

13. Assemble the axle. Document the torque pattern on Illustration 7 (below). Identify first bolt, second bolt, third bolt, and so on.

Illustration 7	g06068024