Differential Paint Flakes May Plug Suction Screen Caterpillar

Problem:

There have been reports received of excessive paint flakes in the differential screen on certain Challenger Tillage Tractors. These have usually been discovered at oil change intervals, and can also be associated with poor paint quality externally on the case and frame. In certain cases, the paint flakes have caused substantial reduction in lube oil flow to the differential bearings. This can result in a reduction in life of differential components. The differential lube light does not always illuminate at moderately low flows and may not warn the operator of the problem.

Solution:

The cause for the loss of paint appears to be due to insufficient preparation of the paint surface during manufacturing. Not all of the product in the serial number ranges listed above are affected. If excessive quantities (more than a teaspoon or two) of black paint flakes are found when performing maintenance on the differential screen, please report the machine serial number, the machine hours, and the quantity of paint flakes found, to Cat Ag Products Product Support at (815) 757-8426 or (815) 754-8336.

If paint flakes are found in the differential screen, make sure that you thoroughly flush the differential and final drive cavities. If the amount of paint flakes is excessive, screen plugging is severe, and evidence of differential damage is suspected or seen as a result of the plugging of the screen, perform the following cleaning procedure to the final drive and differential housings.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Remove the final drives and differential from the machine.

2. Wipe all residue oil from the inside of the housings.

3. Coat the inside of the final drive and differential housings with paint stripper. A suggested cleaner which has been reported to work well is Klean-Strip (Low Odor, Aircraft Remover) Product # AR-777

NOTE: Make sure that you follow all safety precautions when working with paint stripper.

4. Leave the stripper on the inside of the housings for 30 minutes.

5. After 30 minutes, wipe the stripper from the housings.

6. Clean the inside of the housings using a wire brush.

7. Again, clean the inside of the housings.

8. Repeat Steps 3 through 7.

9. Thoroughly clean the residue left by the stripper with a solvent.

10. Inspect the differential components and then clean the paint chips from the components. Replace any worn or damaged components.

11. Reassemble the differential.

12. Install the final drives and differential on the machine.

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