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Escaping fluid under pressure, even a pinhole size leak, can penetrate body tissue, causing serious injury, and possible death. If fluid is injected into your skin, it must be treated immediately by a doctor familiar with this type of injury. Always use a board or cardboard when checking for a leak. |
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| NOTICE |
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Care must be taken to ensure that fluids are contained during performance of inspection, maintenance, testing, adjusting and repair of the product. Be prepared to collect the fluid with suitable containers before opening any compartment or disassembling any component containing fluids. Refer to Special Publication, NENG2500, "Caterpillar Tools and Shop Products Guide" for tools and supplies suitable to collect and contain fluids on Caterpillar products. Dispose of all fluids according to local regulations and mandates. |
- Check the oil level in the differentials.
- Check the transmission oil level. Look for air bubbles in the oil or water in the oil. Many problems in the transmission are caused by low oil level or by air in the oil. If the engine has not been started for several minutes, this oil level check will ensure that oil is in the transmission and that the engine can be started. If the machine has not been moved overnight or an extended period of time and the engine has not been started, the oil level will be high.
Note: An accurate oil level check can be performed when the engine is operating at low idle and the oil in the transmission is warm. Add oil to the transmission, if necessary. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Lubricant Viscosities" and Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Refill Capacities" for the recommended oil grade and the recommended quantity for the machine that is being serviced.
- Air bubbles may be caused by a fitting that is loose or damaged. A loose fitting or damaged fitting allows air to enter the suction side of the system and oil is also allowed to leak. Also, if the transmission oil level is too high and the gears are agitating the oil in the sump, air bubbles may result.
- Water may enter the system if the filler cap or the dipstick is not properly installed.
- Check all oil lines, all hoses, and all connections for damage and for leaks. Look for oil on the ground under the machine.
Note: If oil can leak from a fitting or from a connection, air can leak into the system. Air in the system is as harmful as having too little oil.
- Check the electrical system. Inspect the fuses for the transmission control and the differential lock. If a fuse is open, replace the fuse. Check the operation of the switch for the transmission neutralizer on the parking brake. The machine will not move if the parking brake lever is raised off the switch. Check the harnesses and the electrical connectors. Refer to the proper electrical schematic.
- Drain the oil from the transmission. Inspect the oil for foreign material. Use a magnet to separate ferrous particles (iron) from nonferrous particles (O-ring seals, aluminum, bronze, etc), if necessary. Remove the transmission oil filter and inspect the filter for foreign material. (Cut the filter open, if necessary.)
Note: The transmission oil filter has a bypass valve. A bypass valve allows oil to bypass the oil filter elements whenever the difference in pressure between the inlet oil and the outlet oil in the oil filter is too high. Any oil that does not go through the filter elements goes directly in the hydraulic circuit. Dirty oil causes restrictions in the valve orifices, the sticking valves, etc.
- Rubber particles indicate a seal failure or a hose failure.
- Shiny steel particles indicate a mechanical failure or rapid wear of the components.
- A thick accumulation of fibrous material indicates worn clutch discs in the transmission.
- Aluminum particles indicate torque converter wear or a torque converter failure.
- Iron particles or steel particles indicate broken components in the transmission.
Note: If any of these particles are found during any visual check, all components of the transmission hydraulic system must be cleaned and inspected. Do not use any damaged parts. Any damaged parts or worn parts must be replaced.