TH220B, TH330B, TH340B, TH350B, TH355B, TH360B, TH460B, TH560B and TH580B Telehandlers Caterpillar

The Differential And The Final Drive Troubleshooting

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Personal injury or death can result from sudden machine movement. Sudden movement of the machine or release of oil pressure can cause injury to persons on or near the machine. To help prevent possible injury or death, refer to the information in Testing and Adjusting, "Machine Preparation for Troubleshooting".

Problem List

Differential Lock

• The solenoid for the differential lock has failed to energize.

• Low oil pressure when the differential lock is engaged.

• The differential lock is slipping.

Front And Rear Axles

• Metal particles attached to the magnetic plug (filter and drain) of the front and rear axle housing.

• The oil level in the final drive is too low.

• General oil leakage

• A constant noise is coming from the axle differential.

• Intermittent noise is coming from the axle differential.

• There is noise from the axle when a turn is made.

• Drive wheels do not turn.

Probable Causes

The Solenoid For The Differential Lock Has Failed To Energize

• The solenoid for the differential lock is faulty.

• The differential lock control switch that is located on the floor has failed.

• There is a broken wire in the harness to the solenoid.

Low Oil Pressure When The Differential Lock Is Engaged

• There is a fault in the control valve for the differential lock.

• The seal in the piston of the differential is worn.

The Differential Lock Is Slipping

• The change selector in the differential lock is worn or broken.

• The pressure for the differential lock is too low.

Metal Particles Attached To The Magnetic Plug (Filler And Drain) Of The Front And Rear Axle Housing

• Mechanical failure of one or both differential drives of that axle.

• There is a mechanical failure of components that are located inside the axle housing.

The Oil Level In The Final Drive Is Too Low

• The oil is leaking to the ground. Failure of the O-ring seals in the final drive hub.

General Oil Leakage

• Loss of oil via axle shaft seals.

• Oil levels too high.

• The type of oil that is used is incorrect.

• The axle breather is blocked.

• The seal for the differential pinion is worn or incorrectly installed.

• The drive shaft universal joint is loose.

Constant Noise Is Coming From The Axle Differential

• The oil level is too high or too low.

• The type of oil that is used is incorrect.

• The bearings of the wheel are worn or the bearings require adjustment.

• The bevel gear set of the differential has incorrect tooth contact or excessive backlash.

• The bevel gear set is worn or damaged.

• The bearings of the piston are loose or worn.

• The side bearings in the axle housing are loose or worn.

Intermittent Noise Is Coming From The Axle Differential

• The bolts that secure the ring gear in the differential are loose.

• The ring gear is warped.

• The bearings that are installed in the differential are loose or broken.

There Is Noise From The Axle When A Turn Is Made

• The bearings on the pinion shaft of the bevel gear set are too tight.

• The side gears inside the differential are too tight.

• The pinion shaft of the bevel gear set or the side gears inside the differential are worn.

• The disks (thrust washers) in the differential are worn or damaged.

• There is excessive backlash between the side gears and the pinion gears.

• The u-joints in the axle are worn.

Drive Wheels Do Not Turn

• The axle shaft of the universal joint is broken.

• The teeth on the ring gear of the bevel gear set are damaged.

• The pinion of the bevel gear set or the side gears inside the differential are broken.

• The pinion shaft of the bevel gear set or the pins of the side gears are broken.

• The final drive has failed.