330C Excavator Machine Systems Recoil Spring - Disassemble Caterpillar

Disassembly Procedure

Start By:

1. Remove the front idler and the recoil spring assembly. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Front Idler, Recoil Spring and Hydraulic Track Adjuster - Remove".

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The spring of the recoil spring assembly is compressed under several tons of force. Do not attempt to compress or release the tension of the spring with the nut on the end of the retaining rod. Damaged threads on the retaining rod or nut can cause the assembly to come apart with force, resulting in injury or death.

1. Prior to disassembling the recoil spring assembly, make sure that Tooling (A) is on a level surface.

2. Thoroughly clean the outside surface of the recoil spring assembly prior to disassembly.
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   Illustration 1	g00483426

3. Install Tooling (C) on Tooling (B), as shown.
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   Illustration 2	g00494710

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   Illustration 3	g00483437

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

4. 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. Also, make sure that two adjustable supports (1) are positioned between the reaction plate and the movable plate, as shown. The free length of the recoil spring assembly is 863.0 mm (33.98 inch). The compressed length of the recoil spring assembly is 745.0 mm (29.33 inch).

5. Level the two supports.

   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 the reaction plate after the recoil spring assembly is in place on two adjustable supports (1).

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   NOTICE
   Do not remove the hoist from the recoil spring assembly until the unit is leveled, centered and locked in the specified tooling.

6. The combined weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 175 kg (385 lb).

7. Fasten a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly. Put the recoil spring assembly in position on two adjustable supports (1) in Tooling (A).

8. Adjust the two adjustable supports in order to align the centerline of the recoil spring assembly with the centerline of Tooling (A).
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   Illustration 4	g00498760
   The hoist has been removed from the recoil spring assembly in order to provide a better illustration of level gauge (4).

9. Put a level gauge (4) on the recoil spring assembly.
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   Illustration 5	g00498781

10. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the recoil spring assembly is level. Reposition the recoil spring assembly until the retaining rod and nut (6) are centered in the hole in reaction plate (2).

11. The recoil spring assembly is leveled by moving adjustable supports (1) higher or lower. After the recoil spring assembly is leveled and centered, install two pins (5) on the back side of reaction plate (2), as shown.

12. 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 6	g00498784

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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.

13. Close covers (7) on Tooling (A). Use Tooling (B) to compress the recoil spring assembly slightly.
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    Illustration 7	g00889063

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    Illustration 8	g00902471

14. Through the opening in the end of Tooling (A), remove the two bolts and strip (8) from the end of the retaining rod.

15. Remove nut (6) with Tooling (D). Release the force on the recoil spring assembly.

16. Open the covers on Tooling (A). Fasten a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly, and remove the recoil spring assembly from Tooling (A).

17. Separate the components of the recoil spring assembly. Remove support (12), spring (10), support (9), and rod (11).