330C Excavator Machine Systems Recoil Spring - Assemble Caterpillar

Assembly Procedure

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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.

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

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Illustration 1	g00902471

1. Check the condition of the threads on rod (11) and nut (6). If the threads are worn or damaged, use new parts for replacement.

2. Assemble the recoil spring assembly loosely. Position spring (10) onto support (9). Install rod (11) into support (9). Position support (12).
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   Illustration 2	g00483426

3. Install Tooling (C) on Tooling (B).
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   Illustration 3	g00494710

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   Illustration 4	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. 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.

5. Attach a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly. The combined weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 175 kg (385 lb). Position the recoil spring assembly on two adjustable supports (1) in Tooling (A).

6. 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 5	g00949740
   The hoist has been removed from the recoil spring assembly in order to provide a better illustration of level gauge (4).

7. Operate Tooling (B) and guide the end of the recoil spring assembly through the hole in reaction plate (2). Put a level gauge (4) on the recoil spring assembly. Make sure that the recoil spring assembly is level and centered in Tooling (A). Remove the suitable lifting device from the recoil spring assembly.
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   Illustration 6	g00498784

8. Close covers (7) on Tooling (A). Compress the recoil spring assembly with Tooling (B).
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   Illustration 7	g02126729

9. Open the covers on Tooling (A). Measure the assembled length of the recoil spring. Measure Dimension (X) from the end of rod (11) to the mark on support (12). Dimension (X) is the assembled length of the recoil spring assembly. Dimension (X) is 745.0 mm (29.33 inch).

10. If the assembled length is not correct, close covers (7) on Tooling (A), and adjust the spring length with Tooling (B).

11. If the assembled length is correct, the assembly of the recoil spring assembly can be completed.
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    Illustration 8	g00711947

12. Apply a rust inhibitor to the threads on the end of the retaining rod for the recoil spring. Install nut (6). Tighten nut (6) with Tooling (D).

13. Put Tooling (E) on the threads of the two bolts that hold strip (8) in place. Install strip (8) and the two bolts that hold strip (8).

14. Fasten a suitable lifting device to the recoil spring assembly, and remove the recoil spring assembly from Tooling (A). The combined weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 175 kg (385 lb).

End By:

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