Align frames

[Ron Crudge]

I have cat 257b3
Pulled frame rails as had grease firtings would not take grease
Noticed tracks rubbing on body previous
Cat teck guy sent ne kit numbers to pull track away from frame
When i pulled rain there was already washers between frame rail and arm of torque axle.

How do i align frames ro axle bodies? Should they be square fromt back?

Maybe offset for some reason?

This cat has inner spacer part 212-6686 then two 2b-6010 or similar spacers on fromt and only spacer part 212-6686 on rear.
Any help would be appreciated.

Other side has a weld on rear axle so got to grind off to get frame off. Another story.

 

[Ron Crudge]

Should have checked spelling
Sorry

 

[Nige]

I think somewhere in these three documents might just be what you are looking for.

 

[Ron Crudge]

I have seen the temp solution
My question is should frames be square to body?

 

[Ron Crudge]

Forgot to say thanks for the reply

 

[Nige]

My question is should frames be square to body?

I would assume so, but you really need some input from folks who work on this product line on a daily basis.

My first suggestion would be to check that each axle is absolutely square in relation to its mounting plate (base). If the axle is bent then the track frame will never sit square to the machine unless the mounting bracket is shimmed with some sort of offset during installation.

Another thing that could also potentially affect the track frames sitting square to the machine would be excessive wear in the axles or in the track frame bushes. You mentioned that you have bushes that wouldn't take grease.

 

[Ron Crudge]

When i tore apart bogies were really bad
Left side lots worse then right
Redid all bearings
Seals
Some new bearings and races
All new wheels

Seems keeps getting deeper
Bolts worn down on cab where tracks rubbing

Ordered spacers as per docs
Got one problem on left side to get frame off
See pic
Most likely bolt snapped
Instead of drilling welded

Dont know what gonna find when i grind out weld
Replacing 3 axles
Fromt left axle seized bushimg and weld broke
Got new bushing and had welded install

 

[Ron Crudge]

These were worn so replaced

There are lots spacers but no re or reason why more on fromt then back

 

[Arny L]

I have a ASV machine with basically the same set up, and I went all through both sides when I first got it, re bushed the frame mounts, etc, etc. One thing I did find was that one rail was twisted slightly at the front. Probably from a hard hit in its life. When you get everything stripped down, sight down the rail front to back, and make sure all the mini axles are aligned. I found this helped keep track running true on the sprocket, kept it from wearing into the drive lugs. I also found that even when the torsion axle measured 90 degrees from body, (unloaded), when weight was applied, it leaned in. Not to the point of rubbing, but enough to wear track. I just reversed track when I re installed. At some point I will replace axles and track when its done. ASV now puts a bend in there axles with some positive camber to account for this.

 

[Ron Crudge]

Thank you
appreciated

 

[Nige]

ASV now puts a bend in there axles with some positive camber to account for this.

That makes perfect sense. The track frames need to have a small amount of positive camber when the machine is jacked up so that they will be square to the chassis when the machine weight is sitting on them.

 

[Ron Crudge]

I am putting frame rail back onto axles
Holes do not line up
It seems maybe since frame rail has been off for few days something has moved
Maybe axles cause no weight?
Tried jacking up front axle but lifted entire machine
Thought was getting closer till realized how high machine was off jack.
Need to shorten distance between axles to fit frame
Any ideas?

 

[Ron Crudge]

As well when took frame rail off noticed three spacers on front axle and one on rear which may have given a toe out condition. Got more spacers coming to add to rear so tracks do not rub on cab. Now if could fit axle i could measure frame rail to cab to ensure square.
Need to move something.

 

[Ron Crudge]

Out by 1/4 inch?

 

[Ron Crudge]

Got it
Did not think chain fall would work

 

[Nige]

Need to shorten distance between axles to fit frame
Any ideas?

Slack off all the bolts between the front & rear axle mounts and the machine frame maybe.?

EDIT: Too late......

 

[Arny L]

The rear axle boss pivots forward and backward, by lifting in the center. your pulling the pivot forward slightly, making it out of alignment. I used a floor jack under the rail, then you can manipulate the two to line up. Its a real close fit to get started. But you got it.