BODY GP-TRUCK 1374997 - Caterpillar

Do not reuse the master links if threads are damaged. Refer to illustration 12. Check the threads for damage by using a new master bolt. Thread the new master bolt into the bore by hand. Ensure that the master bolt will travel to the bottom of the bore, by use of hand pressure. If the bolt does not turn into the master link by hand, discard the master link.
Illustration 13 g02452396
Wear step in the key slot of a master link.
Do not reuse master links if the track shoe slot is damaged or displays excessive wear. Refer to illustration 13.
Illustration 14 g02452456
Rolled over material that has extruded into the snap ring counterbore. Remove the rolled over material.
Reuse master links with snap ring counterbore damage after removing the rolled over material. If not removed, the rolled over material may prevent proper snap ring installation. A small grinder can be used to remove the rolled over material.
Illustration 15 g02452488
Minor track press damage.
Reuse master links with minor track press damage after removing burrs. Correct the tooling alignment before proceeding with the remainder of the disassembly. Refer to illustration 15.Shipping Recommendations
To protect the serrations until installation of the tracks, use two triangular wood wedges, between the teeth and the underside of the track shoe. Then bolt link halves together using the master bolts.If the track link assemblies are being shipped without the master shoes and bolts, use plastic plugs to protect the threads. Refer to illustration 16.
Illustration 16 g02452557
Plastic plugs can be used to protect the threads of the master link.
Installation Procedures
To avoid personal injury, always wear eye and face protection when using pressurized air.
Personal injury can result from air pressure.Personal injury can result without following proper procedure. When using pressurized air, wear a protective face shield and protective clothing.Maximum air pressure at the nozzle must be less than 205 kPa (30 psi) for cleaning purposes.
Use the following procedure to install the master link bolts when the tracks are installed on the machine.
Use compressed air and a pick to clean all dirt, debris, paint, and rust from the serrations and bolt holes in each split master link.Note: Do not clean the threads of a master link with a tap.
Clean the threads of the master link with a fluted master bolt. The master bolt must be fluted by the technician. Three or four grooves are to be cut across the threads at an angle. Space the grooves an equal distance apart around the circumference of the bolt. Refer to illustration 17.
Remove all burrs and raised areas around the fluted grooves, which may cause interference between thread surfaces.
Illustration 17 g02475795
Fluted Master Bolt. Fluted grooves are to be cut by the technician.
Install the tracks on the machine and put the master links together. With the serrations of one master link fully engaged (no gaps), there must be no more than 3.0 mm (0.12 inch) gap between the serrations of the other master link. Refer to illustration 18. If there is more than a 3.0 mm (0.12 inch) gap, the misalignment must