BOOT 1966968 - Caterpillar

Make sure the round bar stock used in the following step is installed between the track bushing and sprocket inside the links.
3. Install a piece of round bar stock (1) that is 76.2 mm (3.00 in) in diameter and 95.25 mm (3.750 in) long between the track and sprocket as shown. Make sure the bar stock makes contact with a track bushing. Start the engine, and move the machine to the rear. This will cause the front idler to move backwards, and put the recoil spring assembly under compression. Move the machine until the length of the outer recoil spring is 60.3 cm (23.75 in).
The recoil spring assembly is assembled with a force of approximately 211 kN (23.5 ton). Do not put the recoil spring assembly under compression or release tension with the nut [nut (3)] on the end of the recoil spring bolt. Damaged threads in the nut and on the recoil spring bolt can result. Damaged threads can cause the assembly to come apart with great force resulting in personal injury or death.
4. With the recoil spring assembly being held under compression, loosen bolt (2), and tighten nut (3) against the recoil spring retainer. Move the machine forward to release the tension on the track. Remove the bar stock from the sprocket.5. Separate the track. See TRACK SEPARATION AND CONNECTION. 6. Fasten a hoist to the rear track carrier roller (4) and its mounting bracket. Remove bolts (6) and the track carrier roller assembly. The weight of the assembly is 45 kg (100 lb). Remove bolts (5) and bars (7).7. Slide the front idler and rod forward until it is out of the cylinder of the track adjuster. 8. Remove bolts (8) and retainer (9). Fasten a hoist to the recoil spring assembly. Remove the recoil spring assembly and track adjuster as a unit. The weight of the unit is 249 kg (550 lb).
The recoil springs are assembled with a force of approximately 221 kN (23.5 ton) and can cause parts of the tooling and recoil spring assembly to be thrown with great force and speed if the spring force is not released slowly. Injury or death can be the result. To prevent injury, always make sure the press is equipped with guards to hold the spring assembly in position while it is under compression. Be sure the tooling is not damaged, and do the PROCEDURE carefully.
9. If a replacement of the recoil springs is made, put the recoil spring assembly in a press. Put the springs under compression, and remove nut (3). Release the tension on the springs carefully. The following steps are for installation of the recoil springs and hydraulic track adjusters. 10. If a replacement of the recoil springs is to be made, put the new recoil spring assembly in the press. Compress the springs until the length of the outer spring is 60.3 cm (23.75 in). Tighten nut (3) on the recoil spring bolt to hold the springs and retainers in position.11.