FRAME AS 1Q3741 - Caterpillar

Start By:
Remove the front idler and recoil spring assembly as a unit. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly, "Front Idler and Recoil Spring - Remove".
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.
Prior to disassembling the recoil spring assembly, make sure that Tooling (A) is on a level surface.
Thoroughly clean the outside surface of the recoil spring assembly prior to disassembly.
Illustration 1 g00858923
Install Tooling (C) on Tooling (B) .
Illustration 2 g00858995
Illustration 3 g00859146
Note: Two adjustable supports (1) , reaction plate (2) , and movable plate (3) are part of Tooling (A) .
Adjust the spacing between reaction plate (2) and movable plate (3) . The spacing is approximately the same length as the recoil spring assembly at free length. 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. Reinstall the reaction plate after the recoil spring assembly is in place on adjustable supports (1) .
Do not remove the hoist from the recoil spring assembly until the unit is leveled, centered and locked in the specified tooling.
Use a suitable lifting device in order to position the recoil spring assembly on adjustable supports (1) in Tooling (A) . The weight of the recoil spring assembly is approximately 590 kg (1300 lb). Adjust the adjustable supports in order to align the centerline of the recoil spring assembly with the centerline of Tooling (A) .
Illustration 4 g00859150
Illustration 5 g00859153
Note: The suitable lifting device has been removed from the recoil spring assembly in order to provide a better illustration of level gauge (4) .
Put level gauge (4) on the recoil spring assembly. 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) . 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. Operate Tooling (B) enough to hold the recoil spring assembly in position between reaction plate (2) and movable plate (3) . Again, check and make sure that the recoil spring assembly is level and centered.
Illustration 6 g00859159
Several tons of force are required