Caterpillar — Drive Chain Tension - Check/Adjust
Adjustments
From a Caterpillar owner's manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Procedure
- Park on level ground. Chock rear tires.
- Lift front with floor jack and support with 1U-9758 Jack Stands.
- Rotate wheel forward and backward; measure total free play. If over 15 mm (0.6 inch), continue.
- Remove wheel nuts. Remove tire and rim.
- Remove cover for drive chain case.
- Loosen eight axle housing bolts. Place 159-3337 Chain Tension Adjuster between axle housings.
- Rotate axle so chain is taut below sprockets. Place straight edge across sprockets. Measure movement.
- Set chain tension to total 15 mm (0.6 inch) movement (7.5 mm above and 7.5 mm below straight edge).
- Tighten axle housing bolts to 50 ± 15 N·m (37 ± 11 lb ft) in sequence. Torque again and turn additional 90 ±5°.
- Remove adjuster. Install cover with 8T-9022 Silicone Gasket.
- Install tire and rim. Tighten wheel nuts.
- Lower machine. Repeat opposite side and rear if necessary.
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- Total free play max before further inspection: 15 mm (0.6 inch)
- Chain total movement: 15 mm (0.6 inch)
- Axle housing bolts: 50 ± 15 N·m (37 ± 11 lb ft) plus 90 ±5°
Source: Caterpillar owner's manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.