Hi all, I have a 953 track loader that i bent the rod extender. I could use some advice. Do i have to break the track to replace the track rod extender? Is there any special advice on the job? Something notable to prepare for before getting too deep? Thanks Eber
yes you do have to break the track
The track will need split. The adjuster rods don't bend, they snap. What i have seen is the support for the e-bar breaks and because the adjuster rod passes through the center of it, it is now supporting the machine, well until it breaks. Lift the machine off the ground with the bucket and watch where the e-bar mounts to the side frame. See if there is alot of movement and see if the adjuster rod moves.
thanks for the info, i will go check. Eber
k, i got my charming wife to work the levers to see what movement there was. I may have gotten lucky cause i cant see any movement anywhere. I have the track master link on top of the grease fitting where u adjust the track and am ready to split the track. Do i have to remove the front idler to get the rod out? any suggestions would be great. Thanks Eber
Bump, also in addition to the above problem, i am looking for a shop manual for the 953 that doesnt require me to sell my kids to buy. Ebay does not seem to have one. Thanks Eber
eber, Yes you have to remove the idler to replace the rod, I would put master at the center front of idler before seperating first make sure to get the track loose as you can . loosen track adjuster valve then put pin or something in sprocket and back up.pull the bolts out that hold idler to frame rod will slide out of track frame. now the part you wont want to hear the majority of these that I have replace bent or broken rods in is do to the tracks being worn out. hows your tracks?
thanks, i will check the tracks to see what may be wrong. This happened because i ran the machine in the winter and there was some crap frozen to the tracks . thanks again for the input.
Do you think its bent because you can actually see a bend in the rod or is it because the rod is pointing downhill towards the idler? I think you better listen to what Lee-online is telling you. What he described is exactly what was wrong with mine.
Eber, if your tracks are worn out and you're trying to get a little more life out of them before you change them....At the very front of your track frame, if you look at the bottom guards where the idlers pivot there may be an extra bolt hole in front of that guard. If you tap the hole out you can slide the idler forward about an inch and a half. This will let you tighten the tracks up more and keep the rod in the pilot bearing.
this rod typically bends or breaks when the tracks are almost gone and the adjuster is sticking way out.
thank you for all your replies. I will begin working on it as soon as the winter relapse ends and i will use your advice. Eber
I had the exact same thing going on with my 953. Both equallizer supports were cracked and the undercarriage was wore out. I think my Cat dealer found me new aftermarket supports through Caterpillar Classics Parts. We did end up salvaging the tensioning rods by staightening them in a press.