Wear on the undercarriage idler
When should I replace the idler on my excavator? Here, we list the most common reasons why wear on the idler might necessitate an undercarriage overhaul:
Worn Tread
The tread of the front idler has developed a concave (cupped) shape. On a new idler, the tread is undeformed and perfectly straight.
As with the wear on the undercarriage's bottom and top rollers, the rule of thumb is that the idler's hardened layer is approximately 5 to 7 mm thick. Once this hardened layer has been worn through, the Idler can be considered 100% worn out.
Sometimes the idler's guide flange (or rib) shows asymmetrical wear - meaning the flange has thinned unevenly. This type of wear on the undercarriage idler is often caused by poor alignment of undercarriage components or by operation on slopes.
In cases of poor alignment or slope operation, the positioning of the track relative to the sprocket-top roller-idler axis is compromised. This causes the track chain to rub against one side of the idler flange excessively, resulting in an asymmetrical wear pattern.
Internal wear
As a result of an oil leak, the internal parts (axle and bushings) of the front idlerwheel lose their lubrication. Due to this lack of lubrication, the steel parts rub or rotate against one another, causing the various internal components to wear out at an accelerated rate.
In advanced stages, the front wheel's axle and bushings become completely worn down. In such cases, the front idler exhibits excessive play on its axle. Before this play becomes apparent, the problem can sometimes be identified by a loud squeaking sound caused by the involved friction.
Questions?
If you have any further questions regarding undercarriage track wear, please contact us today at +3292510796, [email protected], or via the contact page.
Click the links below if you would like to know more about:
- Wear on undercarriage sprockets.
- Wear on undercarriage rollers.
- Wear on excavator track shoes.
- Wear on the undercarriage track chain.
- Wear on track guides.