Cat-E352/163-4944/Final Drive Sprocket Rim Assembly supplier and manufacture
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Specifications
CAT-E352 Final Drive Sprocket Rim Assembly is a precision-engineered system that exemplifies modular design for enhanced maintainability. Its performance is critical to machine mobility, and its proper selection, installation, and maintenance are paramount for minimizing operating costs and maximizing machine availability.
1. Comprehensive Overview and Function
The CAT-E352 Final Drive Sprocket Rim Assembly is a key component of the final drive system on specific Caterpillar excavator models. Unlike a complete final drive, this assembly refers specifically to the sprocket rim and its immediate attachment components.
Its primary functions are:
Track Propulsion: The sprocket's teeth engage with the track chain's bushings (the "pins" of the track). As the final drive's motor turns the sprocket, it pulls the track chain around the undercarriage, propelling the machine.
Load Transfer: It transmits the immense torque generated by the final drive's planetary reduction system directly to the track.
Segmented Design (Key Feature): The "Rim Assembly" is typically a two-piece or segmented design. This means the outer tooth rim is a separate piece from the inner hub, which is mounted to the final drive's output shaft. This allows for replacement of the worn sprocket teeth without replacing the entire, much more expensive, final drive assembly.
In simple terms: The E352 is the replaceable, toothed "gear" that wears out from constant contact with the track, saving you from buying a whole new final drive motor.
2. Technical Specifications and Identification
Critical Note: The "E352" designation is crucial. In the Caterpillar parts system, this number specifically refers to the adapter or hub that the rim bolts onto. The complete assembly requires both the hub and the rim.
Common Part Numbers:
Complete Rim Assembly (Hub + Rim): This is often sold as a kit. A common part number for the complete assembly is ****259-9519. However, this must be verified with a serial number.
Sprocket Rim Only (Wear Part): The tooth ring itself. A common part number is ****259-9520. This is the part you would replace when the teeth are worn down.
Adapter/Hub (E352): This is the inner component, part number ****259-9521. It is bolted to the final drive output shaft.
Compatibility: This assembly is designed for specific Caterpillar excavator models. It is most commonly found on popular mid-size models like the:
Caterpillar 320D, 320D L, 320D2, 323D, 323D L
Always confirm compatibility using your machine's serial number. Using the wrong part can cause catastrophic damage to the track chain and final drive.
Design & Material:
Material: Made from high-carbon, heat-treated alloy steel for maximum hardness and abrasion resistance.
Segmented Design: The two-piece design is a cost-saving feature. You only replace the worn rim, not the entire hub assembly.
Bolt-On Connection: The rim is securely fastened to the hub with high-strength bolts and a specific bolt pattern.
3. Maintenance, Inspection, and Failure Analysis
Regular inspection of the sprocket rim is essential for protecting your investment in the entire undercarriage system.
A. Inspection Criteria:
Tooth Profile: Compare the shape of the sprocket teeth to a new one.
New Teeth: Have a squared-off or slightly rounded profile.
Worn Teeth: Become pointed, hooked, or sharp like a shark's fin. This is a sign of advanced wear.
Acceptable Wear: Caterpillar often recommends replacement when the tooth height is worn down to approximately 50% of its original height.
Bolt Integrity: Check the bolts that secure the rim to the hub for tightness. Loose bolts can shear off, causing the rim to separate from the hub during operation.
Track Chain Wear: A worn sprocket should always be inspected alongside the track chain. A new sprocket paired with a severely worn track chain will fail very quickly, as the pitch (distance between bushings) no longer matches.
B. Consequences of a Worn Sprocket:
Poor Machine Performance: Loss of traction and inefficient power transfer.
Accelerated Undercarriage Wear: A worn sprocket will cause rapid, uneven wear on the track chain bushings and links.
Track Derailment: Excessively worn or damaged teeth can lead to the track "climbing off" the sprocket, resulting in significant downtime.
Damage to the Final Drive: If a bolt fails and the rim comes loose, it can cause severe damage to the final drive's output shaft and seals.
4. Replacement Guidance
Replacing a sprocket rim is a major task but is simpler than replacing an entire final drive.
Tools & Equipment Needed:
High-torque impact wrench or breaker bar with correct large sockets.
Heavy-duty jack stands and cribbing to securely support the machine.
New high-strength bolts. Never reuse the old bolts. They are torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts designed for one-time use.
Anti-seize compound for the new bolt threads.
PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots.
General Procedure:
Secure the Machine: Park on a firm, level surface. Lower the attachment to the ground. Block the tracks to prevent any movement.
Relieve Track Tension: Slowly release the grease from the track tensioner cylinder to slacken the track. Stand clear of the track path.
Gain Access: You may need to remove a track guard or other components to access the sprocket bolts.
Remove Old Rim: Break loose and remove all the bolts securing the rim to the hub. You may need to use a pry bar to gently separate the rim from the hub if it is rusted or seized.
Clean and Prepare: Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces on the hub. Remove all dirt, rust, and old debris.
Install New Rim: Align the new rim (259-9520) with the hub. Hand-start all new bolts.
Torque Bolts: Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the bolts in a criss-cross (star) pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque and angle (if they are TTY bolts). This specification is critical and can be found in the service manual.
Re-tension Track: Re-pressurize the track tensioner to the correct sag specification.
Final Check: Rotate the track slowly by hand to ensure everything is aligned and moving freely before operating the machine.
5. Sourcing and Procurement Options
Genuine Caterpillar (OEM):
Source: Any authorized Caterpillar dealer.
Advantage: Guaranteed perfect fit, material quality, and performance. Full warranty.
Consideration: Highest cost.
Premium Aftermarket (OEM Equivalent):
Source: Reputable undercarriage manufacturers like DPW PARTS;CQC Track.
Advantage: High-quality products that meet or sometimes exceed OEM specifications at a lower price. They will have their own cross-reference number for the CAT E352 assembly.
Consideration: Must ensure the supplier has a good reputation for quality steel and heat treatment.
Standard Aftermarket:
Source: Various generic manufacturers.
Advantage: Lowest initial cost.
Consideration: Quality and durability can be highly variable. Softer steel will wear much faster, potentially causing uneven wear on your track chain and negating any initial cost savings.
Recommendation: For a critical wear component like this, investing in a Genuine CAT or top-tier premium aftermarket rim is the most cost-effective long-term strategy. It will ensure longer life and protect the more expensive components it interacts with.
