OC-3 track roller bushing retainers

Will_Faulkner · November 17, 2016, 07:32:20 AM

Can anyone tell me the minimum length of these retainers before replacement is needed? I have to rebuild all six of my rollers and the retainers are all in various stages of wear from thrust forces of the roller shaft.

Jack in NB · November 21, 2016, 10:54:40 PM

Hello Will -

Haven't any measurements, but I've used them with the oil channels on the inner ends nearly worn down.

Even though they are shorter, with the snug fit, once they're driven home they're not likely to loosen in service.

If the channels are worn flat you could grind new ones - they provide oil to the axle bushings.

oliverchris · February 06, 2017, 10:14:00 PM

If length means the axis, you wouldn't want the bronze bushing to stick out at one end. The bushings measure 1-5/8th and they fit nicely inside the 1-3/4 steel retainers.
If it's relevant, I sell the bronze bushings for $7.50 each (HG, OC-3, OC-4, OC-6).

I think they'd still be OK down to 1-5/8ths. The shaft would have some back and forth 'slide' in them, but I cannot see that being a great problem, if the oil is kept topped up.

Will_Faulkner · February 18, 2017, 12:49:15 AM

I have the six track rollers installed on the track frames but I can not turn them by hand. Is this going to be a problem or will they work in?

oliverchris · March 02, 2017, 01:31:14 AM

Have you oiled them up yet? Such that the oil is forced through the roller seals when it's full? It'll often make a gurgling sound as you pump it in. You want those bronze bushings to get lots of oil.

If the seals are installed lip inwards, you might get an air lock, as the oil cannot be forced out, which you don't want. Seal lips should be facing outwards.
Don't use grease! Only exception I've come across is JD Cornhead Grease.

Will_Faulkner · March 07, 2017, 09:18:38 PM

I oiled them with 30w oil as I assembled them. Once one side had the bushing retainer assembly, seal and clip in I flipped it over, inserted the shaft and prefilled the roller with oil before assembling the other side. The seals were installed correctly as I was extremely careful on making sure the seals were pointing the correct direction.

oliverchris · March 07, 2017, 10:36:08 PM

I am sure they will be A-OK then. Just friction from the seal surface, I imagine. That'll wane pretty quickly.
I like the ingenious way you filled them as you go

Will_Faulkner · June 17, 2017, 01:03:52 AM

I finally got my tractor rolling again today! Bad news is that the rear left roller is not rolling. Any ideas?

oliverchris · June 20, 2017, 05:43:17 AM

Did you check that they all rolled before you bolted them up? You didn't miss a clip?
It sounds like one bushing retainer has run-aground inside the roller itself. Try loosening off the roller shaft to track frame support nuts on each end in case that compression is causing it to bind - just a touch. If that works it'll likely bed in soon, and then you can tighten the nuts up again.

Jack in NB · June 20, 2017, 11:32:22 PM

After oliverchris's suggestion, to add a bit more friction to the roller, I'd try backing it up onto a chunk of 4 x 4 laid sideways to the track, stopping as the 4 x 4 reaches the stuck roller.

Then moving back and forward a foot or so places a lot more weight - and turning friction - on that roller, and might shake it loose.

Will_Faulkner · June 22, 2017, 02:50:46 AM

Thank you for all the suggestions. I will put them to trial tomorrow after I get my partially restored Alemite tractor pump put back together. That way I can ensure all of the rollers and such are properly lubed before the 4x4 test with loosened bolts. Yes they all were rotating before putting them back on the track frames, some only with a wrench though. thanks again, I will drop a note tomorrow night or soon thereafter to let you all know if it worked.