450c Dozer track tensioner

froglaps · Oct 14, 2017

Hello

I hope I have the right forum, new here. I threw a track on a 450c john deere dozer. I removed the grease bolt next to the grease fitting, put a com-a-long on the front roller, and pulled it pack. grease flowed out, after getting the track back on the front roller and lined up nicely, I replaced the bolt, and attempted to tighten the track.

The problem is all the grease that I put in comes out immediately from the weep hole directly below the bolt... henceforth no adjustment is occuring. I'm stumped, I re-greased it and adjusted the track tension 2 weeks ago and there was no problem.

Why does the grease come out, and not stay in and move the front roller foward tightening the track?

Looking at the other side it's a completely different bolt too, I thought that was odd.

jwalk2c · Oct 15, 2017

froglaps said:
Hello

I hope I have the right forum, new here. I threw a track on a 450c john deere dozer. I removed the grease bolt next to the grease fitting, put a com-a-long on the front roller, and pulled it pack. grease flowed out, after getting the track back on the front roller and lined up nicely, I replaced the bolt, and attempted to tighten the track.

The problem is all the grease that I put in comes out immediately from the weep hole directly below the bolt... henceforth no adjustment is occuring. I'm stumped, I re-greased it and adjusted the track tension 2 weeks ago and there was no problem.

Why does the grease come out, and not stay in and move the front roller foward tightening the track?

Looking at the other side it's a completely different bolt too, I thought that was odd.

Hello, If someone does not answer on this board, here than this site may help JDcrawlers Messageboard - Index page
I have a new to me John Deere 455G. Had a Caterpillar 935C and I replaced the seals in its track tensionor but I have not been into my 455G track adjuster yet so I cannot comment.
Good luck
Johnny Walker

1987 Ford 1520
Many Wheel Horses
1997 JD 455G

RedNeckRacin · Oct 15, 2017

That "weep" hole sounds like the grease fitting is missing? I'll have to look at my 550, but I think each side is different there as well.

jdtractor · Oct 15, 2017

Hi froglaps. I've been into more then 1 track adjuster then I care to admit. There is a small ball bearing below a he bolt you removed to let the grease out ... to pull the idler back. As a general rule the ball will and usually us in the grease forced out when the piston comes back from pulling it in reverse. Check the track for excess grease or the area where it came out . You should be able to find it .. but it will be small .. it fits inside under the bolt you removed. Install the ball along with the bolt tighten up and add grease. This should solve your problem. If you can't locate the ball .. I've used other ball bearings similar the size or which will fit inside. The idea is to cover the weep hole. Hope this helps .

froglaps · Oct 15, 2017

Thanks for the info... I came upon the same conclusion while looking on ebay, and saw the seal kit came with the little steel ball

The item description from the ebay add:

Track adjuster seals,set includes 1- 2 3/8" ID piston seal and 1- 3"OD dust seal for 2 3/8" diameter John Deere dozers and loaders.ALSO INCLUDES NEW CHECK BALL FOR GREASE.

Check ball, fancy name for bearing.

froglaps · Oct 15, 2017

There is a zerk, a bolt, and a weep hole.. I figured out there is a check ball for the grease aka a bearing that goes under the bolt, to allow adjustment if the track is too tight. Losen the bolt the ball gets pushed by the grease and allows excess grease to come out the weep hole.