Trouble removing mini excavator track

[rfcomm2k]

I own a K008-3 mini excavator. The right idler wheel has eaten the bearing so I need to replace it. I removed grease fitting and tried to push idler back to loosen track. No go. Tried using boom and a 4x4 to push back, no luck. Soaked everything with oil to loosen it up, no luck.

At this point I may have to cut the track off to get the idler assembly off unless one of you can offer a solution.

 

[whitetiger]

I own a K008-3 mini excavator. The right idler wheel has eaten the bearing so I need to replace it. I removed grease fitting and tried to push idler back to loosen track. No go. Tried using boom and a 4x4 to push back, no luck. Soaked everything with oil to loosen it up, no luck.

At this point I may have to cut the track off to get the idler assembly off unless one of you can offer a solution.

Did you remove just the zerk or did you remove the zerk/check-valve assembly?

 

[Henro]

Did you remove just the zerk or did you remove the zerk/check-valve assembly?

Is the check valve assembly under the zerk? How is it removed?

Curious because I have a recently acquired older KX41 mini ex, but as of yet have not bought the manuals for it. Did not realize there would be a check valve in there (although it makes complete sense). I guess I though the zerk served as the check valve...

 

[whitetiger]

Is the check valve assembly under the zerk? How is it removed?

Curious because I have a recently acquired older KX41 mini ex, but as of yet have not bought the manuals for it. Did not realize there would be a check valve in there (although it makes complete sense). I guess I though the zerk served as the check valve...

The grease zerk screws into a check valve that screws into the cylinder which tensions the track. A zerk alone would not be able to withstand the pressure and hold the grease in.

 

[Henro]

The grease zerk screws into a check valve that screws into the cylinder which tensions the track. A zerk alone would not be able to withstand the pressure and hold the grease in.

This is good to know. Thanks!

I think I viewed some videos but never remember hearing a check valve mentioned. Learn something new every day! Now if I can just retain it... I certainly will remember this detail though...

 

[rfcomm2k]

I was unaware of the check valve. When I took the left idler apart last year I did not encounter a check valve. I simply unscrewed the zerk and the grease oozed out under pressure. Last year I also tried to rebuild the right side but could not get belt off. So I left it for another day. That day came now and I have the same trouble. However, I found that by pressing a thin screwdriver into the threaded hole where zerk was I could depress the check valve to get the grease out and therefore was able to slide idler back.

 

[whitetiger]

If you remove #155, the grease will flow out releasing the track tension.