PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-575
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 575
OCTOBER 2000
PS 575
12
OCT 00
Dear Half-Mast,
We try to take good care of the track and suspension systems on our
M1-series tanks. That includes the annual reversal of sprockets to prevent
uneven wear and lengthen sprocket life.
Even though we’re careful to properly
re-torque all the bolts when reversing
the sprockets, we inevitably run into
trouble a few hundred miles later. On
most of our tanks, the sprocket
mounting bolts start coming loose
or shear off entirely.
Any idea what we’re doing wrong?
SSG K.W.D.
M1-Series Tanks . . .
Dear Sergeant K.W.D.,
Your problem is likely caused by dirt getting between the bearing surfaces of the
bolt and sprocket. It is very important that these two surfaces be clean
before
you
tighten the bolt.
It’s also a good idea to lubricate the threads and bearing faces before tightening
the bolt. Either lubricating oil, NSN 9150-00-231-2361, or WTA grease, NSN
9150-01-262-3358, is ok, but WTA is best.
M1-Series Tanks . . .
Loose screws break off
and jam ammo doors
c'mon, guys,
load a heat round!
we're
sitting ducks
out here!
i
can't
get the ammo
door
open
!
rewmen, it only takes a couple of loose screws to ruin your day, especially
when it comes to your tank’s ammo door.
The hook and housing assembly mounts to the top left of the ammo door with
two screws.
Vibration loosens those screws, but you won’t know about it until it’s too
late—when the screws break and the door gets jammed as you try to open or
close it.
When that happens, you’re stuck with an
open door you can’t close, or a closed door you
can’t open. Either way, you won’t be doing any
firing.
Make a point to eyeball those screw heads
with a flashlight every time you check out the
ammo doors and racks. If they’ve backed out
or if they’re loose enough to turn with your
fingers, sing out to your mechanic.
He’ll add a dab of locking compound, NSN
8030-01-025-1692, to the screws before re-tightening ’em.
Clean
sprocket
surface
and
mounting
bolts
before
re-torquing
well, your
sprockets are now
reversed
!
yeah, until these
dirty
mounting bolts
work
loose
, anyway!
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