PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-717
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 717
AUGUST 2012
4
PS 717
5
PS 717
AUG 12
Track Tension
Because metal expands and contracts with the ups and downs of temperature,
maintaining proper track tension is essential in the desert.
During the heat of the day,
track parts expand and the track
runs
looser.
That
results
in
thrown track.
At
night
and
early
in
the
morning, it’s much cooler. Track
parts
contract
and
the
track
runs tighter. The track can bind,
causing bent road arms, damaged
end connectors and more.
Check track tension often in
the desert. Don’t try to make it
extra loose or tight to compensate
for temperature changes. Your
best bet is to adjust it according
to the TM.
Driving
Drivers, be wary of a
lack of steering response.
That
indicates
sand
is
building
up
between
the treads and sprockets
or idler wheels. If you
allow
the
buildup
to
continue, the sand will
throw the track.
Try
“shaking”
the
vehicle with the steering
or backing up to remove
sand
buildup.
Remove
accumulated
sand
by
hand at your next stop.
Check It Out
For more information on track, check out TM 9-2530-200-24 (Mar 06),
Standards for Inspection and ClassiFcation of Tracks, Track Components and Solid-
Rubber Tires.
Dear Half-Mast,
I’m a bit confused about a step in the M777A2’s TM 9-1025-215-24&P.
Under the
Torque the
Traverse Bearing Inner
and Outer Collars
maintenance instructions,
Step 7 says to “remove two
set screws.”
Our supported unit has 19
of these howitzers, but none
of them come with set screws
to secure the outer collar.
Am I missing something here?
Mr. R.D.
Dear Mr. R.D.,
Good catch, Sir. According to TACOM, a design change was introduced in ±eb
08 that removed the set screws from some M777A2s. The next update to the IETM
should include the following note for the traverse bearing collar maintenance
instructions:
“Steps 7 and 9 through 11 detail maintenance action with regard to removal and
installation of set screws (1) that are not present in all M777A2 conFgurations. If
set screws (1) are not present, skip Step 7 and Steps 9 through 11.”
better
check my
track!
I don’t
feel so
good.
I think I’m
gonna throw
a track!
this tm says we
have to
remove
two set screws
from the m
777
a2’s
traverse bearing
collar but the
thing is…
contact
half-mast,
he’ll
know
what to do!
…there
are
no
set
screws!
what
do we do?
this heat
has made
it a little
loose!
M777A2 Towed Howitzer…
What Happened
to the Set Screws?
Set screws missing from traverse bearing collar?
717 04-05.indd
1-2
6/22/12
11:45 AM
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