TA1 Visual Inspection

Caterpillar Basic Preventive Maintenance
Motor Grader TA1 Visual Machine Inspection
TA1 Visual Inspection

• Machine Inspection Benefits
• Machine Inspection
Preparation
• Download Fault Codes
• Lower-Level Inspections
• Middle-Level Inspections
• Upper-Level Inspections
• Implement/Attachment
Inspection
Caterpillar Inc.
TA1 Inspection Benefits

• Identifies potential problems
• Uncovers overlooked problems
• Enables planned/scheduled
follow up maintenance and
service
• Reduces customer downtime
• Helps control owning and
operating costs
Caterpillar Inc.
Machine Inspection Preparation

Walk-Around Inspection
• Make sure no one is underneath the
machine, around the machine, or on
the machine; ensure the area is free of
personnel
• Walk around the machine and inspect
underneath the machine for visible
signs of fluid leaks
• Check the engine oil, hydraulic oil,
transmission oil, and coolant levels; if
Note: If the TA1 and PM Service
necessary, add oil or coolant to reach
are not being performed at the
same time, refer to the OMM or minimum level for each system
PM Checklist for additional
checks and inspections.
Caterpillar Inc.

Park Machine in Service Position
• Park the machine in a level place free of
personnel and obstacles
• Move the transmission control switch to
NEUTRAL; move the throttle control to
LOW IDLE
• Apply the parking brake
• Lower all implements to the ground
• Move the implement lockout switch to
LOCK
• Install the steering frame lock pin and
the wheel lean locking bolt
• Turn the engine start switch to OFF and
remove the key
• Turn the battery disconnect switch to
OFF and remove the key
Caterpillar Inc.

Download Machine Fault Codes
Use either of these two methods to
download the machine fault codes:
• Electronic Technician (ET)
• Messenger Monitoring System
ET Data Port
Caterpillar Inc.
Observe Engine Exhaust Colors

Start the machine and
observe exhaust colors
• White smoke after initial startup
could indicate coolant in the
engine cylinder s
• Blue smoke during startup
indicates oil in the engine
cylinders
• Black smoke during startup may
indicate a plugged air filter
• Continuous black smoke indicates
an improper air/fuel mixture
• Continuous gray smoke may
indicate a fuel timing problem
Caterpillar Inc.
Listen for Unusual Noises

• Excessive noise coming from the
hydraulic pump could indicate:
– Pump cavitation
– A loose or failed bearing
• Excessive noise coming from
engine compartment could
indicate:
– Fuel injector damage
– Engine bearing damage
– Valve train damage
Caterpillar Inc.
Listen for Unusual Noises

transmission when traveling could
indicate:
– Pump cavitation
– Clutch disc or gear damage
differential, tandem drives, or drive
train when traveling could indicate:
– Gear damage
Caterpillar Inc.
Wiring Harness Inspection Guidelines

Check for:
•Tubes, hoses, and wiring
harnesses rubbing against:
– One another
– Sharp corners
– Bolt heads
•Tubes, hoses, and wiring
harnesses not properly
secured:
– Missing clips and wire ties
– Unattached P-clips
Caterpillar Inc.
Harness Connector Inspection Guidelines

Check for connectors:
•Not properly secured in place
•Rubbing against machine
frame
•Rubbing against sharp edges
Caterpillar Inc.
Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines

Check for:
• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil buildup
around the cylinder lip seal
Damaged • Oil leaks at hose connections
Cylinder Rod
• Damage to cylinder rods
• Damage or wear to linkage pins
Leaking Cylinder Head – Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for
Lip Seal
inspection procedure
Cylinder
Connections
Cylinder
Connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines

Check for:
• Loose or broken pin flags and mounting
Bearing Cap
bolts
and Bolts
• Loose or missing linkage pin retainer
nuts/bolts, shims, and retainer pins
Check for • Irregular-shaped pin bores
Irregular-Shaped
Pin Bores • Loose bearing caps and fasteners
• Loose trunnion balls, pins, and fasteners
Pin Retainer Trunnion Ball,
Bolt/Nut Bolts, and Seals
Flag Retainer
and Bolts
Cylinder
Joint Shims
Check for
Irregular-Shaped Bearing Cap Retainer
Pin and Flag Pin Bores and Bolts Pin
Caterpillar Inc.
Lower-Level Inspections
• Tires and Rims • Brake and Fan Hydraulic Pump
• Front Wheels and and Control Valve
Spindles/Wheel Drives • Drive Shaft
• Axle Arms and Kingpins • Transmission
• Wheel Lean Cylinder and Lean • Front and Rear Machine
Bar Frames
• Front Axle • Bottom Guard
• Steering Cylinders, Tie Rods, • Tandem Drives, Service Brakes,
and Linkages and Wheels
• Articulation Joints and Bearings • Final Drives
• Secondary Steering Pump and • Rear Differential Housing
Motor
Note: Prior to machine inspection, park machine in the standard service position
Caterpillar Inc.
Tires and Rims

Check for:
• Proper inflation
• Cuts, cracks, splits, or busies in the
tread or sidewall area; bumps or
bulges may indicate tire separation
• Safe tread depth
– Tread worn down to the built-in wear
indicators
– Tire cords or exposed fabric
• Uneven tread wear
• Cracks, pits from corrosion, or other
visible damage to rims
Caterpillar Inc.
Front Wheels and Spindles/Wheel Drives

• Check for lubricant leaks from spindle
back cover, lube port, or wheel hub
seals
• If equipped, check for hydraulic oil
leaks from all wheel drive motor,
(clutch inside wheel drive) hydraulic
lines, and fittings
Caterpillar Inc.
Axle Arms and Kingpins

• Check kingpins and lean
bearings for:
- Excessive play or loose
fasteners
- Damaged or missing
grease fittings
- Proper lubrication
• Check axle arms for:
- Structural damage
- Loose tilt pin retaining
bolts
Caterpillar Inc.
Wheel Lean Cylinder and Lean Bar

Check for:
• Oil leaks indicated by dirt or oil
buildup around the cylinder lip seal
• Oil leaks at hose connections
• Damage or wear to linkage fasteners
and grease fittings
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines
for inspection procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Front Axle
• Check inner and outer axle
oscillation bearings for proper
lubrication or damage
• Check axle for structural damage
or weld cracks
Caterpillar Inc.
Steering Cylinders, Tie Rods, and Linkages

Check for:
– Refer to Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines for procedure
• Loose or damaged linkages/fasteners

– Check for cracked or blown grease boots
– Check tie rod adjustment retainers
Caterpillar Inc.
Articulation Joints and Bearings

Check for:
• Loose or broken retaining bolts
• Irregular-shaped pin bores
• Broken or damaged grease lines
or grease fittings
Caterpillar Inc.
Secondary Steering Pump and Motor

Check for:
•Leaks around hose connection points,
tubing flanges, and bolts
•Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
•Loose or damaged mounting bracket
•Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring
harnesses or connectors
•Loose wiring connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Brake and Fan Hydraulic Pump and

Control Valve
Check for:
•Leaks around hose connection
points, tubing flanges, and bolts
•Loose or damaged hose clamps on
main pump suction lines
Caterpillar Inc.
Drive Shaft
Check for:
• Loose or missing U-joint retainer
bolts
• Worn or loose U-joints
– Movement would indicate
excessive wear
• Grease leaking from U-joint
seals which would indicate
possible seal damage
Caterpillar Inc.
Transmission
Check for leaks around:
• Sealing surfaces of transmission
case
• Transmission output shaft
• Transmission oil filter and oil
filter base
• Sealing surface between
transmission housing and
parking brake housing
Caterpillar Inc.
Front and Rear Machine Frames

Check for:
• Damage to frame
• Structural cracks
• Cracked welds
Caterpillar Inc.
Bottom Guard
Check for:
• Dirt and oil buildup on the
underneath surface and edges
which would indicate possible leaks
from components located above the
guard
• Loose, damaged, or missing bolts
• Damaged hinges
• Damaged or missing pins/cotters
• Structural damage or cracks around
welded joints
Caterpillar Inc.
Tandem Drives, Service Brakes, and Wheels

Check the following for leaks:
• Dou-cone seal located between the spindle and
the wheel housing
• Sealing surface between the tandem housing
and the brake housing cover
• Sealing surface between the brake housing
cover and the brake housing
• Brake wear indicator
• Hydraulic brake lines
• Drain plug for the tandem drive
Caterpillar Inc.
Final Drives
Check the following areas for
leaks:
• Sealing surface between the final
drive housing and the axle housing
• Sealing surface between the ring
gear and the axle housing
• Sealing surface between the final
drive housing and the tandem drive
housing
Caterpillar Inc.
Rear Differential Housing

• Check differential housing for leaks in
the following areas:
– Sealing surface between the planetary
housing and the differential housing
– Sealing surface between the drive shaft
and the differential housing
– Area around the drain and fill plugs
• Check for loose or damaged axle
mounting bolts
Caterpillar Inc.
Middle-Level Inspections
• Work Lights • Cooling Fan and Hydraulic
• Rear Brake and Directional Motor
Lights • Implement and AWD
• Steps and Handrails Control Valve
• Fuel Tank • Implement and Steering
• Articulation Cylinders Control Valves
• Cab Mounts • Hood and Platform
• Cab Exterior • Implement and Steering
Pump
• Service Brakes and Parking
Brake Accumulators • AWD Hydraulic Pump
• Engine Oil Pan
Caterpillar Inc.
Work Lights
Check for:
• Proper operation
• Cracked or broken lenses
• Loose or damaged mounting
brackets
• Damaged wiring harnesses or
connectors
Caterpillar Inc.
Rear Brake and Directional Lights

Check turn signals, hazard
flashers, and brake lights for:
• Proper operation
• Cracked or broken lenses
• Loose or damaged mounting brackets
• Damaged wiring harnesses or
connectors
Caterpillar Inc.
Steps and Handrails

Ensure that steps and handrails
are in place and check for:
• Damaged, missing, or loose mounting
hardware, bolts, or brackets
• Damage to steps, walkways, or
handrails
• Excessive dirt or debris
Caterpillar Inc.
Fuel Tank
Check for:
• Leaks
• Loose hose clamps on crossover tubes or
supply/return lines
• Structural damage to tank, mounts, or welds
• Damaged or missing fill cap seals
• Damaged or missing breather screen
• Dirt or debris plugging the breather
Caterpillar Inc.
Articulation Cylinders
Check for:
• Damage or wear to linkage pins
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines
for inspection procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Cab Mounts
Check for:
• Loose or damaged mounting bolts
• Damaged washers
• Cracked or damaged mount brackets
• Wear, damage, or cracking of upper
and lower rubber support pads
– There should be no metal-to-metal contact
Caterpillar Inc.
Cab Exterior
Check for:
• Bent or damaged cab structure
• Cracked or broken glass
• Damaged or missing mirrors
• Worn or broken windshield wiper
arms or wiper blades
Caterpillar Inc.
Service Brake and Parking Brake

Accumulators
Check for:
• Leaks around hose
connection points
• Rubbing, damaged, or
worn hoses
• Damaged charging valves
Caterpillar Inc.
Cooling Fan and Hydraulic Motor

Check for:
• Loose, damaged, or missing bolts
• Loose or damaged wire fan guard
• Loose or damaged fan shroud
• Damaged, cracked, or missing engine
fan blade
• Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
Caterpillar Inc.
Implement and AWD Control Valves

Check under the implement
and AWD cover for:
• Leaks around hose connection
points
• Rubbing, damaged, or worn
hoses
• Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring
harnesses and connectors
Caterpillar Inc.
Implement and Steering Control Valves

Check for:
• Leaks around connection points for
hose and control valve components
Caterpillar Inc.
Hood and Platform

Check for :
• Proper function of hood raise
cylinder
• Debris or excessive dirt on service
platform ventilation screen
• Loose or damaged ventilation
screens
• Proper function of side access
panels, latches
Caterpillar Inc.
Implement and Steering Pump

Check for:
•Leaks around hose connection
points, tubing flanges, and bolts
main pump suction lines
Caterpillar Inc.
AWD Hydraulic Pump

• Check for leaks at:
– Mating surfaces at rear engine gear
housing, adjacent pump sections,
and control valve
– Hydraulic hose connections
• Check control valve wiring
harness and electrical
connections
– Refer to Wiring Harness Inspection Guidelines and Harness
Connector Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Engine Oil Pan

• Check for oil accumulation around
the mounting flange of the oil pan; if
oil is found, inspect the following:
– Check for leaks around the oil pan
mounting flange
– Check for leaks around the oil level
sensor, oil filter housing, dipstick tube,
turbo lubrication return line, etc.
Caterpillar Inc.
Upper-Level Inspections
• Upper Radiator, Air Inlet, Oil • Intake Manifold
Cooler, and Aftercooler Lines • Engine and Transmission
• Lower Radiator, Aftercooler, and Mounts
Condenser Lines • Transmission Oil Cooler
• Radiator, Oil Cooler, • Pulleys, Belts, Water Pump,
Condenser, and Aftercooler Compressor Clutch, and
• Radiator Cap Alternator
• Hydraulic Tank • Pre-Cleaner and Air Cleaner
• Batteries and Battery Cables • Turbocharger
• Fuel System Lines, Fuel • Exhaust Manifold
Pumps, and Filter Bases • Cab Interior
• Cylinder Head and Valve Cover
Caterpillar Inc.
Upper Radiator, Air Inlet,

Oil Cooler, and Aftercooler Lines
Check for:
• Rubbing, cracked, or
damaged hoses
• Loose or damaged hose
clamps
• Loose connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Lower Radiator, Aftercooler, and

Condenser Lines
Check for:
• Rubbing, cracked, or damaged
hoses
• Loose or damaged hose clamps
Caterpillar Inc.
Radiator, Oil Cooler, Condenser, and

Aftercooler
Check for:
• Coolant leaks
• Oil leaks
• Debris plugging the core/cooling fins
• Damaged cores/cooling fins
Caterpillar Inc.
Radiator Cap
If the radiator is cool, check
the O-ring seals on the
expansion tank cap for wear
or damage
Caterpillar Inc.
Hydraulic Tank
Check:
• Tank caps seals for damage
• Breather for dirt or debris buildup
• Hydraulic lines for leaks and loose
or damaged connections
• Sight glasses for damage or leaks
Caterpillar Inc.
Batteries and Battery Cables

Check for:
• Corrosion on battery posts
and cables
• Proper function and
tightness of battery-hold
down
worn cables
Caterpillar Inc.
Fuel System Lines, Fuel Pumps, and

Filter Bases
Check for:
• Damaged, rubbing, or worn fuel lines
• Loose hose connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar
•A loose connection Basic
at the cylinder Preventive
head joint; Maintenance
check for broken springs on rocker box bolts
Cylinder Head and Valve Cover

Check for:
• Oil and dust buildup around the valve
cover or rocker box sealing surfaces
which would indicate:
– A loose connection at the joint
• Check for broken springs on rocker box bolts
– A damaged gasket or seal
Caterpillar Inc.
Intake Manifold
Check for:
• Loose or damaged electrical
harness or connector for inlet
air heater
hoses
clamps
• Damaged boost sensor
Caterpillar Inc.
Engine and Transmission Mounts

Check for:
• Loose or damaged bolts
• Cracked or damaged washer
• Cracked or damaged mount
brackets
• Wear, damage, or cracking of
upper and lower rubber support
pads
– There should be no metal-to-metal
contact
Caterpillar Inc.
Transmission Oil Cooler

Check for:
• Coolant leaks at bonnet connection
to cooler core
• Oil leaks at oil lines and connectors
hoses
• Loose connections
• Improperly secured hoses
Caterpillar Inc.
Pulleys, Belts, Water Pump, Compressor

Clutch, and Alternator
• Check for:
– Worn, cracked, split, or broken belts
– Proper belt tension
• Check for oil leaks around air
condition compressor clutch
• Check water pump for:
– Coolant leaks around water pump
mounting flange
– Coolant leaks through the weep
hole in the water pump housing
Caterpillar Inc.
Pre-Cleaner and Air Cleaner

Check for:
• Dirt and debris in the air
pre-cleaner
cracked tubes and hoses
clamps on air inlet tube
– If the machine is shut down, look
for dirt “tracks” around clamped
connections as a visual indication
of air leaks
– If the machine is running, listen or
feel for air leak indicators
Caterpillar Inc.
Turbocharger
Check for:
•Black soot around the areas where
the turbocharger bolts to the to the
exhaust manifold or to the exhaust
pipe which would indicate:
– A loose connection at the joint
– Loose or broken mounting bolts
•Oil leakage around the turbocharger
oil line
air inlet tube and compressor
housing
Caterpillar Inc.
Exhaust Manifold
Check for:
• Black soot around the sealing surface where the exhaust
manifold bolts to the engine block which would indicate:
– A loose connection at the cylinder head joint
– Loose or broken manifold bolts
• Cracks or other damage in the manifold housing
Caterpillar Inc.
Cab Interior
Check for:
• Excessive dirt in cab air filter
• Proper function of seat and
seat belt
• Wear or damage to seat belt
• Seat belt replacement date
• Proper function of door and
latches
• Worn or broken window
latches or slides
• Damaged or inoperable
gauges and controls
Caterpillar Inc.
Implement/Attachment Inspections
• Moldboard and Blade • Centershift Cylinder
• Blade Sideshift • Centershift Lock
Cylinder • Blade Cushion
• Blade Tip Cylinder Accumulator
• Circle Gears • Drawbar
• Circle Drive Motor • Ripper/Scarifier Lift
• Circle Drive Swivel Cylinder
• Blade Lift Cylinder and • Ripper/Scarifier
Lock Bars
Caterpillar Inc.
Moldboard, Blade, and Mounting Tube

Check for:
• Excessive play in moldboard
mounting tube pivot joint
• Loose, damaged, or worn cutting
edges or fasteners
• Excessive wear or improper
adjustment of slide wear strips
– Check 4 equally spaced positions along length of
moldboard; if large gap is identified, refer to OMM
for procedure to measure wear and adjust/replace
wear strips
Caterpillar Inc.
Blade Sideshift Cylinder

(Refer to Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines for inspection procedure)
Check for:
buildup around the cylinder lip
seal
• Damage to cylinder rod
• Improper lubrication, damage, or
wear to linkage pins and pin
retainers
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection
Guidelines for inspection procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Blade Tip Cylinder

Check for:
• Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for
Caterpillar Inc.
Circle Gears
Check for:
• Hydraulic oil leaks from duo-cone seal
behind pinion drive gear
• Excessive wear on the ring gear and
circle drive pinion teeth
• Proper gear lubrication
• Excessive wear and proper adjustment
of circle guide shoes and wear strips
Caterpillar Inc.
Circle Drive Motor

• Check circle drive for oil
leakage:
– Between the circle drive motor and the
motor mounting bracket
– Between the motor mounting bracket and
the circle drive housing
– Around the circle drive
• Check for:
– Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
– Leakage at all hose connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Circle Drive Swivel

• Check swivel for oil leakage:
– Between the bearing cap and the swivel
housing
– Between the swivel housing and the
bearing rotor
• Check for:
– Rubbing, damaged, or worn wiring
– Rubbing, damaged, or worn hoses
– Leakage at all hose connections
Caterpillar Inc.
Blade Lift Cylinders and Lock Bars

Check for:
• Loose, damaged, or worn pin joints
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines for
• Excessive play or wear in socket
– Refer to OMM for procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Centershift Cylinder
Check for:
• Excessive play or wear in socket
Caterpillar Inc.
Centershift Lock
Check for:
• Leaks around solenoid valves
• Leaks around hose connection
points
hoses
wiring harnesses and
connectors
• Loose or missing linkage pin
retainer bolts
• Irregular-shaped or worn pin
bores in centershift lock bar
Caterpillar Inc.
Blade Cushion Accumulator

Check for:
• Leaks around solenoid valves
• Leaks around hose connection points
• Damaged charging valves
Caterpillar Inc.
Drawbar
Check ball and socket (cap) for:
• Proper lubrication
• Excessive end play in socket
Caterpillar Inc.
Ripper/Scarifier Lift Cylinder

Check for:
• Improper lubrication, damage, or wear to
trunnion bearing linkage pin and pin
retainers
– Refer to Linkage Pin Inspection
Guidelines for inspection procedure
Caterpillar Inc.
Ripper/Scarifier
• Check mounts, frame, and carriage for:
– Damage or cracks around welded joints
– Improper lubrication, damage, or wear to pin
bores
– Loose, damaged, or missing retainer bolts
• Check ripper/scarifier tips for excessive
wear
– Replace tips that are worn too close to the
shank
Caterpillar Inc.

TA1 Visual Inspection

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TA1 Visual Inspection

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Caterpillar Basic Preventive Maintenance

Motor Grader TA1 Visual Machine Inspection

TA1 Visual Inspection

TA1 Inspection Benefits

Machine Inspection Preparation

Machine Inspection Preparation

Machine Inspection Preparation

Observe Engine Exhaust Colors

Listen for Unusual Noises

Listen for Unusual Noises

Wiring Harness Inspection Guidelines

Harness Connector Inspection Guidelines

Hydraulic Cylinder Inspection Guidelines

Linkage Pin Inspection Guidelines

Tires and Rims

Front Wheels and Spindles/Wheel Drives

Axle Arms and Kingpins

Wheel Lean Cylinder and Lean Bar

Steering Cylinders, Tie Rods, and Linkages

• Loose or damaged linkages/fasteners

Articulation Joints and Bearings

Secondary Steering Pump and Motor

Brake and Fan Hydraulic Pump and

Front and Rear Machine Frames

Tandem Drives, Service Brakes, and Wheels

Rear Differential Housing

Rear Brake and Directional Lights

Steps and Handrails

Service Brake and Parking Brake

Cooling Fan and Hydraulic Motor

Implement and AWD Control Valves

Implement and Steering Control Valves

Hood and Platform

Implement and Steering Pump

AWD Hydraulic Pump

Engine Oil Pan

Upper Radiator, Air Inlet,

Lower Radiator, Aftercooler, and

Radiator, Oil Cooler, Condenser, and

Batteries and Battery Cables

Fuel System Lines, Fuel Pumps, and

Cylinder Head and Valve Cover

Engine and Transmission Mounts

Transmission Oil Cooler

Pulleys, Belts, Water Pump, Compressor

Pre-Cleaner and Air Cleaner

Moldboard, Blade, and Mounting Tube

Blade Sideshift Cylinder

Blade Tip Cylinder

Circle Drive Motor

Circle Drive Swivel

Blade Lift Cylinders and Lock Bars

Blade Cushion Accumulator

Ripper/Scarifier Lift Cylinder

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