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Drive Train Samples: Cat® S•O•S℠ Services
Estimated read time: 2 minutes
Cat® S•O•SSM Services fluid analysis is a great way to spot potential drive train problems before they become serious. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to take fluid samples correctly without contaminating them.
Check out this video to see how it’s done before you dive into taking your samples:
Before you get started, check your machine’s Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) for proper safety procedures. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Start by parking your machine on a dry, flat surface. Lower the implements, lock the hydraulics and shut off the engine.
Prepare for Sampling
Make sure you have unopened Cat S•O•S kits on hand. Each kit contains a sampling tube with a cap, a bottle, and a sealing cap. Keep all items in the bag until you need them. You’ll need one kit per fluid type you’re sampling. When it’s time, open your kit and:
- Assemble the bottle with its matching tube and cap.
- Warm up the machine using the procedure from your OMM to get the fluids ready for sampling.
- Turn off the machine and put on clean gloves.
- Start by wiping the sample port and cap with a lint-free cloth. This prevents contamination.
How to Collect Fluid Samples
- Transmission: Remove the valve cap and wipe the valve clean. Drain a few ounces into a waste container to flush out the valve. Then, fill the sample bottle to the full mark, seal it with the cap from your kit, and label the bottle with the fluid type, serial number and service hours.
- Differential: If your equipment has a separate differential sampling location, use a pump to collect the sample (since the differential isn’t pressurized). Consult your OMM to confirm the correct location.
- Final drive: Reposition your equipment so that the oil fill lines on one drive are parallel to the ground. Use the vacuum extraction method to sample the fluid, following the same cleanliness steps as before. After taking the sample, repeat the process for the other final drive, repositioning your equipment as needed.
Finishing Up
Once you’ve collected all samples:
- Make sure all labels are filled out correctly and fully.
- Mail the samples to the lab for analysis.
- Record the sample date and results in your own records.
Keeping detailed service records helps you stay ahead of drive train issues and maintain your equipment throughout its lifecycle. Your Cat dealer can help interpret the analysis results. They can then recommend how to address any problems before they become costly.
For more information and support, contact your Cat dealer. And always check your Operation and Maintenance Manual for specific instruction and safety procedures.
