MG5. Track outer frame removal.

[silverfoxfintry]

The overhaul of my MG5 is continuing.
I have removed the tracks and track support rollers.
I am now trying to remove the Track outer frames.
Can anyone advise the best way to do this?
They seem to be very tight on the supports.

Thanks.

Silverfox

[ransomes256]

There are several opportunities.
Assuming you have soaked the frame tube with plenty of release fluid.
Find a very large diameter nut and bolt that will fit between frame and main body adjacent to the central support tube. With the nut on the bolt pack the bolt to be a tight fit then undo the nut to act as a wedge and push the frame away. This process needs to be repeated until frame is free.
Second option is to drill and tap the top of the cross bar tube to fit a grease nipple then pump grease into the joint.
Third is to spring the frame away from the hub and idler spindles and rotate the frame around the cross tube.
Finally you may need to use a lot of heat.
Neil

[silverfoxfintry]

Thanks for the help.

The frame is now off, the track support rollers removed and the final drive gearbox and drive hub stripped.
Mmmm! I have a lot of work and expense ahead.
I don’t think any oil or grease has been used in the last 20 years.
I am going to have to rethink this project.

Silverfox

[expeatfarmer]

These tough little crawlers are their own worst enemy, they were so overbuilt that they withstood years of total neglect and yet continued to perform without breaking.

[silverfoxfintry]

I think I will have to find a doner unit.
Hopefully in better condition.
As I have already overhauled the Engine and gearbox I don’t feel I can abandon this now.
On a brighter note, the differential gearbox and the steering breaks don’t appear to be in to bad condition.
I live in hope!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Why do you think you need a donor? What is worn? Some of the gears are available individually, as are bearing, seals ect.

[silverfoxfintry]

Yes, I have priced new gears, but funds are limited and I have already spent far more than my wife is happy with!

[vhgmcbuddy]

Sounds like she needs an over haul 😉

[silverfoxfintry]

Gosh, it’s been Four months since I last posted.
A lot has happened to my MG5 since then.
The track support rollers have been overhauled (I used hard chromed hydraulic ram steel for the spindles and Sintered bronze bushes)
All the sub assemblies have been overhauled and now I am looking at the track drive and idle rollers.
Can anyone tel me the correct diameters and clearances for the actual track driving spindles and rollers.
Mine are very worn and the tracks have been resting on the rims of the drive roller.

Thanks.

Silverfox

[ransomes256]

The dimensions will depend on which age of MG5 drive wheels you have as they changed during production.
Do you have the semi circular reinforcing braces on the drive wheels?
Can you get a rough idea of the diameter of the 15 individual drive rollers and I will advise.
Neil

[silverfoxfintry]

My drive Wheels have the semi-circular reinforcements fitted.
The rollers average about 0.950″OD and the spindles about 0.560″OD.
The Olen’s are VERY loose on the spindles, hard to ensure the bore, but I think about 3/16 to1/4″ clearance.

[ransomes256]

It sounds like your drive wheel rollers are much to loose on the pins.

The outside diameter of both the drive and idler wheels were originally 18 1/4″
The PCD of the drive wheel rollers were 17 1/4″
The drive wheel rollers 15/16″ diameter with a bore of 1/2″
The pins were 7/16″ diameter. (I would use 11mm stock)
The rollers were hard (probably case hard) and the pins were soft but from a tough steel.

Neil

[silverfoxfintry]

God bless “spell check” the above was supposed to read—-
The rollers are VERY loose on the spindles, hard to measure the bores, but I think about3/16 to 1/4 ” clearance.

[expeatfarmer]

I have a pair of driving wheels not that badly worn if they are any use. Jonathan

[silverfoxfintry]

Hello again.

The offer of a pair of driving wheels is very good of you. It is certainly the quickest option.
Where are you located, I seem to remember somewhere in the border States?
I am going to be down near Dumfries on Saturday, are you near there?
Regards.

Silverfox

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