Front propshaft 304-3266 CAT, aftermarket, option 1

For the Caterpillar backhoe loaders: front propshaft 304-3266, an aftermarket part. This shaft drives the front axle.

The propshaft is chosen by part number according to its length between flanges, flange type and joint size, and front and rear shafts differ. It is balanced at the factory: if the sliding section is separated, reassemble it to the marks so the yokes at each end stay in the same plane, otherwise vibration results. Grease the joint and spline nipples at the service interval.

Specifications

Compatibility

According to sources, 304-3266 (216-4476) is the front propshaft assembly of Caterpillar 414E-444E backhoe loaders (manual AWD). The catalogue also has the aftermarket version of this part. Other parts are in Axle shafts, propshafts and U-joints.

Fitting

Before the change, park the machine on level ground, apply the parking brake and chock the wheels. Support the shaft while undoing the flange bolts; fit the new shaft with the marks on the sliding section aligned and tighten the flange bolts to the specified torque. After fitting, grease the joints and splines and drive at low speed to check for vibration. The shaft comes new; clean the flange faces before fitting and check the marks on the sliding section.