CAT 215-2331 RETAINER

CAT 215-2331 is a Caterpillar bearing positioning retainer (shaft retaining ring/circlip) used in transmission systems. It is suitable for bearing assembly in equipment such as excavators and loaders, and is used to axially position the inner or outer ring of the bearing to prevent the bearing from moving on the shaft. It is suitable for heavy-load and vibration conditions and ensures stable operation of transmission components. The following is structured technical and application information:

Core Technical Parameters

Item Details
Basic Attributes
Model 215-2331, Type: Shaft elastic retaining ring (bore/shaft dual adapter), Material: 65Mn spring steel, Surface anodized black (corrosion resistance IP54), Single weight approximately 0.12 kg, Applicable temperature: -40℃ to +120℃, Elastic modulus: 206 GPa, Hardness: HRC45-50, Fatigue life: ≥10000 assembly cycles

Key Dimensions
Applicable shaft diameter: 120 mm (tolerance +0.05/-0.05 mm), Retaining ring outer diameter: 135 mm (tolerance ±0.10 mm), Thickness: 2.5 mm (tolerance ±0.05 mm), Opening width: 8 mm, Opening clearance: 1.5 mm, Mounting groove diameter: 120 mm, Groove width: 2.6 mm (tolerance +0.10/-0.05 mm), Applicable bearing inner ring diameter: 120 mm (e.g., 081-4872 self-aligning roller bearing)
Compatible Models and Parts: Compatible with Cat 320D and 336D excavators, 966H and 972H loaders. Used in final drive gearboxes, drive axle differentials, and gearbox output shafts. Parts include 222-4616 bearing caps, 538-3083 SEM bearings, and 9R-2498 bolts (M10×20). Installation torque: 40-50 N·m
Performance Parameters: Radial elastic force ≥15 kN, axial positioning accuracy ≤0.05 mm, vibration frequency withstand capability 5-500 Hz, impact strength ≥30 J/cm², deformation after assembly ≤0.2 mm, residual deformation after disassembly ≤0.05 mm
Structural and Performance Advantages: Spring steel material: 65Mn Spring steel possesses high elasticity and toughness. Its blackening treatment enhances corrosion resistance, making it suitable for humid and dusty environments. It retains its elasticity even after repeated disassembly, ensuring reliable positioning.

Precise Positioning: Fits shafts up to 120 mm in diameter. The open design facilitates installation and disassembly. After installation, it fits snugly against the bearing inner ring, effectively preventing axial movement and ensuring the coaxiality of the transmission system.

Suitable for Heavy-Duty Vibration: Its elasticity and hardness are matched to heavy-duty conditions, absorbing impact vibrations and preventing component wear or abnormal noise caused by bearing movement, thus extending the service life of transmission components.

Dual-Adaptation Design: Can be used for shaft or bore positioning, adapting to various bearing assembly scenarios. Its versatility reduces the variety of items in inventory.

Installation and Maintenance Points: Before installation, clean the shaft diameter, mounting groove, and retaining ring to remove oil, rust, and burrs. Use dedicated snap ring pliers (external pliers) to open the retaining ring, align it with the mounting groove, and slowly release the snap ring pliers to ensure the retaining ring is fully embedded in the groove and fits snugly against the bearing inner ring, with a gap ≤0.05 mm.

After installation, check that the retaining ring is free from deformation and misalignment of the opening, and that the bearing does not move axially when pulled. When installing the bearing cap, ensure that the bearing cap does not interfere with the retaining ring, and tighten the bolts in a symmetrical, cross-hatched sequence to a torque of 40-50 N·m.

Maintenance: Check the elasticity and deformation of the retaining ring every 1500 hours. If the elasticity is weakened, deformed, or the surface is corroded, replace it immediately. Use special tools when disassembling; do not strike to avoid breaking the retaining ring or damaging the shaft.