New question,,,, any post i found was from a few years ago and nothing recent for the 3120 backhoe that was put on the 3414 loader that i have ,, my collar is getting alot of play in the splines ,,,,Does anybody know if the top splined collar is being made new or anyone can refabricate it anywhere ?
OK, Long story short about getting a new collar, NO WAY!!!!!!. I know your next question will be, "So how do I fix it?". There are various methods of rigging/repairing the collar and shaft. Some are much better IMHO than others? The first option is to try and weld the shaft to the collar. DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!! It will only work short term. Without a doubt, the welds will crack and break within the next 10 or 15 hours (if not sooner).
Another option is to try and find a used part that is still good and replace the cap. Since every hoe of this type has the same issue, chances are that even if you do find a parts machine, the cap/shaft is in the same or worse condition than the one you are trying to replace.
You could also have the shaft and cap spray welded. This will add to the thickness of the shaft and make a tighter fit. I would assume that this option is a lot of $$$ though?
The next method is to drive objects into the spline itself. The idea is that it tightens up everything and stops movement. I have heard about/seen pics of many different things stuck in there, Lol One unit had finishing nails driven into every space on every spline. The individual who did it claimed that it worked well? This doesn't seem like a great long term fix?
I have seen units with holes drilled between the shaft and the cap, straight down into the space between the two. These holes were then filled in with hex head cap screws. I have not tried this, but it does seem like a better option than nails and screws jammed into the spline? It would seem to me that the shaft itself would be a much harder steel than the cast cap? This tells me that as I am drilling the hole, the bit will work sideways into the softer steel. This would produce an oblong hole along with the entire length/depth of the hole ending up at an angle.
The next one is to drill a hole across the middle of the cap through the shaft and put a bolt through it. I am told this works well, but eventually, the hole becomes elongated and the bolt must be replaced. Over time, I would also think that because of the back and forth motions, the torque being applied to the left and right side of the bolt would enlarge the hole, facilitating the need to drill ever larger holes and use ever larger bolts to keep it tight?.
Last, but not least, I have been told that you can remove the cap, make a cut straight down the back side and then turn it sideways and drill a hole across the cut. Countersink both ends of the hole you drilled for a flat surface at each end and then put a bolt through the hole and re-install the cap. Once the shaft is in place, you simply use the cap as a clamp and tighten up the bolt. This draws the circumference of the hole down in size, tightening the cap around the shaft and eliminating play.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!.:howdy:
