Method and apparatus for leak testing and lubricating track joint

Abstract

Apparatus and method for leak testing and adding lubricating oil to enclosed reservoirs of undercarriage components of crawler-type equipment. Barometric pressure is measured by a transducer mounted on a handle from which an elongated wand extends, the wand having a nozzle on the end opposite the handle. The wand is inserted into the reservoir and communication is successively established and terminated between the handle and a source of pressurized nitrogen, a vacuum generator and a source of lubricating oil. After raising the pressure in the reservoir by connecting it to the nitrogen source, pressure is again measured at the end of a wait period to determine if the drop is greater or less than a predetermined amount indicating seal integrity. The vacuum generator is then placed in communication with the handle to lower the pressure within the reservoir to 15% of the previously measured barometric pressure, following which oil is pumped into the reservoir until the pressure therein equals the sum of the barometric pressure and back pressure of the oil flow. Communications are established and terminated by pneumatically operated valves which receive air through solenoid operated pilot valves controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). A switch on the handle is actuated by the operator to initiate action of the PLC and an operator keypad is also provided for manually initiating other operations.