COMPONENT CODE

PARTS & SERVICE

NEWS

47

REF NO. AA02128

DATE April 29, 2002
Page 1 of 2

SUBJECT:

FRAME CRACKING IN DRIVE TUBE

PURPOSE:

Inform the field of inspection area and repair procedure for frame cracking in
drive tube.

APPLICATION:

Komatsu Electric Drive Dump Trucks:

730E: AFE47-A thru AW, A30079 thru A30169;
830E: AFE32-A & Up, AFE50-A & Up, A30544 & Up

FAILURE CODE:

4710HB

DESCRIPTION:

Some trucks in the field may experience frame cracking between the body guide ears on the drive tube.
Refer to Figure 1. Ensure a thorough inspection of this area is performed during normal frame inspections
at regular intervals.
If cracking is found in the specified area, the crack(s) must be gouged out and weld repairs performed.
Follow the guidelines that are outlined in Parts and Service News, "FIELD WELDING FOR ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR" (AA00046B). For additional welding guidelines, refer to Welding I (SEBF40001)
and Welding II (SEBF15002).

Always disconnect the positive and negative battery cables of the vehicle before doing any welding on
the unit. Failure to do so may seriously damage the battery and electrical equipment. Disconnect battery charging alternator lead wire and isolate electronic control components before making welding
repairs. (It is not necessary to disconnect or remove any control circuit cards on Electric Drive Dump
Trucks or any of the AID circuit control cards.)
Always fasten the welding machine ground (-) lead to the piece being welded; grounding clamp MUST
BE ATTACHED AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE to the weld area. Never allow welding current to pass
through ball bearings, roller bearings, suspensions, or hydraulic cylinders. Always avoid laying welding cables over or near the vehicle electrical harnesses. Welding voltage could be induced into the electrical harness and possibly cause damage to components.

AA02128

Page 2 of 2

Body Guide
Drive Tube

Drive Tube

THISbeen
AREA HAS
BEEN VULNERABLE
TO FIT PROBLEMS
This area has
vulnerable
to fit problems
during
DURING MANUFACTURE IN THE PAST. STEPS HAVE PREVIOUSLY
BEEN
TAKEN
TO
INSURE
A
PROPER
FIT
AND
ACCEPTABLE
WELD.
assembly of the drive tube.
GOUGING
OUT THE
AND REPAIRING
WELD
MAKING
If cracks are found,
gouge
outCRACK
the affected
areaTHE
and
weld
repair.
SURE IT IS PROPERLY TIED INTO THE EXISTING FILLET
WELD
PROBLEM.fillet
A BACKER
SHOULD BE
The repair should
beSHOULD
joinedELIMINATE
with theTHEexisting
weld.
USED TO ACHEIVE THE PROPER FIT IF NEEDED.
If necessary, a backer should be used to achieve the proper fit.

Bent Plate

Body Guides

Body Guide

Bent Plate

A
A
Fillet Weld
FILLET WELD

Drive Tube

SECTION A-A

FIGURE 1. FRAME CRACKING LOCATION

AA02128