Caterpillar 40 Ton Haul Truck Planetary Transmission Tear Down - Looking for a Failure

Disassembling the transmission out of a Cat D400E Series II truck and looking for a failure that would explain why the truck was taken out of service.
Contact Email: [e-mail]

[@BenCarter-f2f]

LU stands for “Lock-Up”. It’s the solenoid that controls signal pressure to the torque converter lock-up clutch.

[@KT3406E]

Yes, LU stands for lock up. But no, on this machine that port is not used. It should be plugged, with solenoids in the UP and DN ports. I have no idea why the solenoid was in the wrong spot.

[@ramandbang9499]

@@KT3406Elock up is not used?

[@brianpedersen4714]

@@KT3406E maybe they reassembled it incorrectly after a clutch replacement? Seeing as those look so damn good save for that one hot steel, perhaps somebody just screwed up the solenoid placement?

[@FROG2000]

@@brianpedersen4714 good thing it didn't work or that socket would have destroyed the trans.

[@cs-gj3yf]

@@ramandbang9499 No, never have enough speed to

[@jondrew55]

I'll never unsubscribe to this channel because even if we wait months it's never a disappointment.

[@christopherweise438]

Couldn't agree more.

[@WCSPete1]

I second that..! Well worth the wait.

[@ajs96350]

Yes, I just set the alerts for this channel.

[@jds1667]

I was watching 2 and 3 year old videos here lately, and thought the same.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@jds1667 💯

[@kingsley2565]

when you say, I don't know how much interest this video will get, I want to scream; PLEASE don't quit making your vids! Quit doubting yourself Pal. Your expression of technique & knowledge is well appreciated...even valued. Thanks again for having me and the others along.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Absolutely! I am hoping for a Part 2 on this project and know I never tire of watching and listening to him dissect and repair old CAT equipment.

[@kenh9508]

Same here! Couldn't stop watching, hoping for a tell tale sign of failure but now even more interested to learn more about the power train as a whole!

[@jdmccorful]

Ditto, keep going. Do you think that socket could have been the main problem.Enjoyed!!

[@NOBOX7]

LOL proceeds to get 260k views in under 1year meaning he already made about $2500

[@andrewaird8901]

These teardowns are therapeutic somehow. Not sure how or why, but they seem to add calmness and peace to interesting content.

[@pauljoseph8338]

Interesting content, yes…but I get so much anxiety thinking about how the hell he’s going to get all those pieces and parts back together again…

[@jamesf2656]

Not to mention the deadpan delivery..

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Here's hoping for follow-up videos on this trans.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

The sheer scale of everything is amazing. Thank you for taking the time to film and describe your work.

[@kevina.4036]

Imagine the gears out of something really huge like a 797 dump truck...

[@donbrashsux]

GAPO Shit 😂..Gotta luv KT

[@ducewags]

@@kevina.4036 Well you could look up a CAT 175-20 and see the size of the drives for the 400 ton truck. If you want some large gears, try a shovel.

[@morganspencer-churchill2136]

@@kevina.4036 slewing ring on a dragline/bucket-wheel

[@jamesgarner4127]

I think you’re on the right track as far as the actual transmission problems. The valve body definitely looked bad when you separated it. It doesn’t take much as you know to cause issues with any kind of rust or debris in there. Torque converter should be a quick tear down and will tell the rest of the story. I hope you decide to make a part 2 to this. I’ve been missing your videos. Good to see you back.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Here's my vote for a Part 2

[@manuelve1998]

Yep! I’ll second that motion. The valve body is probably where I’d have started seeing that there was very little in the oil filters. They looked new!

[@boogieman3165]

There was one problem with that transmission, the extra tool found inside. I vote to make this a series. Cool stuff.

[@einfelder8262]

More likely the tool that left the tool, haha.

[@christopherweise438]

@@einfelder8262 - Yea.....that socket didn't get up and walk itself in there.

[@markcohen4599]

Too bad it wasn't a 10mm.

[@rodrod383]

I think it was Sparkles that left that socket in there as sabotage.....he was mad all the other men in the shop started drinking Coors Light or Miller Lite instead of bud light

[@brentsmith3745]

@@markcohen4599I was looking to see 10 mm hahaha

[@Thedudeabides803]

The amount of work involved making each component and the fact it all works is incredible to me.

[@davmanderstrom]

Right? Every piece of that is almost like a work of art. The fact that someone sat down at a drafting table and willed things like this into existance blows my mind.

[@DMSparky]

All the old engineers who grew up on farms were way way way more talented then the engineers we have nowadays. Engineers had to put time and effort into designing equipment and had a much greater respect for how things were put together when it had to be drawn on paper and manufactured with simpler machines. They didn’t have the opportunity to quickly throw together something in CAD. Revisions took a tremendous amount of time so they thought about designs before having parts made. The corporate fucks didn’t meddle as much in shit either.

[@ScarlettStunningSpace]

And R&D

[@Odin33356]

@@DMSparky we have evolved into lithium miners that grow marijuana indoors just to complain about power outages and fires created by them

[@santaclause2875]

Correct! The precision build of each part, the brainiacs that designed all these gizmos, it's just awesome to me. And, as far as I see.....NONE of it was "Made in China".

[@davmanderstrom]

The ability of big gear to put in like >15 000 hours of work in absolute hell conditions yet still look like new will never cease to amaze me. It seems to me that 90% of major failures boil down to human error in some way, shape or form.

[@NigOleBigger]

Usually is. 90% of dozer transmissions we get, 2nd speed is burned out of them from operators trying to push in 2nd. The other 9% is first speed burning out just over time, and 1% is an actual failure

[@Truth_hurts459]

I love this channel, no stupid intro no fake drama and yelling. Just someone who knows exactly what they are doing so bada$$!

[@Russeljfinch]

Couldn’t imagine the machining hours in that assembly

[@TheSerenityhuck]

Every time I see things like this, I am just amazed by the amount of engineering put into transmissions. Simply amazing.

[@bartdereu9267]

Agreed, tranmissions , for sure in bigger machines and agricultural machines are allot more complex then their engines.

[@TheSerenityhuck]

@@bartdereu9267 definitely.

[@fritz2780]

I used to work as a technician at john deere for over 10 years, so I know what it takes to perform this job. It's definitely not beginners. Nice work!👍

[@dennisbailey4296]

This Big stuff is just fascinating and very interesting. As a journeyman mechanic this is enormous yet complex. I also watch Western Truck and Tractor Repair and all of the heavy duty work that Warren does there. I've even worked a day with him. Great guy!! Thanks soooo much for going through this large transmission it sure give perspective to the work load that this equipment has to do!! All the best from Canada

[@George-dy3pt]

Thanks for helping Warren out! He's the man just like KT3406E

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

He and Warren are the best. Two very intelligent men.

[@bill8by5]

I agree with you about Warren, he's a knowledgeable guy. KT is on a completely different plane.

[@antonioqsd5786]

LU usually stands for Lock Up, at least in Allison transmissions, which is the friction clutch that engages the pump and the turbine of the converter together, making it to spin at the same speed of the engine. I dont even know if this transmission is equipped with that

[@stephenmeeks684]

It was amazing to see that transmission taken apart. You save us a lot of grief and time by excluding the arduous details. Thank you.

[@locustvalleyfarms7241]

This guy has skill. No bull crap intros No crappy music No unnecessary stuff Just plain and simple. Not to mention he’s a CAT WIZARD

[@Narwaro]

Man the quality of every part in this thing. It certainly costs tens of thousands just to make it.

[@Saved_The_Day]

There is no way I would remember how to put those clutch packs back together after a weekend off!! Kudos to you!!!

[@pennise]

Hell, I wouldn't remember after lunch.

[@gregwhite7957]

Ya, keep going. It will be interesting to actually find out why they pulled it out of service. Another great video.

[@peterhaan9068]

Please continue with the tear down and evaluation! Super interesting to see the 'inside' story on these machines! Thanks!!!

[@kansasadventure1831]

That was cool. Everytime i rebuild a transmission everyone freaks out like its some magical box that shouldnt be touched. Their so easy yet so complex.

[@86FxBdyCpe]

I love this channel eventhough I'll never own or work on any type of equipment like this. It's just so incredibly fascinating. I just wish the content was MORE frequent. The bit about the damn crickets was hilarious.

[@arr4512]

Great video. I love working in transmissions and this was fascinating to me. As to the failure... I'm wondering if they had a failure and did a DIY repair where they failed to really clean anything (explaining the obvious material found at the beginning), and just replaced the frictions. That would explain the overheated steel - that was from the previous failure. They put it back together, and put the solenoid in the wrong port, then gave up when it failed on them again. Based on the yellow washer and the free socket, I'm betting this was a DIY repair by whoever owned this thing. It would explain a lot. PLEASE upload the rebuild video. I want to see this thing go back together!!!

[@loganfarmer5365]

did a couple of these in school super simple and they never seem to break. would be sweet to see what actually went wrong

[@RippenSXS]

Man. Idk why but I just have to watch your videos. I never owned, or never will own any construction equipment like that. But your knowledge and authenticity is special on YT so i'll always support.

[@philstreeter9703]

Great video. The only thing wrong in the transmission was a socket! It looks brand new inside, except for water. Please keep going.

[@Mr.FluffyYT]

It has always been a good day when he has uploaded a new video

[@98Kentuckian]

The durability of the engineering on this stuff just blows my mind. Also, i know enough about wrenching that i could maybe get this thing apart. But i know for a fact id never ever get it all put back together correctly! Insanely impressive how you can just do all this stuff. Love these videos

[@eamonmcdonnell8275]

That eight seventy one is one thought cookie. Haliburton has hundreds, nay thousands of those engines all over the world. Great video, thanks for making it. PS, the crumple zone on the Bus was impressive! Best wishes.

[@George-dy3pt]

Yes it was impressive

[@mikeh1242]

it's amazing the engineering and design that goes into these super heavy-duty machines. Time tested.

[@brandonclifton2027]

“I can’t stand it. I gotta look in here.” Well said. It’s irresistible.

[@steveminer5293]

Keep it going. We need to see what the issue is, and we need to see if you move the down shift solenoid back to the middle spot. I enjoy your videos.

[@72polara]

Please keep going with the videos on this machine. Maybe we'll find the failure.

[@cheesecakes121]

I love the content you make, none of the inflated bs or sponsors you see in other videos, just straight to the point. I look forward to each one you make

[@davidcchi3373]

Also fascinating to see only guy do all that heavy work with no fear.

[@JBlake-moon-shdo]

I agree with others here. It is never a disappointment. Always interesting. We all learn.

[@Splintermill]

Had a really shitty day, finally sat down to eat and watch a couple videos and BAM! Made my day seeing you posted a new one! Always fascinating seeing the scale and quality of these parts and pieces that make up these amazing machines. Really appreciate your efforts every time. Great job!

[@Craigs_Adventures]

Please Dont Stop Making Your Videos. I have watched everyone you have posted. We understand that making these videos take a lot of time, but we will always be here to watch them. thanks for taking time out of your day to show us.

[@G-Man-kc2nm]

It’s amazing to think about the massive amount of torque and pressure that unit is under during use. Someone stuck with a loaded truck can grenade the entire system. Nice work.

[@GS-zv3qn]

You would think it would be designed to not break anything if the wheels can not turn, that transmission sure looks complex,Andrew Camerati bought a wiggle truck and it had a bad transmission so he sold it and bought another truck that works,lots of electric stuff on those to control it, a manual one is much simpler but I think all those are auto so no choice but to have go auto unless real old ones were manual

[@Coupegt84]

You really have the perfect mindset/attitude for dealing with big equipment; respect for it without being intimidated by the scale/size of the parts and assemblies that are involved. Thanks for the video! If you make ‘em, we’ll watch ‘em.

[@zonie1953]

I am still surprised there aren't a couple million subscribers to this channel ! His destruction videos are epic. But the teardowns of this big machinery is beyond compare ! Speaks in clear calm English . I look forward to every video on here ! 🌵

[@georgecooke9010]

TEARING IT OUT AND CLEANUP LOOKS HARDER THAN THE ACTUAL TEARDOWN. YOU MAKE IT LOOK EASIER THAN IT PROBABLY IS. YOUR WORK IS COMMENDABLE AND ENTERTAINING! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@PatrickBaptist]

Yeah dude makes a hard job look easy, he sure is more of a man than me.

[@wraithette01]

Thank you for another excellent video - no b.s. just solid commentary and showing how to get things done. Thank you for your time and efforts that you have taken in all of your videos sir!

[@haydenc2742]

Good stuff! Massive Transmission...all seemed clean, no bits and pieces other than the fine glitter, at least there weren't teeth of gears in the bottom or something! Definitely tear into that bad boy...loving seeing heavy equipment internals and stuff Keep em coming!!!!

[@Highstranger951]

I enjoy the tear downs, we all learned what the guts look like in one of these things, something I DIDNT know yesterday. We appreciate it👍🏼

[@bill8by5]

KT, if those are anything like a normal automatic, those clutch disks do NOT appreciate water AT ALL. They will come off what they are mated to. Also, when you replace them, I recommend you soak them in fluid before installing them in a clean unit. Soaking them will bring them to their standard, in-use, stack height, so you can get your clearances and stack heights correct. I would also check the book for all of those load springs to ensure their heights are within spec. When you are looking at the planetary gears, check them thoroughly to ensure the load washers between them and the housing are still in good shape. I bet those are fairly costly to replace if they are bad. I have watched you while assembling something and you are exceptionally particular with cleanliness, this is one crazy aspect where that OCD is well worth it my friend - surgically clean is best. (LOL) I really appreciate watching what you do - KEEP 'EM COMING!!! (Looking forward to you and that valve body)

[@ttony6538]

LU = lock up If the Converter has a clutch in it, that solenoid may be to control it. As an automotive transmission rebuilder I am just guessing. I found this video super interesting ! appreciate all your other videos !

[@JDevine687]

That's where my socket went! Just paying it forward because I found a 8mm one in the oil pan of my old Toyota 20R once.

[@sjohnson1776]

Thank you for bringing us along. I sure hope you continue filming this series. Very interesting!

[@mcfuggin]

love your mannerisms and dry humor. don't mind the gaps in content, upload when you get q chance, we'll be here

[@WCSPete1]

Very impressive clean professional workmanship! Enjoy the steam clean standards too. Can't wait for the next bit. Much appreciated...

[@mrfordman9999]

As a mechanic working on Automotive applications I have to say watching somebody else disassemble a transmission of this scale gives me heart palpitations LOL love the content bud. Keep it up, it's love to see that transfer case

[@aliretard6871]

This type of video is why I love this channel. To see the amount of engineering, the amount of precision machining, the levels of complexity all to get one 40 ton Cat haul truck transmission to accurately shift through its gears and move huge amounts of dirt around mines and construction sites. It is a beautiful thing. And then we have our host's dry as hell well look at this shit here monolog, it's a great combination.

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

What a great video. This gave me flashbacks of working at a farm implement dealer in the late 90’s. A Powershift transmission sounds simple until you start tearing them apart and have parts scattered across the shop. I appreciate the no nonsense commentary. I especially liked the Cricket comment, I’m sure some people would think you could control the cricket’s chirping. That looks like a bunch of expensive parts if you had to buy them from CAT. Looking forward to seeing the rest torn apart. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure.

[@37903eral]

Watching you and Warren are not only enjoyable but you two tell it like it is. And informative as well. Thanks for the lesson and a look in side. Keep them coming.

[@samlee2408]

who is warren i can not get enough of these Vids

[@seantatham9960]

@@samlee2408Western Truck and Tractor Repair

[@bchdsailor]

Never a dull video from you and yes, you do know what you're doin'

[@nedkelly1827]

Dry sense of humor 😂 , Best tear down and rebuild channel , keep the content coming .

[@TheDaf95xf]

Hi 👋🏻 buddy. I’m no engineer of any kind but love engines especially trains 😊 I find your tear downs very interesting and your sense of humour makes it perfect 👍🏻 Cheers Stevie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@WebVette80]

That's insane seeing the size of the clutches, steels, etc. The center support on that thing weighs more than the entire case on the 4r70w's I mess with.... just so cool to see it's essentially the same damn thing, just a helluva lot bigger. Keep 'em coming man- we appreciate it!!

[@Kincentc]

God bless. Mr 3406 is back to entertain us all

[@tormentfromhell73]

Man that is so satisfying to watch the power washer clean all that grime off. These things are beast, I could never imagine rebuilding one, which is why I love your videos.

[@pauliossi2674]

Another great video, please keep going with the driveline series, the size and simplicity of the process is fascinating.

[@truckingwithgearheads3190]

Your content is really enjoyable to watch. It's a nice slow and relaxing pace with a person who knows what he's talking about. Its a nice learning experience. Your doing excellent Mr. Please, if you can, keep up the amazing work.

[@weedwacker1716]

Thanks for taking the time to post up these videos. They mean different things to different people. I for one like to listen to your dulcet voice and no bullsh!t take on life. Reminds me of the old folks from the Okie branch of my family.

[@billnlori3149]

Very cool. Its great to see inside these big machines. Great organization too, with so many pieces it would be easy to mix stuff up.

[@slowtrucksgarage]

By far my favorite KZbin channel next to ZTNBP.

[@plus617]

Would definitely love to see more tear down on this unit! I’m no machinery guy but I really enjoy your videos!

[@worldclassinventors]

KT... love your stuff! You are brillant beyond your years and without any formal training or mentor... Truely outstanding. I have watched every video and I will continue to do so. When my long awaited ship comes in, I will commission you to build me a 3406.

[@Teddy8709]

Keep doing the tear down! It's very satisfying watching you take things apart, explain how everything works and ultimately finding out whats the root cause of the issue. I'm all for seeing you tear everything apart, even if there's nothing wrong with it.

[@haloondrugs1173]

Most educational tear down channel in my opinion

[@raystormont]

Nice, hope you have no parts left over after you reassemble. Great video sure are a lot of parts in that stack, at least you have a video record for reference can't wait for further inspections of the rest of drive assemblies. Ray

[@Z-Bart]

I did see that socket fall out when you lifted the case. I didn't know at the time it was a socket but I did say, "what was that"?

[@johnprue]

it just turned into a good day thanks to KT 3406 E

[@defendermender4959]

The control module for the gearshift is sometimes called an XYZ switch

[@smitty9733]

You use the perfect amount of fast forwarding in your videos. I am always amazed at the engineering that enables an automatic transmission. I hope you follow up on this transmission as to what you think was the cause of it's demise. thanks.

[@jeffrogers8314]

You always get to the heart of everything. no stone unturned very interesting.

[@luvtruckin]

Totally agree on the last comment I know he’s got better and a lot more things to do than videos but man I look forward to them.

[@stevephilips1175]

I very much appreciate your videos. The valve housing is probably the culprit and going this far into it, you are almost duty-bound to find the problem - at least the OCD part of me would not be able to let it go..

[@wayne-ws4uf]

Your videos are never a disappointment for people who are interested in heavy machinery and how it works .

[@TheMadJoker87]

the metallic particles you found at the start are perfectly normal for a transmission of that size, as long as it is "dust" and not "needles" you shouldnt worrry about that. every piece looked brand new, im willing to bet that's not where the problem is, if there is any

[@stevereid8903]

This is how you truly fault find, not just strip it and forget what went where. Excellent video.

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

Them clutch packs look brand new! Awesome job, great video! Please keep posting more videos!!

[@erniemathews5085]

Once again you took the time to show me something I knew nothing about. Great stuff- thanks. You're always concise, articulate and easy to understand. Anyone taught by you would be lucky.

[@JasonSmith-vd1sz]

Another great video! It always amazes me how unbelievably complex these transmissions are!

[@eggnogfrog]

Always great content. I'd love to see the full tear down.

[@alainleblanc4031]

How you can disassemble everything and put it back together is astonishing! An engineer with a degree on the wall could never do it. Well done and thank you for sharing!

[@tiredofit1235]

Interesting to see no shims for setting any clutch pack clearance. Make sure to pressure check your clutch pack pistons when you put it back together.

[@quietbrianquiet]

I have seen a few tear downs here on KZbin and that is the cleanest so far I have seen. The ones I have seen where you see the heat on the steels the discs fail right there and de-laminate. I would like to see you tear it down the rest of the way. Yes Sir, more videos of the ole girl please.

[@adem-Savs]

Another crakin video. Your explanation of every component is an education in itself. You are a natural born educator, and we appreciate everything you do.

[@santaclause2875]

Stunning to acknowledge the brilliant minds that design machinery like this. Through much trial and error, over many years, the final product is put to use. To think every single piece, part, component had to be designed, tested, by someone, not some computer, is awesome.

[@stranskyv452]

never stop making videos ,we will wait months for your next one, also that’s some amazing engineering ,thanks for sharing

[@blairguinea6811]

Such an awesome interesting teardown and most importantly somebody who knows what they are talking about and doing, thank you Sir for your time and effort, I am in here for the long haul

[@DirectCurrent4u]

KT3406E, I really appreciate all Your videos! I always learn something new every time I watch Your videos! Even tho I don't do a lot of work on this type of diesel equipment, its always interests me how they work and operate! When it comes to this stuff You are the best of the best (IMHO) Thanks so much for sharing this with us and look forward to Your next video! Cheers DC.

[@Leroys_Stuff]

It’s always worth the wait one of the coolest things I’ve seen car automatics lots of little pieces haul truck many heavy pieces. Thank you

[@websitesthatneedanem]

You are the bravest man on KZbin this week!!!! Amazing engineering! ❗❗❗❗❗❗❗

[@edswider9309]

It’s amazing how much matching and designing goes into these transmissions

[@silasmarner7586]

May I say, the pressure washing result was exquisite! I love your deadpan delivery - it makes for great videos. Also man that is a complicated setup. I'd have a tought time memorizing all the gazillion parts. What will you keep and what will you replace? Great video sir! And, yeah, keep on a goin'!

[@pennise]

This is kind of an out there thought, but think about the mind that came up with the design for that transmission. Think about the machinists and the setups and all the math that went into the ratios, the stress calculations, the metallurgy. It's just a mind blower. Thanks for the awesome videos.

[@user-ph8zz7zm5f]

I always enjoy your videos. You are probably one of the best out there.