How do you fix excavator track tension cylinder leaks and lost track tension?

Expert Answer

A leaking track tension cylinder is usually fixed by repairing the seals or replacing the adjuster cylinder if the rod, bore, or fittings are damaged. If the track keeps loosening, the cause is often grease loss at the cylinder, a damaged check valve/bleed valve, or wear in the recoil and adjuster components.

Start by cleaning the area and checking where the grease escapes: around the rod seal, hose/fitting, bleed valve, or cylinder body. If grease is coming out slowly after adjustment, the system may only need a seal kit; if tension drops quickly, there is likely a leak path or an internal fault. Also inspect the front idler, recoil spring assembly, and track chain wear, because excessive wear can make tension problems seem worse than they are.

Do not keep forcing the track tighter to hide the problem. Over-tensioning can accelerate wear on rollers, idlers, sprockets, and the track chain. The correct repair is to identify the leak source, restore grease retention, and then set tension to the machine maker’s recommended method.

VANROCK supplies track tension and alignment parts, including track adjuster-related components for excavators and dozers through our dealer network. For the right replacement part, exact fitment is confirmed by machine model and serial details, and pricing is quoted on request. If your machine is a Caterpillar, Komatsu, or another OEM brand, VANROCK is an independent manufacturer and is not affiliated with that OEM.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 10/19/2026