How to Free Seized Track Pins on Bulldozers and Heavy Construction Equipment

Freeing Seized Pins Without Damaging the Undercarriage

Silikroil gives maintenance crews a reliable first step before resorting to heat or mechanical force. Applied directly to the pin and collar interface, Silikroil penetrates the rust and compacted debris bond that holds a seized pin in place. For track pins that have been in service for extended periods without maintenance, soak times of 30 minutes to several hours allow the penetrant to progressively work into the corrosion layer.

The silicone in the formula provides an additional benefit: as the pin is worked free and reinstalled, or as a replacement pin goes in, the residual silicone film on the bore surface reduces friction and resists future seizing. This makes Silikroil useful not just as a rescue solution, but as a preventive treatment during scheduled undercarriage service.

How to Free Seized Track Pins with Kroil

1. Position the equipment so the seized section of track is accessible and the machine is safely supported.
2. Apply Silikroil generously to the track pin ends, collar interface, and any accessible bushing surfaces.
3. Allow a minimum of 30 minutes of soak time. For severely seized pins, re-apply and extend the soak to several hours.
4. Use a pin press or properly sized drift with steady, controlled force. Avoid impact hammering until the penetrant has worked.
5. Clean the pin bore thoroughly before reinstalling or replacing the pin, and apply Silikroil to the new pin before installation.

Regular treatment of track pins with Silikroil during scheduled undercarriage inspections – typically every 250 to 500 hours, depending on operating conditions – significantly reduces the likelihood of seizing between service intervals and extends operational life.