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Rebuilding Lift and Angle Cylinders on a CAT D5C III Dozer
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Rebuilding the lift and angle cylinders on a CAT D5C III dozer requires precise identification of cylinder part numbers and matching seal kits, especially when dealing with older machines like the 5HS00476 serial unit. Misidentifying components can lead to incorrect parts, wasted time, and hydraulic failure after reassembly.
CAT D5C III Overview
The CAT D5C III is a mid-size crawler dozer produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, designed for grading, land clearing, and light earthmoving. Powered by a CAT 3046 diesel engine, it delivers around 100 horsepower and features a hydrostatic transmission with joystick controls. Caterpillar’s D5 series has been a staple in construction and forestry for decades, with thousands of units sold globally. The D5C III variant is known for its balance between maneuverability and pushing power, making it popular among owner-operators and small contractors.
The hydraulic system includes lift cylinders for blade elevation and angle cylinders for blade rotation. These components are subject to wear, especially when seals dry out due to age or contamination.
Terminology Notes
  • Lift Cylinder: Raises and lowers the dozer blade; typically mounted vertically or at a slight angle.
  • Angle Cylinder: Rotates the blade left or right; mounted horizontally across the blade frame.
  • Seal Kit: A set of O-rings, wipers, and backup rings used to rebuild hydraulic cylinders.
  • Part Number Tag: A metal plate or stamped number near the rod end of the cylinder identifying the exact model.
Failure After Filter Change
In one case, a D5C III with only 3,300 hours began leaking from three cylinders after a hydraulic filter change. The filters were likely clogged, restricting system pressure. Once replaced, full pressure returned, exposing dried or brittle seals that failed under load. This scenario is common in machines that sit idle for extended periods—hydraulic seals lose elasticity, and sudden pressure spikes cause leaks.
Cylinder Identification and Kit Matching
Initial assumptions listed the lift cylinders as part numbers 141-2915 and 7J-9223, and the angle cylinders as 136-3156 and 9J-8698. However, upon inspection using a mirror, the actual angle cylinder number was 139-0548. This distinction is critical, as each cylinder requires a different seal kit:
  • Lift Cylinder 141-2915 → Seal Kit 246-5914
  • Lift Cylinder 7J-9223 → Seal Kit 246-5917
  • Angle Cylinder 136-3156 → Seal Kit 246-5914
  • Angle Cylinder 9J-8698 → Seal Kit 246-5917
  • Angle Cylinder 139-0548 → Seal Kit 246-5913
Prices for these kits range from $61 to $125 depending on supplier and region. Always verify the cylinder part number directly from the machine before ordering.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
In Alabama, a dozer operator rebuilt his lift cylinders using the wrong kit and found the gland seals didn’t seat properly. After reordering the correct kit, he noted that the rebuild took half the time and eliminated persistent leaks.
In Tennessee, a contractor used a borescope to read cylinder tags without disassembly. This saved hours of labor and ensured accurate parts ordering. He later added a laminated tag reference sheet to his maintenance log for future rebuilds.
Recommendations for Rebuild Success
  • Inspect Cylinder Tags Before Ordering: Use mirrors or borescopes if access is limited.
  • Cut Open Old Filters: Check for metal shavings or seal debris to assess system health.
  • Replace Seals in Pairs: If one cylinder leaks, the opposite side may fail soon.
  • Use Genuine or High-Quality Aftermarket Kits: Inferior seals may degrade quickly under pressure.
  • Flush Hydraulic Lines After Rebuild: Prevent contamination from old fluid or debris.
Final Thoughts
Rebuilding hydraulic cylinders on a CAT D5C III dozer is a straightforward task when part numbers are correctly identified. With aging machines, seal failure after filter replacement is common, but preventable with proactive inspection. Matching the right kit to the right cylinder ensures long-term reliability and avoids costly rework. In the world of heavy equipment, precision matters—and a mirror, a flashlight, and a little patience can save thousands.
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