Do you ever use Loctite on your final drive hydraulic motors? You might want to consider it! When done correctly, it prevents loosening as well as corrosion and rusted threads.

Loctite and Final Drive Hydraulic Motors

Loctite is a brand of threadlocker, a thin anaerobic adhesive helps to “lock” threads into place once it has had a chance to cure. It cures as part of a chemical reaction with metal surfaces that takes place when no oxygen is present. That means that it will cure once you tighten the bolt. To cure, however, the bolt needs to be clean of grease and oil -- otherwise, the adhesive won’t come into contact with the metal to start the curing process.

How Threadlockers Work

Threadlockers (like the ones made by Loctite) prevent corrosion and rusting of the threads, which is a common cause of problems when it comes time to remove a fastener. Loctite Threadlocker also prevents loosening due to vibration or shock loads. It also helps to stop thread galling, which can make a bolt almost impossible to get loose. When using a threadlocker correctly, you don’t have to worry about bolts working loose or getting corroded.

Why Use Threadlocker?

You probably noticed that Loctite helps keep bolts from loosening due to shock loads and vibrations -- both of which are common occurrences during the lifetime of a final drive motor. It also prevents rust, and we all know that the exterior of a final drive will get rusty during use. We use Loctite threadlocker a part of our commitment to high-quality work. If one extra step in the assembly process can keep your bolts from coming loose and getting rusty, then it is worth it to us.

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 243

At Texas Final Drive, we use Loctite Threadlocker Blue 243 Nut and Bolt Locker. As mentioned earlier, a good threadlocker protects and locks the threads once the fastener is tightened. What makes this particular threadlocker different from some of the other types of Loctite is that it locks the threads tight but the fasteners can still be removed with hand tools (e.g., you won’t need a welding torch to get them loose). 

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 243 is specified for removable fasteners with a diameter between ¼” and ¾” and works with nuts, bolts, and set screws. If you use a stronger type of threadlocker, then you will have to have heat in order to remove the fastener -- which isn’t a good idea for final drive motors.

Conclusion

We are committed to quality, and that's why we not only go the extra mile by using threadlocker when we reassemble a final drive for you but why we also like to pass on tips that can help you with working on your own final drive motors. With all that said, we do recommend Loctite Threadlocker Blue 243 Nut and Bolt Locker for use with the fasteners on your drive motors.