3988241 SHIM

The 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR is a precision alignment component designed to maintain exact spacing, preload, and calibration in heavy-duty Caterpillar machinery. This seemingly simple steel disc plays a vital role in controlling tolerances between key moving parts. Whether used in transmissions, differential housings, or axle assemblies, the shim guarantees mechanical balance and optimal equipment performance.

3GEN Export supplies the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR as part of our extensive OEM-grade inventory, offering fast international delivery within just 5 working days. Engineered to deliver consistent performance even under the most demanding conditions, this shim is trusted by contractors, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators worldwide.

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Technical Specifications

• Product Name: 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR

• Part Number: 3988241

• Material: High-strength alloy steel

• Component Type: Precision shim (flat ring)

• Outer Diameter: Built to OEM Caterpillar tolerances

• Inner Diameter: Calibrated for shaft alignment

• Thickness: Machined for accurate spacing (varies per application)

• Surface Finish: Smooth industrial grind

• Usage: Spacing, preload control, tolerance adjustment

• Fitment Style: Insert-type placement between rigid mating surfaces

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Detailed Description

The 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR is a high-precision steel ring engineered to provide critical clearance or preload adjustment within mechanical systems. In Caterpillar machinery, where structural integrity, torque balance, and alignment precision are paramount, the role of a shim is irreplaceable. This specific part helps compensate for wear, manufacturing variance, or system reassembly where fine-tuning of the fit is necessary.

Commonly used in gear assemblies, pivot points, differential housings, and axle mounts, this shim enables fine mechanical adjustments to restore or enhance alignment and load distribution. The durable steel construction ensures it maintains shape and thickness even under intense compression and vibration, keeping your equipment functioning reliably across cycles.

Thanks to its close tolerances and smooth finish, the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR ensures tight surface contact, reducing play, friction wear, and misalignment risks. It’s not just a gap-filler—it’s a performance enhancer.

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Key Features

• Precision Engineered: Manufactured to tight tolerances to ensure flawless mechanical spacing.

• Wear-Resistant Steel: Made from hardened alloy steel to maintain dimensions under stress and load.

• Smooth Finish: Polished surface minimizes friction and aids in consistent compression across components.

• Load Distribution: Helps balance mechanical forces and reduce stress on bearings, shafts, and gears.

• Universal Fitment: Compatible with a wide array of Caterpillar machine systems including axles, transmissions, and frames.

• Reusable in Many Applications: Can be removed, adjusted, or replaced during regular maintenance or rebuilds.

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Compatible CATERPILLAR Models

The 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR is widely used in many Caterpillar heavy equipment models, often within drivetrain, undercarriage, and steering systems. Compatible models include but are not limited to:

• CAT 930G Wheel Loader

• CAT 950H Wheel Loader

• CAT D5K2 Track-Type Tractor

• CAT 980H Wheel Loader

• CAT 725 Articulated Truck

• CAT 140M Motor Grader

• CAT M313D Wheeled Excavator

• CAT 336D2 Hydraulic Excavator

• CAT 963C Track Loader

• CAT 320E Excavator

Model fitment should always be verified with the official parts manual for your machine to confirm application of the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR.

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Role in Heavy Machinery Systems

In heavy machinery, small inaccuracies in fit can translate into significant mechanical problems. That’s why precision components like the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR are essential. By fine-tuning the spacing between key parts, this shim ensures optimal alignment, torque control, and load balancing.

Common usage scenarios include:

• Preload Adjustment in Bearings: Ensures proper bearing fit, avoiding premature failure due to excessive load or play.

• Gear Clearance Control: Helps maintain consistent spacing between gear teeth, ensuring smooth power transmission.

• Axle Alignment: Provides the exact thickness needed to level or align axle and wheel assemblies.

• Compensation for Wear: Adds back necessary tolerance when surfaces wear down after long operational cycles.

Without the right shim in place, mechanical slippage, misalignment, and gear tooth damage are more likely to occur. That’s why equipment operators and repair technicians insist on reliable, OEM-standard shims like the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR.

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Maintenance and Replacement

Although shims are not typically high-wear components, they must be inspected during routine maintenance—especially in high-torque or vibration-prone systems. Over time, flattening, distortion, or corrosion can alter their thickness or shape.

Signs you may need to replace your shim:

• Unusual noise or vibration from affected assemblies

• Excessive play or backlash in rotating components

• Improper gear meshing or contact patterns

• Loosened shaft or bearing preload

When replacing the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR, always clean the surrounding surfaces thoroughly and measure existing spacing before inserting a new one. Using the correct shim thickness is crucial to preserving performance and preventing premature component wear.

3GEN Export offers a wide range of shim thicknesses under part number 3988241 to suit your specific application. All parts are OEM-grade and shipped worldwide within 5 working days.

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Why Choose 3GEN Export?

At 3GEN Export, we make it easy to maintain your fleet with precision-fit, high-performance parts. We are your trusted global OEM supplier of heavy machinery components, from large assemblies to critical micro parts like the 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR.

Why customers choose us:

• OEM Supplier: All components meet or exceed original equipment specifications.

• Worldwide Delivery in 5 Days: We ship to all continents with guaranteed express delivery.

• Vast Inventory: Thousands of Caterpillar-compatible parts ready for dispatch.

• Technical Support: Experienced team to help you identify and confirm parts for your exact needs.

• Cost-Efficient and Reliable: Our focus is on performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.

When precision matters, trust 3GEN Export to deliver the components that make the difference.

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Conclusion

The 3988241 SHIM CATERPILLAR might be small, but its impact on equipment performance and longevity is massive. From preventing gear backlash to optimizing load distribution and shaft alignment, this shim plays a quiet yet powerful role in keeping your Caterpillar machines running smoothly.

With 3GEN Export, you’re choosing reliability, speed, and technical accuracy. Order today and have your shim delivered anywhere in the world in just 5 working days.

Manufactured in Turkey, these products are made using the latest technologies and built to meet the highest international standards. Each machine is a high-quality copy of the original, ensuring durability, precision, and performance that you can rely on for modern construction and metalworking projects.