CAT 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim (0.13 mm)

Product Overview

The CAT 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim is a genuine Caterpillar OEM precision shim designed for use as a service component in circle drive groups. It is used as required to maintain the correct bearing preload, ensuring proper gear alignment, minimizing component wear, and extending the service life of the circle drive assembly. Manufactured to Caterpillar’s exact OEM standards, this shim provides precise thickness control for accurate mechanical adjustments.

Manufactured from high-quality shim steel, the 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim delivers excellent dimensional accuracy, durability, and resistance to compression under heavy operating loads. As a direct OEM replacement, it restores factory specifications and supports reliable performance in demanding construction and grading applications.

Key Features

• Genuine Caterpillar OEM Thick Steel Shim
• Part Number: 7D-8983
• Nominal Thickness: 0.13 mm (0.005 in)
• Precision service shim for circle drive groups
• Used to maintain correct bearing preload
• Manufactured from high-quality shim steel
• Designed for 1/2-inch hardware
• Precision-machined for consistent thickness
• High resistance to compression and wear
• Direct OEM replacement
• Supports proper gear alignment and component longevity

Technical Specifications

Note: Caterpillar has not published additional dimensional specifications such as outside diameter or weight for this shim.

Application Information

The CAT 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim is designed for use in Caterpillar circle drive groups, where precise bearing preload is critical for proper gear operation and long component life. By allowing fine adjustments during assembly or service, the shim helps maintain correct gear mesh, reduce excessive wear, and ensure smooth power transmission.

Typical functions include:

• Maintaining proper bearing preload
• Fine adjustment of component clearances
• Supporting accurate gear alignment
• Reducing premature bearing and gear wear
• Improving circle drive reliability
• Restoring OEM assembly tolerances during maintenance

For best results, the shim should be installed according to Caterpillar service procedures and specifications.

Compatible Caterpillar Equipment

The CAT 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim is compatible with a wide range of Caterpillar equipment, including:

Motor Graders

• 12G
• 12H
• 12K
• 12M
• 12M 2
• 12M 3
• 12M 3 AWD
• 120
• 120G
• 120H
• 120K
• 120K 2
• 120M
• 120M 2
• 130G
• 135H
• 140
• 140G
• 140H
• 140K
• 140K 2
• 140M
• 140M 2
• 140M 3
• 140M 3 AWD
• 143H
• 14G
• 14H
• 14L
• 14M
• 14M-3
• 150
• 160
• 160G
• 160H
• 160K
• 160M
• 160M 2
• 160M 3
• 160M 3 AWD
• 163H

Ripper Scarifiers

• 12G
• 130G
• 140G

Compatibility should always be verified using the machine Product Identification Number (PIN) or serial number before ordering, as component configurations may vary by arrangement.

Additional Compatibility Information

The 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim is a configuration-specific service component. Before installation, verify:

• Machine model
• Product Identification Number (PIN)
• Machine serial number
• Circle drive group arrangement
• Existing shim thickness
• Bearing preload specification
• Hardware size (1/2 inch)
• Service manual adjustment requirements

Any changes to the original equipment configuration may affect compatibility. Confirmation through Caterpillar parts information or an authorized Cat dealer is recommended.

Benefits

Installing a genuine CAT 7D-8983 Thick Steel Shim helps:

• Maintain correct bearing preload
• Ensure proper circle drive gear alignment
• Reduce premature gear and bearing wear
• Improve drivetrain reliability and performance
• Restore factory service tolerances
• Extend component service life
• Simplify maintenance with a precision OEM replacement
• Deliver OEM-quality fit, durability, and long-term mechanical reliability