Just wanted to add to above stuff that the track manufacturing cycle time plays a very big part in this problem.That is,when the tracks are injected/ejected, they may have had insufficient and/or uneven cooling period/areas.This sets up warp and stress in the part.Time and age,and perhaps chemical or UV exposure relieves the stress....unevenly,causing the breakage.
So,after repairing the idler shafts,I hung both tracks(primed,painted,firstweather wash)by wooden clothespins so that they would have been vertical if not for curve and curl.Now comes the wife's blow dryer set on low heat.Crude annealing process sure,but I don't have air circulating oven to do it by the book.Slow and steady,not too close and be patient.They do straighten out in time and then switch off the heat and keep moving the gun so that they don't cool down too quick.No guarantee's on longevity,but this should help-Rick |