How to replace winchstrap

[Fab1]

Hi guys,this is how I go about changing the strap on one of these winches-

First you need to locate the roll pin that secures the drum to the axle as shown here-

Then using a suitable drift and hammer you need to knock the roll pin out of the axle/drum as shown here-If you don't have a drift/punch improvise using a nail/old screwdriver etc.

Roll pin removed-put it somewhere safe as it will be re-installed later.

Now the roll pin is removed the axle shaft can be knocked out of the drum using a drift and hammer again as shown-

Here you can see the axle shaft coming out the other side-

Axle completely removed-

Now you can lift the drum off its mounting bracket as an assembly-

Now if you pull on the strap it will come out of the slot in the drum.The webbing for the strap has a loop sewn into it that feeds through the slot in the drum then the drum axle goes through this loop to retain the strap on the winch as shown-

That's it,now we're ready to install the new strap.

Sit the drum in it's mounting and just lightly tap the axle in its hole taking note that the holes for the roll pin on the drum and shaft are on the same side as shown-

Now feed the sewn loop of the new strap through the slot in the drum whilst pushing the axle shaft straight through the centre of the straps loop-

If the roll pins holes aren't going to align simply use vice grips of pliers to rotate the shaft until they align perfectly-

Perfect alignment-

Now start your roll pin in its hole and drive it all the way home using the drift and hammer-

Winch all assembled again-

As winch issues are a common problem out there hopefully this is of use to someone on here.Also at this time it would be a good idea to lube your winches axle shaft,gears etc with a quality lithium grease or similar but as you can see from the photos it wasn't necessary in my case as I stay on top of things.

Cheers.

[locodave]

Always helpful, thanks Fab!

[Rud]

Good work Fab, I don't have a slot so when I replaced the %%%%%ly steel cable with a strap I just drilled a hole opposite the hole where the old cable came out and was clamped to the outside of the reel and then put a long stainless steel bolt with a flat domed head through putting the nut on the side where the clamp was, took a bit of fiddling (cutting & filing) but I didn't have to disassemble anything bar the clamp and it is an 8mm bolt that just squeezes between the sides when I wind the handle.

Oh yes, there was a loop in the end of the strap, I wouldn't have done it otherwise.

Oh yes some more, if the nut falls off and the bolt slips I won't be able to turn the reel more than a quarter turn.