In this paper, we have proposed a simple finite element model for separation mode analysis on the roadwheel and track assembly of main battle tank and established a contact stress-based mechanism which could explain the initiation and growth of separation defect occurred during the test of padreplacable track. It was proved that the longitudinal contact shear stress component on the pin hole region of the track shoe body which is parallel to the driving direction is consistent with the crack initiation at the bonding surface between track shoe and wheel-side rubber. The longitudinal shear stress increased locally near the separated region after the separation initiated. So we could assume that the local stress concentration accelerates the separation growth according to the shear mode.