Anonymous-0
Well-known Member
Well I got into the left side steering clutch compartment but first I removed the brake band support bolt. I used a propane torch to heat it up and finally got it out. I'll run a tap in the hole and get a new bolt. No liquid came out which I thought was a good sign...
I had a couple glitches along the way. The return spring for the brake rod broke when I was trying to remove it. Maybe I can heat it up and make a new hook? Pulling the pin out of the internal linkage, I git a blister on my finger. Who ever invented the pliers with the extra jaws inside of the handles, must like pain. The pliers slipped off the pin and of course the inner jaws pinch your finger. OUCH! Inside doesn't look like I expected. Definitely signs of moisture and also a brownish oily kind of coating on all the parts. I don't think pressure washing it a week or so ago would have caused all the rust and crusty build up on everything. The shaft on the steering clutch cylinder also has the crusty build up on it. I think it's a newer style than the one shown in the service manual. It looks round the same dia. the entire length. The one in the manual looks hex and tapered at the end. Is there a special procedure to take the round shaft out? Also does the hyd. cylinder push or pull to operate the clutches? The stop bolt was against the frame and I thought maybe it wasn't returning because of the rusty/crusty build up on the shaft. I look my breaker bar and pried it back a little and oil came out of the line that goes to the steering valve. If the steering clutch wasn't fully releasing/activating because of rust, would it wear out to where it's useless? Brake bands look worn out with a little bit of the lining missing in a couple spots at the top. Less than 1/8" thick.
It looks like it can probably come out without needing to remove the fuel tank but will be a tight fit. I think it will lift up just enough that it can then be pushed over/tilted to miss the fuel tank. Based on what I saw, I need to get the right side apart as well and clean everything up. I read that Cat added a special rust inhibitor in the steering clutch compartments on the newer machines. I've also heard people say to put a little diesel in the compartments. Would pressure washing the inside be good enough to clean it up? I think sandblasting would induce more rust. Any help is always appreciated.
I had a couple glitches along the way. The return spring for the brake rod broke when I was trying to remove it. Maybe I can heat it up and make a new hook? Pulling the pin out of the internal linkage, I git a blister on my finger. Who ever invented the pliers with the extra jaws inside of the handles, must like pain. The pliers slipped off the pin and of course the inner jaws pinch your finger. OUCH! Inside doesn't look like I expected. Definitely signs of moisture and also a brownish oily kind of coating on all the parts. I don't think pressure washing it a week or so ago would have caused all the rust and crusty build up on everything. The shaft on the steering clutch cylinder also has the crusty build up on it. I think it's a newer style than the one shown in the service manual. It looks round the same dia. the entire length. The one in the manual looks hex and tapered at the end. Is there a special procedure to take the round shaft out? Also does the hyd. cylinder push or pull to operate the clutches? The stop bolt was against the frame and I thought maybe it wasn't returning because of the rusty/crusty build up on the shaft. I look my breaker bar and pried it back a little and oil came out of the line that goes to the steering valve. If the steering clutch wasn't fully releasing/activating because of rust, would it wear out to where it's useless? Brake bands look worn out with a little bit of the lining missing in a couple spots at the top. Less than 1/8" thick.
It looks like it can probably come out without needing to remove the fuel tank but will be a tight fit. I think it will lift up just enough that it can then be pushed over/tilted to miss the fuel tank. Based on what I saw, I need to get the right side apart as well and clean everything up. I read that Cat added a special rust inhibitor in the steering clutch compartments on the newer machines. I've also heard people say to put a little diesel in the compartments. Would pressure washing the inside be good enough to clean it up? I think sandblasting would induce more rust. Any help is always appreciated.