1970 JD350B Crawler

Not sure how to describe my problem but you originally pointed me in the right direction. My initial problem was in the steering not working correctly and you said to check the reservoir and that was correct. But under the seat is steering lever connections and hose line that returns hydraulic fluid to reservoir. The hose leaks and it looks almost impossible to replace. I looked in my manual but no mention of the hose. It's secured on by hose clamps. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure just what answer you are looking for. The parts manual shows two hoses with clamps on them, one for each booster. The JD part number is TY22325 (bulk hose) subbed to TY22561, 3/8 ID, cut to 5-1/8" long. This is an oil service hose. Does that sound like the hose you are looking at?

If you are questioning your manual not telling you how to change that particular hose - I don't expect it would. Most manuals are written for the dealership mechanics and don't detail everything, like how to change a hose. You might have to unhook or remove somethings to get to that hose, not an uncommon thing mechanics have to deal with. Sometimes they have special or homemade tools to use in places. Sometimes you have to get very uncomfortable to reach things.

If you are looking for something else about this please post again with a clear description of what you need and I, or someone, will try to help more.

I replaced the hose and filled reservoir plus pumped steering levers many times but have no steering control. Machine moves forward and backward but does not turn. It has sat for a while and my question is, do I have to bleed the line? Maybe it's time to have it hauled to the garage. I'm not all that mechanically inclined. I've read the manual "Steering and Brakes" to no available answer. Sorry to keep bothering you with questions but you're the only one with answers.

Thanks - Tom Bonnell

(quoted from post at 14:03:31 07/01/20)
I replaced the hose and filled reservoir plus pumped steering levers many times but have no steering control. Machine moves forward and backward but does not turn. It has sat for a while and my question is, do I have to bleed the line? Maybe it's time to have it hauled to the garage. I'm not all that mechanically inclined. I've read the manual "Steering and Brakes" to no available answer. Sorry to keep bothering you with questions but you're the only one with answers.

Thanks - Tom Bonnell

Click to expand...

The system should self bleed. When the hose failed, did it run the reservoir dry? With no oil in the reservoir it could have damaged the pump within a very few minutes. What did you put in it for oil? Your manual should give you the procedure to test the pump, I would recommend doing that as the next step, if you have not. Establish the pump is working at the specified pressure then work down the line. If you had multiple lines off to repair this, are you sure none got crossed during reconnecting?

Unhooked hose from pump and a good flow of oil pumps out.

If my clutches were stuck from sitting too long do you have any idea how I get to the clutches?

(quoted from post at 18:03:48 07/02/20)
Unhooked hose from pump and a good flow of oil pumps out.

If my clutches were stuck from sitting too long do you have any idea how I get to the clutches?

Click to expand...

To get to 350B steering clutches you split the tracks and remove the final drives. You have TM1032, look at General: Section 10, Separation: Group 25, that should give you a run down of how to get to the steering clutches.

Have you done the all the steering and brake adjustments, in the order, given in the manual? While setting still, if you remove the covers over the steering clutch compartments, can you see the throw out bearings push the pressure plate fingers?

When the machine is moving and you pull back on the steering levers if the clutches are stuck do you hear it lug down when you pull back hard into the brakes. Did you post a while back it has been setting for 5 years or more? If it had been setting just a short time; sometimes running into something solid, while holding the levers back, will break the clutches free. If you are looking at 5 years or more, a tear down and rebuild is most likely the best repair.

(quoted from post at 15:51:32 07/01/20)

(quoted from post at 14:03:31 07/01/20)
I replaced the hose and filled reservoir plus pumped steering levers many times but have no steering control. Machine moves forward and backward but does not turn. It has sat for a while and my question is, do I have to bleed the line? Maybe it's time to have it hauled to the garage. I'm not all that mechanically inclined. I've read the manual "Steering and Brakes" to no available answer. Sorry to keep bothering you with questions but you're the only one with answers.

Thanks - Tom Bonnell

Click to expand...

The system should self bleed. When the hose failed, did it run the reservoir dry? With no oil in the reservoir it could have damaged the pump within a very few minutes. What did you put in it for oil? Your manual should give you the procedure to test the pump, I would recommend doing that as the next step, if you have not. Establish the pump is working at the specified pressure then work down the line. If you had multiple lines off to repair this, are you sure none got crossed during reconnecting?

Click to expand...

Sorry to keep bothering you but somethings been sticking in my mind from a reply from you. You ask me, "What did you put in it for oil?" And I put the same oil I use in the other hydraulic system. Should it be other than a 303 grade? Goes great in forward and reverse but no turning either way.

Appreciate you knowledge and help,
Tom Bonnell

Questions on 303 oils usually bring multiple responses and differing opinions on it. I choose not to use it for anything, others will say they have no problem with it. Hydraulics and steering you likely won't have a problem. Using it in your transmission with wet clutches could be a different story. You manual likely calls for 303, however the 303 formula is way obsolete as some additives that JD used in it are no longer available. Today John Deere will tell you to use Hy-Gard or an oil meeting JDM J20C spec in place of 303.

Here are a couple, of many, articles about 303 and current replacement oils labelled/sold as 303, you can make your own decision.

https://pqia.org/2018/08/21/playing-roulette-with-303-yellow-buckets/

https://www.nu-tierbrands.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/did_you_know_john_deere_303_thf.pdf

Removing the hose from the pump will only tell you oil is passing through it. You need to pressure test it to tell how well it is working. If it ran dry when you had the hose leak it may have been damaged and not building pressure now.

Back on July 2 I asked you several questions. Have you done all the adjustments in order by the manual? When you look in the steering clutch housings do you see anything move when the levers are pulled? Did you try pulling the levers back hard while traveling as I asked? Some info on what you see and how it acts when the levers are pulled may help find your problem.