D4 7J steering clutch

[mattalford]

Hi All,

I have a D4 7J and both steering clutches have problems: the left one has a linkage problem and the right one is stuck. I am in the process of disassembling the CAT so I can repair both problems.

This is my first time doing this. I have a repair manual, parts manual, and operators manual. They provide general direction, but no real guidance on diagnostics. When I get down to the point where I can examine the clutch disks, what am I looking for? Is there any chance that they just need to be cleaned up and put back together or should I just assume that the disks have to be replaced?

While I have this torn down (I don't want to do this twice), what else, if anything, should I be replacing while I'm in there?

Thanks!

--MATT

 

[dpendzic]

there are minimum clutch disc thickness of which i don't have available--sometimes a steering clutch can be broken free, by soaking the compartment in diesel fuel for a week or so, and then towing a heavy implement around with the release handle tied back
while in there remove all rust and make sure the clutch release bearing is in good shape and also the brake bands