right track quit working

[Bobby H.]

I know I have been down this road for left track not working Years Ago. I had to replace the hose in the final drive . I don't remember how I checked to make sure. I have the manuals, I have looked through the forums ( i Guess not in the right places) Just can't find how to verify before pulling it all down and it not be the hose. It stopped all of a sudden, not gradually. This is how my retirement is going. Just redid two tilt cylinders, one boom cylinder, all new hoses, new bushings and pins in the bucket cleaned and changed fluid and filters for trans . Put it to work for 2 1/2 hours and now there is fun to be had again. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Jim B]

Right track on what? I could search your old threads but nothing says you aren't working on a different machine than one you posted about before.

[Jim B]

I had a few minutes this morning so looked back at your posts, and I am guessing this is the 450C you posted about before. It is always best to tell what you are working on when you start a thread.

The 450C steering clutches have to have oil pressure to drive, no pressure, no drive. Pulling back on the lever to steer, dumps the oil pressure from the steering clutch. If the left side drives, it wouldn't seem likely the problem is oil supply to the steering valves. That leaves the hose to the right clutch or the clutch seals as the most likely problem(s). Valve failure does not seem likely. Given you say it stopped all of a sudden, I suspect a blown hose.

You might try teeing a gauge into the line after the steering valve and see if it shows pressure when running (the steering lever not pulled back). If there is no pressure you are going to have to open it up to see if it is the hose or the seal in the clutch. Or just open the cover and look for a leak.

[Bobby H.]

I sent this post before but something didn't go through..... I keep forgetting people can't read my mind. Yes it is a 450CA . A true C with wet clutches. Track Loader A. I was hoping it would be simple but Nothing is easy in my world . This unit has the extra framework because it also is set up for a back hoe. It is a great machine and I get that feeling of satisfaction when you CAN see that you accomplished something.

[Bobby H.]

have not had a chance to check any pressures or try to follow the flow charts, but I have a question. With the engine running in neutral is there still pressure to the clutches and if so if I removed the brake adjusting plug would I be able to see oil spraying if the hose is ruptured. I'm just trying to think it forward before trying to load on trailer to bring in to the shop before tearing it apart. Hopefully it does not have to be moving to check if there is fluid pressure to the final drive clutches. Thanks for any insight.

[Bobby H.]

Sorry Steering clutches not (final drive)

[Jim B]

As I posted above "The 450C steering clutches have to have oil pressure to drive, no pressure, no drive. Pulling back on the lever to steer, dumps the oil pressure from the steering clutch." So yes, they are supposed to have pressure anytime the engine is running unless you pull the lever to steer (or step on a pedal in the case of a pedal steer machine).

As to whether or not you will be able to see anything if you remove the brake adjusting plug, I can't say. And the oil level might be at or above that plug in the side of the steering clutch housing. I would look at teeing a gauge into the line/hose going to that steering clutch. You could check the other side if you need a comparison.

[Jim B]

Deleted duplicate post

[Bobby H.]

thank you. will keep posted as work progresses

[Bobby H.]

Well I wasn't smart enough to check oil pressure before going in the steering clutch housing. I pulled every thing off and opened it up and the Hose is Not blown. I removed the hose from the upper fitting and air checked the hose and have air blowing out of a hole in the clutch pressure manifold. it is a threaded hole. Should it have a plug in it?? I can't tell in the parts manual if it has a plug or a bolt and nut to secure it in place or if the seals for the steering clutchs are not holding.

[Bobby H.]

I will be pulling the cover off the left steering clutch housing to check the left side clutch manifold and see if it has a plug or not. I used a magnet to check around in the clutch housing just to see if the plug was n the bottom. I did not find a plug BUT i found several pieces that I think might be part of the inner steering clutch hub teeth will know more latter today.

[Bobby H.]

pulled the left steering clutch cover , disconnected hose air checked the manifold and it held pressure. left clutch manifold is Not drilled and tapped for a plug like the right side. Has anyone seen this before?? The disturbing thing to me is the pieces in the bottom of the steering clutch housing.

[Bobby H.]

put a 1/8 pipe plug in the open hole and no more air leak. Did not find a cap screw and nut like the parts manual shows. going to replace hose and fire off and check track movement. Next step is to drain steering clutch housing and clean out to see if there is really any catastrophic failure or not.