
440 Steering Levers
440 Steering Levers
In the last stage of final drive rebuild and new steering clutch installation. Adjusting the steering levers and noticed quite a bit of free movement (~1") in the levers before the bearing cams start to move (both sides). Likely worn ball joints in the bearing cam rod. Adjusting the length of the rod will not be an option without taking off the finals. Can I simply take up the excess movement by repositioning the steering arms on the shaft or are they keyed to the shaft? The free movement requires me to have the throw out bearing almost at the end of the cam to get it to engage the pressure plate close to the required 1 5/8" adjustment spec. Did not think of this issue when I had everything apart 

John,
Correct, no real way to correct it without taking them back apart. About the best way to do it without teardown is to change the resting position of ther steering levers. Look at the lever and where it hits on the steering clutch housing when at rest. Often this area gets pounded out by people just dripping the levers instead of letting them back with their hands. You can weld up the lever or the clutch housing to make the lever come to rest farther back towards the operator.
Lavoy
Correct, no real way to correct it without taking them back apart. About the best way to do it without teardown is to change the resting position of ther steering levers. Look at the lever and where it hits on the steering clutch housing when at rest. Often this area gets pounded out by people just dripping the levers instead of letting them back with their hands. You can weld up the lever or the clutch housing to make the lever come to rest farther back towards the operator.
Lavoy
- lastchancegarage
- 440 crawler
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2006 7:24 am
- Location: Ct.
rework
John,
I once heard that "experience is a mother. she punishes first, then teaches afterwards.
" After this you'll be able to break down your finals blindfolded! 
I once heard that "experience is a mother. she punishes first, then teaches afterwards.


Keep the tracks down and the torque up!!
1959 JD 440 ICD dozer
1959 Case 310B backhoe w/belly grader option
195? ATC GT-25 dozer
19?? Stow 1 ton roller w/rare cooler option!
1959 JD 440 ICD dozer
1959 Case 310B backhoe w/belly grader option
195? ATC GT-25 dozer
19?? Stow 1 ton roller w/rare cooler option!
No big deal since I still have all the tracks and fenders off the machine, finals can be off in minutes. Just frustrating that I did not think of this when I had everything off. Thought I had retired my final drive cradle! Rookie lesson learned. Hopefully this posting helps the next rookie crawler repairman!
Lavoy:
Completely agree. Hate the feel of the levers like they are. Finals will be coming off over the weekend. Going to tighten up the tie-rods and may make a bushing for the left side steering lever shaft since there is more play than I like. Fine tuning this to get it feeling right. This is the fun stuff.
Completely agree. Hate the feel of the levers like they are. Finals will be coming off over the weekend. Going to tighten up the tie-rods and may make a bushing for the left side steering lever shaft since there is more play than I like. Fine tuning this to get it feeling right. This is the fun stuff.
Lavoy and John:
Thanks for this advice. I was just about to bolt the finals back onto my 440IC, and your exchange reminded me that I'd not put the levers back on to check the play. Same problem as John, so you've saved me a practice round on the finals installation. Also, my '58 clutch housings are banged down pretty well on the contact point with the lever; looks like I'll get some welding practice instead.
Mike
Thanks for this advice. I was just about to bolt the finals back onto my 440IC, and your exchange reminded me that I'd not put the levers back on to check the play. Same problem as John, so you've saved me a practice round on the finals installation. Also, my '58 clutch housings are banged down pretty well on the contact point with the lever; looks like I'll get some welding practice instead.
Mike
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