JD 350B ?

[JDLover]

I recently bought a JD 350B and I just realized it has power steering. The clutches and brakes need adjusting and I think the power steering may need some love too. My serial number plate is missing so how would I know what type of system I have for power steering? Where would the fluid level check be and what kind of oil would I put in it? The left and right lever both field a little different and I am wondering if there is air in the line or if it is low on fluid. Also, when running the left brake grabs faster than the right which is why I think it may need some adjusting. I figured I want to check all of this before I start adjusting the brakes and clutch according to the manual.

[LeonardL]

Okay so your 350B can have two different systems for power steering. Depending on when your machine was built. Since you don't have your tag you're going to have to look at the machine to determine which one you have. The very early 350Bs could still have the pump and reservoir on the front of the motor. Just like the older straight 350s had. The newer 350Bs used a pressure line coming from the reverser valve body that supplied the hydraulics for the steering.

If you have the older style then you will use tractor hydraulic oil in the reservoir. If it is the newer system then it is fed by the reverser and it uses tractor hydraulic fluid as well. Deere's version is Hy-Gard but you can use any good Universal Tractor Hydraulic oil.

I'm sorry I don't remember where the fluid level check is on the older system. I would guess that they either have a fill plug or a dip stick on the fill cap. If you don't have a set of manuals for your machine then I highly suggest you get them. They will have all of this information in them.

As for the grabbing on the brakes? You need to make sure all of your linkages or working freely. The dry system is prone for rust that binds the linkage and causes grabbing. Especially on power steering units. You will also need to look at the brake anchor itself. They are secured to the steering clutch housing by extending a stud out through the front of the housing with a large nut that secures it. Those nuts will work loose and it causes the anchor to move when it shouldn't. This causes grabbing when the clutch and brake are applied.

[JDLover]

Thank you for the information! If it’s the older style would the reservoir be on the same side as the alternator or the other side of the engine?

I did pick up manuals!

[Jim B]

Welcome to the boards.

To go along with the info Leonard gave you here is a picture I found. The reservoirs where at the top right front of the engine.

[JDLover]

There is no reservoir like in your picture so I wonder if mine is one that runs off of the reverser.

[Jim B]

Most likely if there is no reservoir. Can you find the pump? it should be tucked in behind the alternator driven off the timing gears at the front of the engine and have lines to it. From the parts catalog it appears that serial number 142200 was the start of the power assist steering using the reverser fluid (fitting changes at the pump and additional lines are shown starting with that serial number). What is your serial number?

[JDLover]

I don’t see any lines going up to that area near the alternator. My serial tag is missing/broken off.

[Jim B]

Leonard may have more insight on the pump. I can say my 2020 ag tractor has a similar pump for power steering and it is small and almost hidden. The lines may only be about 3/8". Your technical manual (TM1032) should have info about the pump in the steering section.