JD 450 Brake Band Replacement

[Highpockets]

First time logged in. Great Site! I've got a 1970 450 crawler/dozer that spit a brake lining off the lower brake band. I can see it laying in the bottom of the clutch housing. Wondering if anyone has any tips, tools, how-to's, etc. to replacing the brake bands without removing the clutch assembly. I've heard it can be done by attaching some type of "pull through" device to the band assembly and threading the old band out and then attaching the "pull through" to the new assembly and threading the new band in. Is it possible to do it without removing the cross shaft above the clutch housing or does that need to come out too? I'm also wondering if I should re-line the existing bands (glue and rivet) or just buy new bands. It appears the band laying in the bottom of the housing was not riveted leading me to another question - should I replace the other side while I'm in this far? Other side functions perfectly. Deere wants $1300 for the upper and lower. Aftermarkets are considerably less. Thoughts? Thanks for the help!

All the best!

[jtrichard]

This may help http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... 8&start=60

[Lavoy]

I have new bands available, seems to me $275 for the two halves, would have to double check.
I can't tell you for sure on installing them with the clutch still in place, but reasonably sure I have heard of it being done.
Lavoy

[slwbid]

Highpockets..... I agree. Awesome site.
I cannot tell you which article it was, but possibly facing a need to replace a brake band myself, I can tell you that one of these posts does say it can be done without disassembling the entire dozer. It, puling the brake band up through the top.

Let me know how it goes for you as I may have to do it myself soon.

thanks
Stacy (slwbid)

[Highpockets]

Hey Stacy.......new bands are en-route. Hoping to get back at it this weekend. I'm still looking for information on the lower brake band "return" spring - might be a little ticklish getting it out and back in blind. Also not sure if the cross shaft above the clutch assembly needs to come out. Trying to sneak the bands out without removing the "kitchen sink" so to speak. Haven't used all of my favorite "golfing" words yet, but I'm only half way home. If I learn anything through the process, I'll be sure to post anything useful.

All the best! Kyle