450C steering is not tight

[jtrichard]

JD used some allens ... I had one in my 2010 HYD. tank it was so tight had to weld a bolt to it and once I got it out I had to replace with a new one

[srs_mn]

What are the benefits to doing a common sump conversion? What are the consequences if I leave it the same? Is there another thread describing the conversion..from what I looked up, it seems confusing to do

Do a search, on this site, for '450C common sump conversion' and you will find several discussions... Also described in the shop manual.

It seems that some (early model?) 450C's had the steering clutch housings and transmission separated by seals, and the oil level in the steering clutch housing had to be checked at the level plugs. Those types, according to my tech manual, could be easily converted to the common sump that was used on later models, and the seals etc. were no longer even available.
I'm not an authority, but you should be able to check your serial number in a late model parts catalog to see whether or not you have the common sump type, although, I suppose, you would not know if it had been converted or not unless you looked, or were the original owner.
If you DO have a 450C with the common sump the steering clutch housing oil level is checked with the transmission dipstick...
I hope this helps with your question.
srs_mn

[StxRancher]

What are the benefits to doing a common sump conversion? What are the consequences if I leave it the same? Is there another thread describing the conversion..from what I looked up, it seems confusing to do

Do a search, on this site, for '450C common sump conversion' and you will find several discussions... Also described in the shop manual.

It seems that some (early model?) 450C's had the steering clutch housings and transmission separated by seals, and the oil level in the steering clutch housing had to be checked at the level plugs. Those types, according to my tech manual, could be easily converted to the common sump that was used on later models, and the seals etc. were no longer even available.
I'm not an authority, but you should be able to check your serial number in a late model parts catalog to see whether or not you have the common sump type, although, I suppose, you would not know if it had been converted or not unless you looked, or were the original owner.
If you DO have a 450C with the common sump the steering clutch housing oil level is checked with the transmission dipstick...
I hope this helps with your question.
srs_mn

I've already went ahead and closed up steering clutch/brake band housing and going back the old traditional way.

As for the allen heads, my dozer is a 1980, maybe someone swapped them. I figured I'd tackle them on next fluid change

[CuttingEdge]

I never chimed in on this, but thanks to everyone's help, I was able to adjust my own clutches and got my dozer working very nicely now. While I was wrenching I even dug into the reverser linkage and remachined parts so it is both tight and very solid now. That is, no slop in the getalong so to speak. Stuff like that bugs me.

Ever so slowly this bulldozer is getting all the kinks smoothed out of her.

[Paul Buhler]

Ever so slowly this bulldozer is getting all the kinks smoothed out of her.

Always nice when a machine works as designed, and reliably.

[StxRancher]

Well, I have semi set the steering brakes and have closed and sealed up the top plates. Tomorrow I will reconnect hydraulics and battery box

[StxRancher]

I've got it working like a champ now!!

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

Excellent!

I love it when a plan comes together!

Stan

[Paul Buhler]

I've got it working like a champ now!!

Good for you! Enjoy. Paul