JD 350c crawler steering problem

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andrewr
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JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Fri Sep 27, 2019 5:55 pm

Greets,

the left steering lever does nothing, there is no resistance at all otherwise the 350C crawler operates fine. Under the seat in the linkage we have taken out the set screw on the lever where it connects to the rod going down to the clutch. The lever is frozen to the rod, but if we take off the ball joint on other side of the lever its almost free movement but seems to hang in certain spots and you can hear metal clanking down below.

Any ideas what could be the issue without taking off the final drive?

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Jim B
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Jim B » Sat Sep 28, 2019 6:32 am

More specific details please.

Do you have manuals for it and if so which ones?

Have you gone through and done all the steering and brake adjustments in order and as specified in the manuals?

Which side?

What are the conditions inside the steering clutch compartment ( light rusting, heavy rusting, oily, wet, etc.)?

"Lever does nothing, there is no resistance at all". Please confirm that means it moves full stroke like it is unhooked (no clutch action or brake application).

With the linkage all hooked up do you see the throwout bearing move when you pull the lever? How much clearance between the throwout bearing and pressure plate fingers? Can you compare what you see in that compartment to the one on the "good" side? Does the position of the pressure plate fingers look the same on both sides?

If you push against something solid, do both sides drive (spin the tracks)? Does the side in question continue to drive if you pull the opposite steering lever?

What does it do if you pull the opposite lever and step on the foot brake?

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CatD8RII
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by CatD8RII » Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:29 am

Is this a 350-C?
350-C's have hydraulic clutches, only linkage is from the lever to a valve spool. Only connection to the final drive is for the brakes.
Sounds like it is a straight 350?

Jim B
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Jim B » Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:48 am

An excellent point, CatD8RII. I spaced that one. Perhaps andrewr will post his complete serial number and we can properly ID it.

andrewr
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:05 am

Greets, we cant find a serial number. I can take some pics and figure out how to post them here.

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CatD8RII
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by CatD8RII » Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:27 am

No worries Jim, it's what we're all here for.
Andrew, there is a FAQ on how to post to the site, we have our own server. Lavoy can help get you set up.

Jim B
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Jim B » Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:38 am

Andrew,

Diesel or gas?

Does it have a Reverser? Where is the shift lever located?

If diesel, what does it have for a fuel filter set up? Two round metal filter elements (used on straight 350's and early B series) or one square glass one (used starting with the later B series machines). That might narrow it some.

andrewr
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Sat Sep 28, 2019 12:37 pm

Hi, appreciate all the replies. Its a diesel, here is link to pics https://photos.app.goo.gl/AXcXkxNJ7nMwLRvQ6

andrewr
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Sat Sep 28, 2019 12:41 pm

Hi, yes there is no resistance at all like its not connected. the rod going down into the steering clutch area moves free, except it hangs up a little at some points while moving it.

Where would I be able to see the throwout bearing?
Jim B wrote:
Sat Sep 28, 2019 6:32 am
More specific details please.

Do you have manuals for it and if so which ones?

Have you gone through and done all the steering and brake adjustments in order and as specified in the manuals?

Which side?

What are the conditions inside the steering clutch compartment ( light rusting, heavy rusting, oily, wet, etc.)?

"Lever does nothing, there is no resistance at all". Please confirm that means it moves full stroke like it is unhooked (no clutch action or brake application).

With the linkage all hooked up do you see the throwout bearing move when you pull the lever? How much clearance between the throwout bearing and pressure plate fingers? Can you compare what you see in that compartment to the one on the "good" side? Does the position of the pressure plate fingers look the same on both sides?

If you push against something solid, do both sides drive (spin the tracks)? Does the side in question continue to drive if you pull the opposite steering lever?

What does it do if you pull the opposite lever and step on the foot brake?

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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Lavoy » Sat Sep 28, 2019 2:58 pm

That is a straight 350, with the wrong decals. It does have power steering, I can see the boosters in the pics.
Most likely nothing can be done without removing the final drive. Get manuals before you even take it off.
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Jim B
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Jim B » Sat Sep 28, 2019 5:54 pm

Andrew,

Sorry you found out this way that you don't have a 350C as you thought. I think Lavoy has pretty much answered your basic question, it looks like you need to open it up.

Lavoy can help you with manuals, if you don't have them. He can also supply parts, once you find out what you need. Send him an email at postmaster@jdcrawlers.comYou should get service and operator's manuals. You can get a parts manual or access the one on line at https://jdparts.deere.com/servlet/com.d ... anguage=19

andrewr
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Sun Sep 29, 2019 5:53 am

Thank you, I did obtain a 350C service manual and this explains why it doesnt seem right. Thanks for the clarification.

Where would a serial number be present? I see a few stamped numbers on various parts.

Jim B
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Jim B » Sun Sep 29, 2019 8:29 am

If it is still on the crawler, there should be a metal tag on the front of the seat support panel. Here is a photo from a JD350 brochure with an arrow added pointing to the tag. I have seen a couple placed on the left side of the panel as well. The engine serial number tag should be on the right side of the engine block, more or less between the fuel transfer pump and starter.

Image

andrewr
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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by andrewr » Mon Sep 30, 2019 8:03 am

Thank you, really appreciate the info. I think the bottom set screw has likely slipped. We are trying to loosen the lever on top of the pin and try to rotate the pin more to see if that makes a difference and perhaps try to take off the final drive next spring. We did find out that the transmission had tons of water in the fluid so drained that and refilled. Not sure where that infiltrated from.

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Re: JD 350c crawler steering problem

Post by Lavoy » Mon Sep 30, 2019 10:16 am

Usually the shift boot is cracked or missing and rain water gets in.
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