Komatsu D37E will not turn left, but it will if you hit the brake

[okfarris]

I have a Komatsu D37E dozer. It runs great, but will not turn left when steerting with the stick.

It will turn left if you hit the left brake then raise it up half way with your toe it will turn left just like it should.

Any thoughts on what the fix might be?

 

[Kyfarm]

I have a Komatsu D37E dozer. It runs great, but will not turn left when steerting with the stick.

It will turn left if you hit the left brake then raise it up half way with your toe it will turn left just like it should.

Any thoughts on what the fix might be?

D37E-? left hand steering or two stick steering?

 

[okfarris]

D37E-? left hand steering or two stick steering?

I have asked around and I am pretty sure it is a D37E-5

Lefthand joystick steering only. Right hand controls the blade.

 

[Kyfarm]

I have asked around and I am pretty sure it is a D37E-5

Lefthand joystick steering only. Right hand controls the blade.

Is this a new machine to you? Have you tried to adjust the linkage under the joystick?

 

[okfarris]

Well it is for sure a 37E 5. It is new to me. I have not adjusted the linkage under the joystick, I will try that first along with changing out the fluids because I know it has been a while since it was last serviced.

 

[Kyfarm]

my D31E is basically the same tractor i think just with a little less HP. I have had trouble turning left sometimes. There is a brake adjustment in the back of the tractor and I adjusted the linkage under the joystick and both of those adjustments helped some.

 

[Randall Baker]

We have a D37E-5 as well and this past summer it started developing the same steering issue. Works good for 45 minutes then stops steering to the right - early on you could reverse the dozer and it would steer in reverse but that isn't the case any longer. We figured the joystick was failing so we got a good used one and installed it - had a guy come tighten the brakes - my dad was sure the hydraulics worked in conjunction with the brakes- (I don't think that is the case) anyway the machine steered great -for a time- now its back the same old problem. will not steer to the left.
Based on what I've read I need to make sure the joystick is working properly by switching the lines, then check the clevis pins for slop, then move on to the clutch packs and replace any worn clutch discs then inspect the brakes because we've probably worn them out.
is this correct???
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Kyfarm]

We have a D37E-5 as well and this past summer it started developing the same steering issue. Works good for 45 minutes then stops steering to the right - early on you could reverse the dozer and it would steer in reverse but that isn't the case any longer. We figured the joystick was failing so we got a good used one and installed it - had a guy come tighten the brakes - my dad was sure the hydraulics worked in conjunction with the brakes- (I don't think that is the case) anyway the machine steered great -for a time- now its back the same old problem. will not steer to the left.
Based on what I've read I need to make sure the joystick is working properly by switching the lines, then check the clevis pins for slop, then move on to the clutch packs and replace any worn clutch discs then inspect the brakes because we've probably worn them out.
is this correct???
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

the working in reverse has to do with the brake bands being worn unevenly from being mostly used going forward.

to put it very simply - initially The joystick sends enough hydraulic pressure to dis-engage the clutches for slight steering, then if the joystick is pushed farther enough hydraulic pressure is sent to engage the brakes for full lock turning. This is why the linkage under the joystick has to be completely without slop and worn parts. Again, this is a very simplistic explanation of the steering, but if the linkage under the joystick is worn or out of adjustment then the hydraulic pressure sent to clutches and brakes isn't what it is supposed to be.

After I've done my best to adjust all joystick linkages and the brake adjustment in the back of the tractor I've decided my brakes are nearly worn out, most on the left. Clutch and brake replacement requires removing the "cab" and everything above them to access. It's above my ability to do by myself and I just play with my dozer on the farm so I live with it.

I hope this helps

 

[okfarris]

the working in reverse has to do with the brake bands being worn unevenly from being mostly used going forward.

to put it very simply - initially The joystick sends enough hydraulic pressure to dis-engage the clutches for slight steering, then if the joystick is pushed farther enough hydraulic pressure is sent to engage the brakes for full lock turning. This is why the linkage under the joystick has to be completely without slop and worn parts. Again, this is a very simplistic explanation of the steering, but if the linkage under the joystick is worn or out of adjustment then the hydraulic pressure sent to clutches and brakes isn't what it is supposed to be.

After I've done my best to adjust all joystick linkages and the brake adjustment in the back of the tractor I've decided my brakes are nearly worn out, most on the left. Clutch and brake replacement requires removing the "cab" and everything above them to access. It's above my ability to do by myself and I just play with my dozer on the farm so I live with it.

I hope this helps

Where is this brake adjustment at on the dozer.? My dozer has 3000 hours and has mainly been used to build cell tower pads so I am sure it was run back and forth a million times over.

 

[Kyfarm]

View attachment 193120 View attachment 193121 Remove the rectangle cover on the back with 4 bolts in it, the one just over the bottom half of the tractor. behind that on each side will be a cover over the brake adjuster that looks like the picture included. I found in my notes that the plan is to tighten the nut all the way and then back it off 2 and a half turns. Adjusting the brakes is a good place to start and may fix the issue, but it is only part of a total system. Also, there is a operations and maintenance manual that you should get it you don't have one. i don't remember where I got mine but check e-bay. If not get one from a komatsu dealer. Good luck