D3B breaking issue

[NMBlackBetty]

Going to try and make this short.

Had a cat service tech out to replace a throttle cable while we were out of town. Asked them to adjust the steering clutch while they were out. Got back today and the machine won't break on the left side, unless you are in reverse.

I got into the machine and everything looked right except the right pedal catches after about 2 inches of travel, and the left goes to the floor and won't break if going forward.

This is a new problem. No issues before yesterday and the clutch adjustment but the adjustment looks right. The cam on the left clutch is a little worn, but not bad.

Ideas? Can't get a tech out for 3 weeks, don't want to wait.

 

[IceHole]

Why do you want it to break?

 

[NMBlackBetty]

Why do you want it to break?

I'm a little confused at your question here. I guess the only answer I can give without more context is.... so it can turn.

 

[IceHole]

I'm a little confused at your question here. I guess the only answer I can give without more context is.... so it can turn.

Ahhh BRAKE, not BREAK.

Ok, now that makes sense.

Sorry, little slow here and didn't consider you're slow too. Coffee didn't kick in i guess!

 

[NMBlackBetty]

Ahhh BRAKE, not BREAK.

Ok, now that makes sense.

Sorry, little slow here and didn't consider you're slow too. Coffee didn't kick in i guess!

Actually it was the byproduct of being lazy and using that new speach to text function on my phone. It gets real interesting when you say "pennies" or other words that it can turn vulgar quickly.

 

[Welder Dave]

Did the machine turn left properly before the tech. came out? The pedal at half way down should engage the steering clutch and give a very gradual turn. Light toe pressure after that should engage the brake. You shouldn't have to stand on the brake pedals. An easy way to check the steering clutches is drive along and push both pedals half way down. The machine should coast to a stop. Try that and if it works then the problem is with the brake(s). Maybe an adjustment is all that's needed. I've posted an easy way to adjust the brakes in the past but could go over it again if you need. First make sure the steering clutches are fully releasing. If they aren't you'll have trouble steering no matter how good the brakes are.

 

[NMBlackBetty]

Did the machine turn left properly before the tech. came out? The pedal at half way down should engage the steering clutch and give a very gradual turn. Light toe pressure after that should engage the brake. You shouldn't have to stand on the brake pedals. An easy way to check the steering clutches is drive along and push both pedals half way down. The machine should coast to a stop. Try that and if it works then the problem is with the brake(s). Maybe an adjustment is all that's needed. I've posted an easy way to adjust the brakes in the past but could go over it again if you need. First make sure the steering clutches are fully releasing. If they aren't you'll have trouble steering no matter how good the brakes are.

Thanks Dave,

It did steer left before the tech, it was just looser than turning right by a little bit which is why we asked to have it adjusted.

I found your old post about adjusting the brakes and checked it out, they are good. Both brakes half down stops it.

There is a VERY SMALL bit of wear on the cam at the end of the clutch rod. Would that tiny bit of wear be enough to cause a problem?

 

[Welder Dave]

I don't think it's a problem. The roller that the cam runs on is more of an issue because it can get flat spots where the clutches don't fully release. It causes the steering to be inconsistent. If the machine stops with both pedals half way down, I'd then adjust the brake rods as I detailed. It's quite possible the tech adjusted the brakes "by the book" or didn't adjust every rod to the measurement in the manual. The Cat procedure is a little involved. I'm sure that's why Bob/Ont told me a simpler but fool proof way to adjust the brakes. He was a foreman at a Cat dealer and knew the smaller machines like the back of his hand. He knew the bigger machines too but there aren't as many people who are well versed on the smaller machines. You can take what Bob said to the bank. He is very missed on here.

 

[NMBlackBetty]

I don't think it's a problem. The roller that the cam runs on is more of an issue because it can get flat spots where the clutches don't fully release. It causes the steering to be inconsistent. If the machine stops with both pedals half way down, I'd then adjust the brake rods as I detailed. It's quite possible the tech adjusted the brakes "by the book" or didn't adjust every rod to the measurement in the manual. The Cat procedure is a little involved. I'm sure that's why Bob/Ont told me a simpler but fool proof way to adjust the brakes. He was a foreman at a Cat dealer and knew the smaller machines like the back of his hand. He knew the bigger machines too but there aren't as many people who are well versed on the smaller machines. You can take what Bob said to the bank. He is very missed on here.

Thanks Dave, ill give it a go in the daylight tomorrow. Appreciate your help here.

 

[chidog]

I was wondering what kept breaking on the machine? Under carriage, push beams, pins etc.?
Engine / transmission ? Very catchy thread title.