Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
How to Restore Steering Performance on a John Deere 450G Dozer
#1
A common issue with the John Deere 450G dozer is uneven or weak steering response, often caused by misadjusted or worn brake bands. This article explores the adjustment procedure, diagnostic clues, and long-term solutions based on field experience with a 5-ton class crawler dozer.
John Deere 450G Overview
The JD 450G is part of Deere’s long-running 450 series, introduced in the early 1990s as a hydrostatic drive dozer with improved operator ergonomics and simplified maintenance. It features a 70-horsepower diesel engine, sealed track rollers, and dual steering levers controlling clutch and brake assemblies on each final drive. Deere’s dozers are widely used in land clearing, grading, and utility trenching, with thousands of units sold across North America.
Terminology Notes
  • Final Drive: The gear assembly at each track end that transmits power from the transmission to the tracks.
  • Brake Band: A curved friction strip that clamps around a drum to stop track movement.
  • Star Wheel Adjuster: A toothed wheel used to tighten or loosen brake band tension.
  • Lever Travel: The distance a steering lever moves before engaging the brake or clutch.
Symptoms and Initial Diagnosis
Operators report that the right steering lever locks the track and spins the machine easily, while the left lever travels nearly to the rear of the cab with minimal effect. This asymmetry suggests the left brake band is out of adjustment or partially worn. Inspection reveals that the left lever has excessive travel, and the machine barely turns left under load.
Adjustment Procedure
Above the left final drive is a large plug requiring a ¾-inch square drive to remove. Inside is a star wheel adjuster similar to old Chevrolet drum brake systems. To tighten the brake band:
  • Insert a long screwdriver or pry bar into the plug hole.
  • Pry upward on the bottom of the star wheel to rotate it clockwise.
  • Adjust in small increments—2 or 3 clicks at a time.
  • Test lever travel with engine running and safety bar up.
Target lever travel is approximately 127 mm (5 inches). A variation of up to 13 mm (0.5 inches) between sides is acceptable. Over-tightening can cause brake drag and premature wear.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Ohio, an operator adjusted the left star wheel six to eight clicks and saw modest improvement. After further adjustment—nearly half an inch of wheel rotation—the left track began responding, though not as crisply as the right. The right lever engaged mid-travel with strong resistance, while the left still felt vague.
In Ontario, a technician warned that excessive lever travel may indicate missing brake lining chunks. On older JD 450G units, the lining was glued rather than riveted, making it prone to delamination. He recommended draining the transmission oil and inspecting the suction screen for debris, which often reveals brake band material.
Recommendations for Long-Term Reliability
  • Inspect Brake Bands for Wear or Delamination: If adjustment fails to restore full steering, disassembly may be required.
  • Clean Transmission Suction Screen: Debris buildup can reduce hydraulic pressure and affect clutch engagement.
  • Install a Safety Bolt Across the Console: Prevents accidental gear engagement during brake testing.
  • Use Matching Lever Travel as a Diagnostic Benchmark: Uneven travel is a reliable indicator of imbalance.
  • Avoid Over-Adjustment: Brake drag can lead to overheating and accelerated wear.
Final Thoughts
Restoring steering performance on a JD 450G dozer involves more than just turning a star wheel. It requires understanding the mechanical interplay between levers, bands, and hydraulic pressure. With careful adjustment and inspection, even older machines can regain precise control and safe operation. For operators and mechanics alike, knowing the signs of imbalance and how to correct them is essential to keeping these workhorses productive.
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  D9H Dozer No Drive and Low Pressure at Priority Valve MikePhua 0 3 7 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Bleeding Air from Hydraulic Lines on the John Deere 772A Grader MikePhua 0 1 8 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Solving Cold Start Fuel Issues on the John Deere CT322 Skid Steer MikePhua 0 11 45 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Rebuilding the D333 Engine in the Caterpillar D6B Dozer MikePhua 0 12 51 minutes ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Troubleshooting Forward Gear Loss on a 2000 Caterpillar D5M XL Dozer MikePhua 0 10 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Diagnosing and Controlling the Pump Pressure Solenoid on a John Deere 490D MikePhua 0 11 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  CAT D5C Steering Issues and Troubleshooting MikePhua 0 11 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Hydraulic Leak Diagnosis on the John Deere 250 Series II Skid Steer MikePhua 0 11 1 hour ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Troubleshooting Steering Problems in the Case 480D Loader MikePhua 0 6 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Dealing with Engine RPM Drop in CAT 450E Dozer MikePhua 0 7 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Hydraulic Cylinder Seal Replacement on the John Deere 200 Excavator MikePhua 0 4 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Water Contamination in Engine Oil on the Case 850B Dozer MikePhua 0 7 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Restoring a Caterpillar D6C Dozer with Hydraulic and Linkage Repairs MikePhua 0 2 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  John Deere 410D Locked Up: Causes and Solutions MikePhua 0 10 2 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Restoring an Allis-Chalmers Dozer with Precision and Patience MikePhua 0 8 Today, 01:29 AM
Last Post: MikePhua

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)