I am new to this forum and have read several post on the issue. I installed rebuilt steering clutches about 10 years ago. The machine has only about 20 hours over the past 10 years, however, sat outside for the last 4 or 5. The left clutch is seized and won't release. The release bearing on that side looks like it is in the release position. I have removed the ring gear/clutches assembly. I am wondering if it is possible or likely I can free up the clutch assembly without replacing or disassembly? I don't have all the tools needed to disassemble, however, I could probably get it done if needed. I soaked the heck out of it with penetrant and hit the end of the clutch a few whacks with a hammer, the release bearing seems to have moved, however I don't really know if it's freed up or not.

Am I just trying to be lazy and take the easy way out and therefore just need to bite the bullet and disassemble? Any thoughts?

Thanks

I sure would disassemble it and make sure it was right before I put it back together. You’ve done all the work to remove it.

Do the springs look to be compressed compared to the good side? Typically the end stage of that process is there is rust in the clutch pack and things swell, the springs get compressed and the lever gets a lot of free travel in it.

"ccjersey" wrote:

I sure would disassemble it and make sure it was right before I put it back together. You’ve done all the work to remove it.

Do the springs look to be compressed compared to the good side? Typically the end stage of that process is there is rust in the clutch pack and things swell, the springs get compressed and the lever gets a lot of free travel in it.

I think that may be what happened, there is a lot of free travel in the lever. I can't tell for sure if the springs are compressed or not, but this morning i had it on end blowing compressed air around the clutch pack and a fair amount of water came out. You are right though...I did all the work now I might as well be sure. This cat has a canopy and a winch that had to be removed in addition to all else. I don't want to do it again due to laziness.

Thanks

have you driven it around pulling a heavy load with the release lever tied back?--also pull the opposite lever back so all the torque goes into that frozen clutch but you may end up going in circles! Also apply the brake hard on that frozen clutch