- Backhoe Loader:
- 434E (S/N: SJL1-UP)
- 442E (S/N: EME1-UP)
- 444E (S/N: NBA1-UP)
Description of Change: Incorrect orientation of the rear steering cylinder may cause the rear wheels of the machine to drift excessively at machine startup. Excessive drift may also happen while in two-wheel steer mode. The orientation of the rear steering cylinder may require adjustment. Incorrect orientation will not allow air to self-bleed from the rear steering cylinder and can cause excessive rear wheel drift. A new procedure is available to correct the orientation of the Backhoe Loader rear steer cylinder.
Adaptable To: The new procedure will allow the steering cylinders to self-bleed and remove any trapped air in the system.
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| Illustration 1 | g02408698 |
A typical example of proper installation of the rear steering cylinder. The hydraulic ports are on the top of the cylinder | |
For proper rear steering cylinder orientation, refer to Illustration 1.
If the rear steering cylinder is not in the proper position, perform the steps listed below.
The cylinder orientation is adaptable to the following machines:
- 434E (S/N: SJL1-168)
- 442E (S/N: EME1-156)
- 444E (S/N: NBA1-154)
- 434E (S/N: SJL169-UP)
- 442E (S/N: EME157-UP)
- 444E (S/N: NBA155-UP)
Rework Procedure
- Park the machine on firm, level ground. Raise the rear wheels off the ground to give access to underneath the rear of the machine.
- Place chocks/axle stands under the rear axle and lower the machine.
- Lower all implements safely to the ground and release the hydraulic system pressure. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for instructions.
- Disconnect the hydraulic hoses that connect to the rear steering cylinder and cap the hoses off. Remove the three bolts that retain the rear steer cylinder. Refer to Illustration 2.
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| Illustration 2 | g02407318 |
Location of the three bolts | |
- Use pliers to remove the small roll pin from the top of the cylinder retainer housing. Refer to Illustration 3. Discard the roll pin.
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| Illustration 3 | g02407321 |
Location of the roll pin | |
- Rotate the cylinder until the hydraulic cylinder ports are at the top of the cylinder instead of on the side of the cylinder. The cylinder tube may be stiff to rotate at first. Tapping the axle housing and tube with a non-metallic hammer may help to free the tube.
- Verify that the cylinder is in the correct position, apply 154-9731 Thread Lock Compound to the retaining bolts and reinstall the bolts. Torque the three bolts to 140 ± 7 N·m (103.3 ± 5.2 lb ft). Refer to Illustration 4.
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| Illustration 4 | g02407324 |
New location of the three bolts | |
- Reconnect the hydraulic hoses to the rear cylinder. Refer to Illustration 5.
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| Illustration 5 | g02407325 |
Proper orientation of the hydraulic hoses | |
Bleeding Procedure
Before starting this procedure, align the front and rear wheels in the straight-ahead position.
Start the machine and check for any leaks at the cylinder.
- Select "crab steer" and apply full right steering lock.
- Select "two wheel steer" and apply full left steering lock.
- Select "circle steer" and apply full right steering lock.
- Select "two wheel steer" and apply full left steering lock.
Note: Repeat this procedure 10 times. ALL AIR MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE SYSTEM.
Once the procedure is completed, center the rear wheels. Check for any oil leaks, remove the axle stands and lower the machine to the ground.