Steering Column Difficult or Unable to Adjust on Certain M300D Wheeled Excavators{4310} Caterpillar

Excavator:

M313D (S/N: J3A1-UP; K3D1-UP; W3H1-UP)

M315D (S/N: J5B1-UP; K5E1-UP; W5M1-UP)

M316D (S/N: W6A1-UP; D6W1-UP)

M318D (S/N: W8P1-UP; D8W1-UP)

M322D (S/N: W2S1-UP; W2T1-UP; D2W1-UP; D3X1-UP)

Introduction

The problem that is identified below does not have a permanent solution. Until a permanent solution is known, use the solution that is identified below.

Do not perform any procedure that is outlined in this publication. Do not order any parts until you understand the information that is contained in this document.

Problem

Customers report that they are unable to adjust the position of the steering column or the steering column does not stay in the adjusted position.

Solution

If a field report of the steering column not remaining in the adjusted position or is seized has been received, perform the following steps in order to resolve the issue.

1. Determine if the steering column can be moved to different positions and remain locked in place.

   1. If the steering column is tilted towards the operator seat, press down on the foot pedal. The steering column should move to the upright position without assistance.

   2. If the steering column is in the upright position, slowly pull the steering wheel towards the operator seat while the foot pedal is depressed. Release the foot pedal, the column should remain in the adjusted position.

Show/hide table



Illustration 1	g03426792
(1) Steering column front cover (2) Steering column rear cover (3) Steering column base cover

2. If the steering column does not move or remain in the adjusted position, remove the covers (1), (2), and (3) .

Show/hide table



Illustration 2	g03426859
(4) Gas spring (5) Wire (6) Foot pedal lever (7) Top pedal stop (8) Bottom pedal stop

3. Inspect gas spring (4) for oil leaks.

   1. If the gas spring is leaking, replace with 358-2573 Gas Spring Kit .

   2. If the gas spring is not leaking, proceed to step 4.

4. Inspect and ensure that wire (5) is not bent or elongated. Refer to illustration 3 for wire dimensions.
   Show/hide table
   
   

   Illustration 3	g03426876
   (A) R5 (B) 34.2 mm (1.35 inch) (C) 2.5 mm (0.10 inch) diameter

   1. If the wire (5) is elongated or damaged, fabricate a new one using steel C70.

5. Inspect and ensure that foot pedal lever (6) is held against top pedal stop (7) .
   Show/hide table
   
   

   Illustration 4	g03426907
   (9) Foot pedal spring

   1. If foot pedal is not held against top pedal stop (7), inspect foot pedal spring (9) for damage and correct installation.

   2. If the spring is damaged, contact your Technical Communicator to open a DSN ticket referencing this TIB in the ticket title.

6. With foot pedal depressed, ensure that wire (5) is pulling down the gas spring release lever.

   1. If column does not tilt with the pedal depressed, adjust bottom pedal stop (8) downwards a quarter turn and retry the steering column tilt.
   Show/hide table
   
   

   Illustration 5	g03427515
   358-2573 Gas Spring Kit (4) Gas spring (5) Wire (2.5 mm (0.10 inch) diameter)

   2. If column does not tilt after several bottom pedal stop adjustments, replace with 358-2573 Gas Spring Kit .