Cat D7-3T 1942 STEERING clutch brake pad installation

 [attachment=73966]IMG_1543 3.JPG[/attachment] [attachment=73967]IMG_1543.JPG[/attachment] My question is removal was a pain. the adjusting brake is in
a slot and the bottom brake pin fits in a drop in slot. Is it easier to remove the rear hardware and install it into the 2 points?
Or is there a easier way of doing it. The Cat manual "remove the 2 pins and the top brake pad", torch or fight them. I am hoping for help to install without fight.
The bolts that hold rear bracket that holds the pins are 15/16" and frozen tight. Torch? Thank you John

Are you intending to pull the steering clutches or just replace the brake lining ?

If you want just the brake band, remove the adjusting nut. Then wiggle the band to remove the pins. Then rotate the lining and remove the nut off bolts holding the 3 pieces together. Always a flustering process to rotate the lining around the drum. But it does fit. Good to feed a line under the drum to help pull the pieces around on reassemble. Don't forget the set screw under the case to hold the band up, remove it.

Start spraying lube on all the pieces. The pins should be easy. The bracket does not have to come out. Never torch it off, just making more work latter. Heat is fine if needed. Don't forget the anti seize when you put it back together.

If you want the steering clutch read the manual to see how to get a socket on the outside bolts. The inside is box end wrench work. Make sure to keep count of how many bolts you remove so you get all of them. Then use an old sharpened flat screwdriver blade to separate the flanges. Then use the brake band as a sling and lift out. Sometimes easy, sometimes you could swear it will not fit. The more infinite your lift the better. If you work from a loader bucket prop it and use a cable come along or anything better at being infinite, as the lift. A bit awkward to get lined up but cheap cherry picker engine host will work, with anchor to keep it balanced. Not the worst job, 😉 but much faster with a extra set of hands. And much like the Cat manual I probably skipped over some details.🤣

Thank you Ray 54. I have tried fishing brake bands around steering clutch, have even remover support hardware. And the brake band goes so far and stops dead. I was wonder if I reinstalled set screw to help support the band if that would work? Putting the 2 sections of the brake together was a test of patience. Maybe the top will be easier; that is probably wishful thinking. Everything relating to replacing the brake pads is a time consuming task.
I will check the right side but I hope it is good? That side has the cable drum and I am far from what I weight coming home from Vietnam. If needs replaced I think I will hire Caterpillar mobile service and pay the cost.