D6 9U steering troubleshooting

I recently purchased a D6 9U (serial 9U21150, 1967 model) that I'm trying to put to work, but having some problems with the steering. Before I tear into it, I'm trying to sort out whether it is a steering clutch or a brake issue. The machine can make right turns with some difficulty, but is unable to go left especially after a few minutes of use. When I pull back on the left steering clutch the dozer stops forward motion, but does not turn.

I have the manuals on hand, but I haven't done much yet as I want to make sure I'm going in the right direction before I start taking things apart. I did top off the clutch reservoir with oil and I also removed the access panel to look at the brake adjustment. I noticed the setscrew on the brake rod's only finger tight, but I haven't made any adjustments yet. I know I haven't given you much to go on, but I'm trying to decide whether I've most likely got a clutch or a brake problem.

From what you've described, I would suggest that you probably have both a right brake problem and a right steering clutch problem.

Hi, F15wso.

I suspect that the right side of your tractor may be out 'having a smoke', - in other words, NOT driving at all or VERY little. Have you tried turning right using ONLY the right steering brake WITHOUT disengaging the right steering clutch? If it turns that way, however 'reluctantly', that would be a pretty fair indication that your right steering clutch is TOAST.

Had it happen onna small Fiat dozer about 10 years ago. The owners took it into a mechanical repair shop who claimed to fix crawler tractors and the silly buggers 'repaired' the wrong side - then had to do it all over again FOR FREE on the side they SHOULD have fixed the first time.

BTW, I don't think your D6 9U would be a NINETEEN SIXTY SEVEN model, more likely a 1957.

Just my 0.02.

When you say it turns right with some difficulty, do you mean you have some difficulty stopping the track to make the turn, or it has some difficulty driving the left track also when you stop the right side?

Check your stering cluch and brake adjustement you need 3 3\4 inch free movement on top stering lever and the brake adjustement need 3 1/2 inch on brake pedal and your right side could be shutt .

Always try getting things adjusted before starting to take things apart. And from past experiences here. You do realize that you release one clutch that side will coast some, so some brake is needed, unless your pulling or pushing.

But my guess is you need some new parts. The friction plates are the parts needed most of the time. But the springs need to be checked that they put out enough tension. Had a new to me D6, everything was fine until it stopped pulling thru the one clutch. The spring were just done pushing.

A good do it yourself project, if your inclined to do such things. But a second set of eyes and hands makes it much easier.

I have two guesses.Either the teeth are stripped on drive plates in steering clutch or possibly a broken crossshaft

My guess is sloppy cross shaft bearings allowing right clutch to release left. Adjustment allowing more free travel might make it usable.

Here's a couple videos of a 9U with stuck steering clutches near me.

https://youtu.be/sczMc0_LKDY?si=LjKfEzA0SgR0Ylw5

https://youtu.be/ZIgvTQCQ85w?si=TEALE5_JEG3AE3P7

You might try filling up the steering clutch housing with Diesel fuel, let it soak for a while and then drain out. May free it up and may not.

If that is unsuccessful you’re in for a job to repair it. Likely you will need to contact your local Cat dealership.