JD450 steers great in reverse, not in forward

Steering clutches don't seem to be disengaging well when going forward, especially the left side. It's difficult to steer. HOWEVER, they work great in reverse!

Strangely, tapping the foot brake pedal causes the foward steering to improve considerably.

Brakes seem to be sticking. Especially noticable when moving in reverse. Foot pedal doesn't return like it should.

Clutches don't seem to be slipping...but rather, appear not to be disengaging, particularly the left side.

I adjusted the clutches according to the service manual and found that the problem worsened.

I've pulled the fuel tank, etc and opened up the housings. Turns out the left brake pivot shaft was seizing quite a bit. I've got it loosened up now. However, I noticed that there seems to be a fair amount of play in the left side clutch pack. I can wiggle it around quite a bit. The right side has some movement too, but the left side is noticably more. Is movement in the clutch assembly normal?

So, now I'm faced with trying to decide whether to put it all back together and see if the sticky brake was the problem, or if I should go ahead (since I'm already part of the way there) and tear into the clutches. Anyone recognize the symptoms and have a suggestion or opinion? I hate to put it all back together again if there's a likelyhood that I'll have to tear it all down again.

Thanks guys!

Thanks!

The drum doesn't appear to move outward when the throw-out bearing contacts the clutch fingers. The drum does have quite a bit of play in it...more so than the other side, but I don't know how much is "too much". The shafts don't seem to be moving, so the play must be isolated to the drum or splines. The set screw is offset from the access hole by about 3/4". Don't know if this is normal or it has slipped.

The top brake band spring is missing on both sides.

I'll get some new springs. Should I be concerned about the play in the drum? Should I do something to the set screw or carry out further checks?

I believe you are correct in that the top brake band spring is missing...I think on both sides, if I recall. I'll confirm that though.

I'll look at it a bit more, but I don't think the drum is moving outward when the throw-out bearing contacts the clutch fingers. I'll check it out tomorrow and see. If the drum set screw is the problem, it it accessible from the top?

Thanks!