I recently acquired an early John Deere 1010 crawler and a JD 500A backhoe. Both have their problems, but they were just about given to me. So I can put some time and a few buck into them. The 1010 crawler does not steer left and there is no tension on the steering handle when pulled back and will actually stay back by it's self. It's like there is is no throw out bearing. I'm going to tear down the final drive on that side to see what's up. Where is a good place besides JD to buy replacement parts?
There are several John Deere dozer enthusiast groups on the internet. A Google search will turn them up. I've never had any problems finding parts for my 440.
This might help. http://www.jdcrawlers.com/
every 1010 has steering problems The series was not their best Watch for cracked rear housings as things can move around inside lots of stuff to remove to get to steering clutches use the manual to explain how to adjust good luck
From 35 year old memories the steering clutch is a simple disc and pressure plate setup. Should be able to disassemble and have disc and pressure plate rebuilt. John
The little 1010 has a multi disc steering clutch, known for sticking. The link for jd crawlers is a real good place to start. Lavoy is the guy that runs it, don't think you'll find anybody more knowledgeable on JD crawlers. You'll need a JD7 gage to adjust the clutches, Lavoy usually has them. Get a manual!