Brake Adjustment: STUCK

[avc8130]

I figured there was nothing better to do in the middle of Hurricane Irene than to do the 600 hour service on my L39. At 606 hours it seemed like perfect timing. I got through EVERYTHING...but the brake adjustment. Both turn buckles will not budge. I backed off the lock nuts and tried to give them a twist and they resist. I am using a standard length 14mm wrench and exerting pretty much all I can on them. I gave them a shot of penetrating oil and decided "the brakes still work" for the time being. Any suggestions?
ac

 

[avc8130]

2 days, 4 treatments with PB Blaster and both are still stuck. I tried adding a pipe extension to the wrench. At 24" still no luck.

Any suggestions?
ac

 

[avc8130]

No one has ever tried to adjust their brakes per the service manual? I imagine this setup is common across at least the L series.
ac

 

[MarkV]

I've never had to adjust the brakes on my L39. Are yours that out? Guess I would keep trying PB Blaster and then go to heat if I had to.

MarkV

 

[avc8130]

I've never had to adjust the brakes on my L39. Are yours that out? Guess I would keep trying PB Blaster and then go to heat if I had to.

MarkV

The manual says ~.75" of free travel. Have you ever measured yours? Mine are closer to 2".
ac

 

[MarkV]

The manual says ~.75" of free travel. Have you ever measured yours? Mine are closer to 2".
ac

Nope, can't say as I have measured it. Mine seem to hold me where ever I need holding so I have never felt the need to look at it closer. May have to check out of curiosity.

MarkV

 

[art]

Try a mix of Acetone and ATF at a fifty fifty mix. Works great!

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Try a mix of Acetone and ATF at a fifty fifty mix. Works great!

Indeed it does. If for some odd reason that combination won't work, the only other choice is the blue flame wrench.