I have problems!

[J Bryan]

I have a brake problem I have got to get fixed and am contemplating doing it myself.

The Problem: Tractor is working very hard. When you depress the clutch, the tractor stops abruptly as if the brakes are heavily applied.

The Cause (possible): While pushing brush a while back, a sappling under the tractor somehow pulled a hydraulic hose off. It probably ran for 5 minutes before I realized it. I ran up to the house, got the hose re-attached, grabbed the hydro fluid and started filling trying to hurry and beat an oncoming rain storm. Watching the sight glass as it filled, I noticed a clear liquid, like water. I stopped and opened up the lid on the 5 gallon bucket. Sure enough, it was half full of water!!!

Then guess what, a downpour came for days, and I have no garage/shop or cover to work in. So I had to leave it.

The dealer thinks the water swelled the brake pads and wants $900 to replace. I have adjusted the brake pedal as far out as it will go.

I think I want to try this on my own although I have never been inside a tractor at all. for those that have, how hard of a project is it to get inside and change the brakes?

Any other advice or other things I can check/adjust before going down this road???

 

[JRobyn]

Wow! Not enough information. Can you please tell us:

Make/model of tractor
What the damaged hydraulic hose connected to/from?
Exactly what did you refill with hydraulic fluid (or brake fluid)?
Can you tell if there is any free-play in the brake pedal/linkage mechanisms?
Safe to assume that this is a tractor with "wet" brakes?
Was the problem occuring BEFORE you added fluid/water?

 

[kencunningham]

You need to post the make and model of your tractor.

 

[Zebrafive]

With no garage/shop or cover to work in I would not attempt this repair

 

[J Bryan]

Sorry, it is a Branson 3820. I do have a shop now, but did not at the time. I had 0 problems before this bad hydraulic oil. Yes, there is currently slack in the linkage as I have it loosened way off so that I can move the tractor around.

 

[DennisFolsom]

Just recently, I reviewed the Brakes section of the Technical Manual for my JD 4600. On my tractor, you have to take the Final Drives apart to replace the brake disk. That is not a job for the inexperienced, or the faint-hearted.

If your Branson 3820 is made in a similar way (as I suspect it is), you would need the Service Manual, and to study up on what you are about to do, before tackling the project. Can it be done as the first project you do "inside a tractor?" Yes, if you are a capable mechanic and you work carefully. Otherwise, I would not recommend it.

If you are not confident that you are up to the task, I recommend that you pay the money to the dealer and have it done right.

Good luck!

 

[RPW]

I'll relate what my problem with my JD5103. Had a very similar problem. Starting about 2 years ago when topping off the hydraulics I accidently grabbed the jug of contaminiated fluid. At first though I only had a small amount of water in it and after talking to the dealer it was determined that I probably be ok. NOT. On top of that I had a rubber boot on the shift lever develop a hole and water got in it. First winter everything got frozen and I could only use my tractor at temperature below freezing. Bottom line this spring I changed fluid and found that there was more water in there that I thought. Changed fluid and it helped but still had stiff brakes. I just used (a couple of months ago) added Sea Foam Trans Tune and WOW within a week everything loosen up almost like new. Brakes are still a little stiff (binding) but much better.

Good.