John deere 3020 left wheel stuck - brakes????

[johnrush]

Hi everyone

We are having a problem with our old JD3020 tractor. We have had it for years and it has been a great old tractor. The other day the we were using it and drove it home, when we got it in the yard there was smoke coming out of the case near the rear end - it smelled like brakes. Now the wheel is really stuck ( won't spin at all) and can't get it to move at all. It seems like it must be the brakes. We cracked the lines going to the left side brake and there was no pressure in that line. Not sure what the problem is or what to do next. Was hoping someone else who knows the inner workings of the rear end and brake assemble could help give me an idea of what might be the problem. I'm sure we will need to take it all apart, which looks like real pain in the backside. Any input from anyone else who has seen this problem and know how to fix it would be great? Haying season is fast approaching and we need to get this tractor back in action.
Thanks
John

 

[Tx Jim]

Try loosening bleeder screw on top of final drive housing to see if that frees brake u? If that doesn't help next thing would be to visually inspect brakes by removing axle housing. It's possible an axle brg failed.

 

[johnrush]

HI TX Jim

Thanks for the reply. I tried what you suggested and bingo the wheel is free again. I guess it looks like I have to rebuild the master cylinder valve mechanism by the pedal. By the looks from posts from other folks on here it is a pretty common failure for some of these old tractors. Any idea where's the best place to get the parts and how much of a job it is to get it out and rebuild it?

Thanks so much
John

 

[Tx Jim]

Brake valve housing just unbolts from clutch housing. Common problem is rusty brake pedal pivot bushings. 1st try lubricating them. parts if needed should be available from local JD dealer.

 

[johnrush]

Brake valve housing just unbolts from clutch housing. Common problem is rusty brake pedal pivot bushings. 1st try lubricating them. parts if needed should be available from local JD dealer.

Thnx Jim

I was able to move the tractor around and move equipment across the yard with the bleed screw slightly cracked open. When I tightened it back up the wheel locked right back up with out even touching the brake pedal. Seems like the problem is internal. Thanks for all the help.