John Deere 790 problem Help!

[Sorgenfrei]

Hoping someone can shed some light on the issue I ran into over the weekend

I have a John Deere 790 and over the weekend I let my son mow the back acre. When he pulled up I noticed smoke coming out of two holes from the rear axle on either side and what appeared to be burnt oil oozing out. Smelled like burnt brakes pads?? Not sure if he left the parking brake on or what?? I checked the transmission fluid level and it was 2 quarts low??. Checked for leaks could not find any. Filled it back up and drove it around and everything seemed to be ok. Anybody have a similar experience or ideas what would cause this? Attached a pic of the two holes on the rear diff.

 

[RobS]

I suspect it was the brakes from being left on. Does the dash light for the parking brake work? 2 qts low on fluid wouldn't have been enough to cause any damage. It's probably OK but may need brakes sooner than expected. I'd keep an eye on it the next few uses, if all seems well just keep on tractorin'.

 

[Sorgenfrei]

The parking brake dash light works but my son just starting mowing and so I doubt he would of noticed it. Wasn't sure if I should pull the wheels and check the brakes or not.

 

[RoyJackson]

The brakes on a 790 are inboard and they are dry brakes.
My guess is the parking brake was left on and cooked the oil. Might be worth changing the oil...in fact, I suggest you do.
As far as the brakes, as I'd written, these are an old style dry brake...pretty good chance the pads are worn down below limits.

I think changing the pads are in the operators' manual. If not, drop me a PM and I'll look in my service manual (if you don't have one)

 

[Sorgenfrei]

Will take a look at the brakes hopefully tonight and post what I find out

 

[Dutch445]

can't find the tech manual online , but here is the parts picture of the brakes, looks like
they are under that cover (#5) on the axle housing, follow the linkage.

 

[beenthere]

I looked on my CD that includes the 790, and after removing linkage, the 6 bolts and the covers then the steps are shown in this schematic. (first it said to remove the rear wheel).
This just expands on Dutch's previous post from jdparts. There was a precaution about asbestos used in old brake shoes, so take that to heart for your own protection - as you wish.

 

[Sorgenfrei]

Ok great.Thanks to all for the help and diagram attachments. Will come in handy. Hope to replace the pads this weekend. Will follow up and let you know what I find.

 

[kebo]

Would it be possible for you videotape some segments and post on youtube? Or, at least take some pics as you go along showing some details? I know it would come in handy for when I have to do the brakes on mine. Thanks.

 

[Paul5150]

Would it be possible for you videotape some segments and post on youtube? Or, at least take some pics as you go along showing some details? I know it would come in handy for when I have to do the brakes on mine. Thanks.

Here are pictures of the brake shoes and brake drums on my 2001 John Deere 790 tractor. It's fairly easy to remove the brake backing plates to inspect or replace them.