Backhoe john deere backhoe service brake issue

[goosedrvr]

I have a 1980 john deere backhoe that has been laboring when I drive it around. I am thinking it is the service brakes dragging and heating up. I was wondering if there is anyone on here who has had this happen and whether the brake actuator had to be replaced or just cleaned and lubed, I havent taken it apart yet to see what I will be dealing with.

 

[jd110]

I'm not sure what you are referring to as the brake actuator. The brake valve/master cylinder? If so, then it is definitely repairable. Do the brake pedals operate freely? Occasionally brake drag can be caused by the pedals binding on the pivot shaft. Lubing and freeing the pedals can fix this pretty easily. Try raising the rear wheels off the ground and placing the transmission in neutral. The wheels should be able to turn by hand easily. If they don't, try opening the bleeder screws. If the wheel then turns easily, the problem is in stuck pedals or bad brake valve. If they are still tight, then the problem is in the brake assemblies in the axle housings. The axle housings will need to be removed to repair.

 

[goosedrvr]

thanks for the reply, I have tried lifting the rear wheels off the ground before and after running around a bit. The wheels turn freely before I start working and are both locked solid after. What I was referring to is the brake assemblies in the axle housing and what I was looking for here is exactly what you just gave me, a way to try to isolate the problem without first removing the axle housings, I will try cracking the bleeder screws. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the controls are a bit stiff if I let the machine sit for a long period, for example I once thought I had clutch issues until I realized the clutch pedal was not returning all the way up however the brake pedals are all the way up. I looked into the park brake being a possibility but it looks like it is working properly, so I will look further into the pedals. Thanks jd.