Left Brake Locking up

[Tim_in_IA]

I was able to find the issue with my brake over the weekend but not a complete fix yet. I disconnected the linkages to the brakes on each side. The right brake pedal moves freely but the left is very difficult to move. The clutch pedal also moves freely. It appears that the rod that connects the left brake pedal to the left side of the tractor is meeting a lot of resistance where it passes through the transmission casting. There are 2 contact points but neither has grease fittings. I'm guessing there is just some corrosion causing friction in there but without a way to add grease I am just trying to use WD and grease and work it near the contact. I did remove the right brake pedal and tried to tap the rod through a bit but it wouldn't budge. I was going to do this so I could clean it and then apply grease and slide it back into position. I'm not thinking I need to remove it entirely just enough to where I can grease the contact points. Open to other ideas. There is a grease fitting on the clutch pedal and the right brake pedal but no grease fittings anywhere near the part where it is seizing up. I'm not sure a stronger spring would help. I'm also concerned as there is a little play in the left pedal before it even decides to try and move the shaft so I am wondering if the woodruff key or the slot is damaged from the strain now.

 

[ovrszd]

Can't remember which tractor this problem is on?

I'd try to search a parts diagram showing all this mechanism so I could better understand how it passes thru the trans. That would also guide me on how to take it apart. I'd completely disassemble, clean and lube, reassemble.

I'd look real closely about adding a grease zerk to lube the area that's now restricting movement.

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Can't remember which tractor this problem is on?

I'd try to search a parts diagram showing all this mechanism so I could better understand how it passes thru the trans. That would also guide me on how to take it apart. I'd completely disassemble, clean and lube, reassemble.

I'd look real closely about adding a grease zerk to lube the area that's now restricting movement.

Thanks I have the parts breakdown and service manual. Taking the bar out completely requires removing the left wheel so I probably wont do that unless necessary. If I could move it a bit out I should be able to clean and lube. Not sure about adding a fitting to cast metal. Tractor is 15 years old with a lot of outside time so just need to remember to keep it oiled as best as possible under there.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah, I wouldn't remove the wheel to do it. Maybe you can disassemble everything attached to it and move it laterally far enough to clean the areas involved?

Can you remove the brake lever and drill it for a grease zerk?

 

[Tim_in_IA]

Yeah, I wouldn't remove the wheel to do it. Maybe you can disassemble everything attached to it and move it laterally far enough to clean the areas involved?

Can you remove the brake lever and drill it for a grease zerk?

The left brake lever does not pivot on the shaft as it is keyed. It doesn't have a zerk. The part that needs to be lubricated is the transmission casting and it has 2 eyes that protrude from it below. I am guessing there is some kind of liner in it but it could just be bare metal. I think if it doesn't loosen up I will likely just attempt to move it laterally a few inches again and clean/check for damage and correct, lube, and slide back. I'm just hoping it is something that improves with more frequent use. It is strange that they didn't make a mechanism for greasing it though.

 

[ovrszd]

The left brake lever does not pivot on the shaft as it is keyed. It doesn't have a zerk. The part that needs to be lubricated is the transmission casting and it has 2 eyes that protrude from it below. I am guessing there is some kind of liner in it but it could just be bare metal. I think if it doesn't loosen up I will likely just attempt to move it laterally a few inches again and clean/check for damage and correct, lube, and slide back. I'm just hoping it is something that improves with more frequent use. It is strange that they didn't make a mechanism for greasing it though.

Awwwww now I understand. Yep, it's probably got a bronze bushing in the trans case. Bummer. Yep, you're probably stuck with using it and lubing best you can hoping some seeps into the problem area.....