Newbie, with Ford 2000 brakes sticking

[djinwa]

I bought my first tractor 4 years ago, a 1973 Ford 2000 with loader.

With light, occasional use, haven't had any problems until a few months ago, when brake pedals started getting stuck down, and have to pull them up by hand. Right side worse than left, but both affected.

Finally started messing with the right side yesterday. I disconnected tie rod from the brake camshaft, and the pedal moves freely, and returns okay. Had greased it good where pedal pivots.

I took tire and brake drum off, and moved the brake shoes away from the camshaft. Rehooked the tie rod and step on the brake pedal and sticks even worse, I assume because the brake shoe return springs weren't helping it release.

So I'm thinking the camshaft is sticking where it connects to the housing. But I'm not sure how it is connected. No grease fitting. Is there a bushing or something that could be shot? Don't see anything in the service manual.

Any ideas? I have little experience, though have done some basic stuff.

Thanks, DJ in WA

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[djinwa]

Thanks.

I was poking around - see there's a repair section. Anyway, someone had a similar problem with a Ford 3000, and was able to pull the brake cam out and a bushing was worn/dirty.

Guess I'm wondering if just a coincidence both sides are sticking. I assume they are separate, as each side's brakes have to work separately.

 

[Ultradog MN]

It wouldn't be the first time I've seen the socket in the rear end get full of rust and crud so that the brake shafts don't want to turn properly.
Sometimes you can free up those sockets with penetrting oil so they work again.
If you do have to take things apart I would make sure I removed the shaft and clean and grease in there.
I took your picture and drew a red circle indicating whare I am referring to.

 

[djinwa]

Thanks for the reply.

I did take it apart. As you can see in the first picture, I found a pile of dirt (light colored) in the back of the hole. I cleaned and polished and lubed the hole and end of shaft. Bushing was still tight, so don't need to replace. Turns easy now.

When I started, I noticed a pile of dirt on the end of the shaft where it goes in the housing. So now I realize every time you step on the brakes, the shaft twists and dirt will work its way in there. Guess I ought to keep the tractor more clean.

My boy is studying diesel mechanics at Univ. of Alaska. I sent him the second photo to show his class the proper application of baling twine. Helps to do the work by the haystack in the barn.

He found this parts diagram for me, if might help someone. Bushing is number 2, and plug in back of hole is number 3.

Official New Holland Online Parts Store and Online Parts Catalog for New Holland and Ford Tractors.