Case 530 Brake Problems

[ribbitt]

The brakes on my "67 Case 530 tractor have problems for which the local tractor repair shop (which was a Case Dealership at one time) can"t seem to come up with a permanent fix. The tractor has been in twice in the last year and a half for the same problems, and now they are back.

The left brake wants to lock up at the slightest pressure and will only unlock if the tractor is eased in the opposite direction. The right brake housing is oozing transmission fluid. The seal supposedly has been replaced twice. The entire brake system was totally overhauled by the shop. New shoes, turned drums, etc. The tractor sits unused for long periods. Probably less than 75 hours since the original overhaul 18 months ago.

Anyone else ever had these problems? I"d appreciate any suggestions. I"m thinking I might have to fix this myself.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Does it have ramp-ball type disc brakes?

 

[480CK]

I can't speak for the leaks, but I replaced the brakes on Grandpas 530 and it was a pretty straight forward job. Using good new shoe return springs is key, and I would check to be sure that brake pedal return spring is functioning correctly, and that the linkage is adjusted so that brakes are able to release from the drum. The shoe return springs can be a bit of challenge to get installed correctly, but it's not real tough to do.

 

[480CK]

I also did a search on this site as I used this forum to change Gpas too. Here is a good link.
Untitled URL Link

 

[ribbitt]

Honestly, I don't know what's in there... but I recall the shop manager mentioning something about ramp and ball. I'm not sure he ever looked inside, though, and I'm pretty sure he made that comment before they ever took the brakes apart. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and tear into it. Then I'll know....

 

[ribbitt]

Thanks, that's helpful info!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have worked on the ramp-ball type brakes (not on a 530 though) and here are a few things that I have learned: When you hit the brake the ball rolls up the ramp and forces the brake disc to engage. If the ramp and ball are rusted or dirty, the ball sometimes doesn't want to roll back. If the brake lining is too thin, it lets the ball roll out too far and not want to go back. There may also be a spring inside the brake housing that is supposed to push the brake rod back in. I replaced the balls in mine with hardened stainless steel ones and relined the brakes and have never had a problem with them.