Ford 4000 brakes

[Robert Harvey]

I need someone to tell me how to adjust the brakes on a Ford 4000. I don't have a clue...It is my fathers tractor and the brakes won't stop the tractor or hold it on a downhill slope. He almost ran me over as we were moveing a tree down his back yard. If anyone has any information on adjusting the brakes please e-mail me at [email protected] Thanks. I really would like to get his tractor fixed.

 

[RodinNS]

Three cylinder 4000's with wet brakes are adjusted by shortening the brake rods under the footboards by turning the clevises up....
The older series, or a 4110 with drum brakes are done in a similar manner to any other drum brake as far as I know.... so just run the star wheels up with an adjuster by going in through the access plug in the backing plate. Never done those particular ones, so that's about all I can tell you.

Rod

 

[Robert Harvey]

this tractor has drum brakes on the two rear tires.....it is a four cylender gasoline tractor. It was 6 volt now converted to 12 volt. Not sure of the year of the tractor. however I checked and can not find plugs on the inside of the drums so as to adjust the star thing a ma jiggy's.....any one have any ideas? Hopefully i do not have to pull the wheels that looks like a really big job!

 

[Robert Harvey]

this tractor has drum brakes on the two rear tires.....it is a four cylender gasoline tractor. It was 6 volt now converted to 12 volt. Not sure of the year of the tractor. however I checked and can not find plugs on the inside of the drums so as to adjust the star thing a ma jiggy's.....any one have any ideas? Hopefully i do not have to pull the wheels that looks like a really big job!

 

[MarkB_MI]

The original "plugs" are actually metal clips that fit into slotted holes at the bottom of the backing plates. They may be missing, or they may have been replaced with standard automotive plugs. (You can still get the metal ones from New Holland, if you break them, but the rubber ones are cheaper and can be found at any auto parts store.)

The correct way to adjust the brakes is to jack the wheel on the side you're adjusting. That way you can feel when the brake is tight by turning the tire by hand. When the brake is tight, you then back off the adjustment just enough so you can turn the tire by hand.

I have adjusted the brakes without jacking the wheels, but it's not a good idea as you can't tell when the brakes are too tight.

HOWEVER, given the age of this tractor, it is likely that you will need to do a brake job and probably replace the axle seals. First thing you will need is the factory service manual. Go to the link below and enter publication number 40060090.
New Holland Tech Pubs