JD H break job

[Gerald Bennett]

.Break job on a model H. It's time to do a break job on my 41 H. I have repaired breaks on the larger tractors, but not on the H. I need all the advice I can get. Thank you all.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

You have to remove the axle housing on each side and pull the drums off the shaft. The shaft can be left in the housing unless you have to clean it out. Rig a puller with threaded rods and nuts. The shoes and actuators are simple. Just make sure the cams face the right direction when you put it back together. DO NOT take both side off at the same time. Are you sure the brakes are bad, they may only need adjustment. I'll send you an email.

 

[Mike M]

Do you have an owners manual or an I & T manual ? These do have instructions on this job in them. There is an adjustment for preload on the axle bearings IIRC .007" gap at bottom of housing hanging on top bolt snug, using the shims under the outer bearing retainer cap. There is also a possibility it has differential side play adjusting shims that might fall off as the axles are pulled out. IIRC you add shims to hold this to 1/16" side play which is the thickness of the shim washers. If you can get the wheels and hubs off the rest is not too bad. A floor jack under the axle housing or chain hoist to help slid them out is helpful. If you have a good back you can manhandle them out. I use a small chain and binder to attach a 5 foot or so 4x4 crossways under the front frame on the flat area. Then place blocks or jackstands at the outsides to support the tractor from falling over. I have done a bunch of H's over the years. I seemed to of had much better luck at finding them than other models ?

 

[Rusty wheel]

I did a brake job 3 years ago on my H I jacked up both axels to remove the wheels. Then I hung a 150 lb. wheel weight on one axel so I could remove the other axel and housing. Worked out really well. Used a shop crane to remove the housing. I have a housing and axel from a 41 if U need one. Also a drum. Getting the springs on the shoes can be a chore. Probably should get new axel seals also. Be mindful of all shims.

 

[Marlettj]

Thanks guys for the advice. I'm also going to do ours this spring.