John Deere B brakes

[Cavalier]

I have 1943 B. Serial # 144427. I wish to inspect the brake shoes and inner works. It seems the hard way is to pull the shift cover and reach down in the trans and remove a nut and cotter pin then slide the brake shaft out, hoping your wheels are not in so much that you cannot remove without jacking up tractor and sliding wheel out. That is how we fixed brakes on the A but we were already in the trans so not an issue. And we had to slide the tire out to get the brake shaft out.

Is there an easier way? Any thought of removing the rivets on the brake housing, fix the brakes, then drill and tap some holes? Any input appreciated.

 

[GreenAcres]

The entire brake housing simply unbolts from the main case with three bolts, take off the entire brake unit and work on it on the bench.

 

[James Howell]

"<font color="#6699ff">[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Is there an easier way?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"

Agree with [b:654c4848f0]greenacres[/b:654c4848f0].

Take a look at the [b:654c4848f0]BRAKES[/b:654c4848f0] diagram below.

Note the cap screws (Key 20), nut (Key 21), lock washer (Key 22), stud (Key 23), and housing (Key 24).

Remove the two cap screws, then the nut and lock washer from the stud.

Note the brake drum (Key 2).

Grab the housing and brake drum with both hands and remove it from the main case.

Note the washer (Key 29), pinion (Key 30), nut (Key 31), and cotter pin (Key 32).

Remove the cotter pin, nut, pinion, and washer.

Note the shoes (Key 6) and adjusting screw (Key 16).

Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to remove spring tension on the shoes.

Locate a solid block of wood.

Note the brake shaft (Key 3)

While holding the brake drum on the edges, gently drop the brake shaft on the block of wood.

The housing will come loose and slide off freeing the brake drum and brake shaft.

Hope this helps.

 

[David G]

You should write manuals, I always enjoy reading your notes, even if I am not working on one.

 

[James Howell]

Thanks.

Was once a college computer instructor and programmer for many years.

When a student(s) had a question, would create a one page step-by-step illustrated answer for that particular question.

Worked well in the classroom and was the presentation "method" for all the e-learning/online/distance learning courses that I developed.

Same method used here on the YT forums; just different subject (antique tractor) matter.

 

[George by Geneva, NY]

I would add to what Greenacres and James said: take the seat and platform off, then the bolt and nuts are a lot easier to get to.