Frozen key way

DanH

Member
Working on our farmall h trying to replace the seals on the brake pedal shaft. On the clutch pedal side I can't get the key way loose to remove the pedeal. Any ideas on how to remove the key way that is frozen. Thanks
 

I will assume you are talking about the woodruff (half-moon) key for the left hand brake lever? If so, yes, those can be stubborn. I usually get a grip on it with a pair of side cutters, and then use the side cutters as a sort of "lever" to lift the key out. Sometimes it works easily, sometimes not. If you see a lot of rust, soak it down with penetrating oil and let it set.

You might also try tapping on one end of the key with a hammer. The half-moon should "roll" out. In extreme cases, I've had to resort to the hot wrench. Heat both the key and a small area on the shaft.

If you can't get the brake lever to slide on the shaft, make sure the bolt is completely out, and then gently drive a wedge of some sort into the slit, spreading it apart ever so slightly.
 
Take the side cutter & grind the sides of it so that both cutting edges are shaped like a wood chisel. (single taper on each half of the plier, not two like it was from the store).
This will let you get the plier cutting edge right down on the shaft and will give you the best grip to remove the half-moon key. Grip the key firmly and rotate the handle upward in a prying motion.
Good luck.
 
(quoted from post at 11:36:42 07/28/14) Take the side cutter & grind the sides of it so that both cutting edges are shaped like a wood chisel. (single taper on each half of the plier, not two like it was from the store).
This will let you get the plier cutting edge right down on the shaft and will give you the best grip to remove the half-moon key. Grip the key firmly and rotate the handle upward in a prying motion.
Good luck.

Good to know I am not the only one to use that trick. It was taught to me by my auto mechanics instructor. Some would say that using side cutters for that purpose is an improper use of a tool, and is actually abusing the tool, but hey, it works. Better than any other method I know of.
 
Here's another trick. Use a good center punch and put it at the end of the key in the shaft. Tap it down under the key and it should roll out also. Don't use too large of a punch,
 

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