IH 300 Utility Brake Issue

pwyld

Member
I like to know if anyone else has or had a similar problem with one of their brakes overheating. My left brake seems to drag and heat up. I checked the brake pedal for any signs of drooping. It does not and the spring for the brake pedal holds it taught all the way up. I removed the brake actuating assemble and checked it for any broken or malfunctioning parts. It appears to be function properly. The brake pads appear to show sign of overheating. I made sure the adjustment screw has a little play so it does not tug on actuating assembly and put the brake in a tight position to rub against the brake housing. There is enough play in it that I can push and pull on the brake actuating assembly with the adjustment screw, so I don’t think the brake is in a locked position when the brake is completely assembled.

My right side brake works just fine. There is no play in the brake actuating system, so I’m confused why it does not want to heat up like the left hand side brake, which does have a little play. When I step on the right brake I can lock the wheel, which I can’t do on the left hand side. When I try to lock the left brake I can only bring the wheel to a slow roll. I assume it’s because the disc pads are burnt. Any thoughts?
 
Only time I ever had a problem is if I forgot to unlock the brakes and drove off. When you're young and clueless, it takes a while to figure out why the tractor doesn't seem to be running right. Then you smell the smoke. Then you hope Dad doesn't notice the burned brake drum when you get home.

There are two springs on the actuator that bring it back to the closed position. If those are weak or the actuator is dirty they could be allowing the actuator to partially engage, thereby creating the hot brakes.
 
There are two springs on the actuator that bring it back to the closed position. If those are weak or the actuator is dirty they could be allowing the actuator to partially engage, thereby creating the hot brakes.[/quote]

I think you got something there. When I pull on the adjustment screw the actuator does not tug back. I did have the actuator off once, but never gave it a thought that it should snap back. This weekend I'll take it apart and hopefully all I have to do is replace the springs.

Thanks.. :D
 
As I remember,there are 3 (or 2 or 4) balls inside the actuator,and they roll in a groove which narrows as it causes the actuator to expand.They can hang up in the groove,keeping the brakes applied. They can hang up because the ball is worn, or the groove. A different actuator may be needed if the groove is worn.Also the housing brake surfaces may be worn,and you might have to have outer housing machined down a little to compensate the over expansion of the actuator.Mark
 

I had taken the actuator out only once. I don't remember how it actually worked. That is, ball or incline slide that made it expand. I do remember there were springs in it.

If I recall the price for a new actuator was approx. $150. I'm hoping the actuator can be disassembled so I can repair it myself.
 

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