MF 165 Brake Adjustment

I have perused my very inadequate IT Service Manual and it really is quite vague in regards to adjusting the brakes. My right had brake works fine, however my left only depresses slightly and is not working at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi LJS,
I assume you are referring to a 'dry' brake 165.
If the actuators are worn it is possible that you may have to find the point where wear is least noticeable. You might end up with the pedal perhaps two thirds of the way down. Problems that you are likely to encounter are sudden grabbing or resistance to push the pedal downwards and then it will suddenly go.
To adjust the brakes;
Ensure that the brake arm lever on the front of the axle housing is free and has no excessive wear at the pivot pin point in the housing which is bolted to the axle. Disconnect the brake rods, two on each side if you have a handbrake fitted. Jack up each side and adjust up until the wheels just go tight.
Tie the pedals up to the steering wheel. Adjust the rods so that the pins can just be fitted. Nip the lock nuts and splitpin up. Slacken the adjuster on each brake until the wheel can be turned freely. There will be a drag through the epicyclic reduction unit. This will give you an approximate adjustment.
With the pedals latched carry out final balance by braking on a hard surface. Ideally you should have one to two inches of free movement at the foot grip grid. It may be necessary to slacken each side a little more to get best results.
If the one wheel still shows no sign of braking then you may have oil contamination of the discs due to a failed oil seal.

DavidP, South Wales

Cool I'll try that out during the week David and let you know how it goes. I really need a schematic of the setup but will do the best I can until I purchase a good manual. I have finally decided to really get my hands dirty with our tractors and my first goal is restoring the 165 to sound mechanical condition, then throwing on some good sheet metal.

Hi LJ,
It costs a bit more but it is always best to go for a genuine MF manual. Lots more info in them.
DavidP