1850 brake issue

I did a search of YT and didn't find this topic, so here goes...

A guy at work has an Oliver 1850 with a brake issue... the right side brake locks up from time to time. This has been a problem with the tractor for several years. The brake will function fine for a while, then for a while will make a squeal/scraping sound when the brakes are applied, then will suddenly lock up when the brake is applied. Upon disassembly, metal bits are found to be embedded in the brake pads. The brake pads are replaced and everything works fine for a while, then the brake noise, brake lockup, and metal filings in the brake pads repeat themselves.

He says that there's no signs of oil/grease getting into the brakes, and he doesn't see any obvious wear on the brake components where the metal filings could possibly be coming from. (I haven't seen the tractor.) The left side brake works fine and has never been disassembled. All the tractor restorers he has talked to have never heard of this kind of problem before.

Any ideas as to where these metal filings could be coming from, and if they are the cause of the lockup? I'm assuming that the pads he's putting on aren't semi-metallic, but I can't be certain of that. I've replaced plenty of automotive brake pads and know what semi-metallics look like before and after use, but he might not. If they are semi-metallics, then the metal flake mystery is probably solved, but still not the mystery of why the brakes would work fine for a while, then make noise, then lock up.

Wonder if he replaced the balls, springs, and cleaned up the ball ramps?

Might take the brake actuator apart and look for wear. Ball and cam might be worn out. Metal flakes could be coming from there. PK

My 1800 does that all the time. I have to take the brakes apart 2 or 3 times a year and clean the brake dust out, then give the disks a light sanding. Everything has been replaced inside the brake housings.

My 1800 does that all the time. I have to take the brakes apart 2 or 3 times a year and clean the brake dust out, then give the disks a light sanding. Everything has been replaced inside the brake housings. My disks had metal parts in them from the factory.

my 1850 does the same thing always on the right side. I have replaced everything in side the housing one thing that seems to work for me is open the cover some and blow dust out with air compressor r back up slow with brake held pedal held down