MF 135 Brakes

Got a chance to buy a MF135 with oil leaking into the brake drums. How big of a job is it to replace seals and brakes.

Hi Phil, the job is straightforward but the halfshafts are quite heavy. To shim up the half shaft end float the chances are that you will have to remove one of the shafts several times. Shaft endfloat is important here because if excess float is present the shafts can run off centre creating a ‘gap’ at the seal lip for oil to pass through. Check that the oil level is correct in the back end. Too high and it will work it’s way past the seals. Unless there is any evidence of rough bearings you only need to replace the inner seals. When you have removed the h/shaft note the number of shims between the back plate and axle housing. The seal can be prised out and a new one tapped into place using a large socket or similar. Prior to fitting the seal the end float of .002-.004” should be obtained and the number of shims each side noted. When checking the clearance make sure that the ‘other’ shaft is fully out. Temporarily fit the shaft and secure with 3 equally spaced nuts/bolts. You will find that refitting the Rh shaft will require a bit more effort as you have to steer the inner end through the outer dog clutch disc of the differential lock mechanism. Having an assistant to hold the backplate in place when you remove the shaft is very helpful. Check for wear in the shaft end cams and build back with weld and grind off if necessay. Disconnect the brake rods and adjust as per my previous posts.
Cheers
DavidP, South Wales

Why would you need to reshim it if you are just replacing the seals? I did the bearings on my 205 industrial about 20 years ago but that had wet disc brakes and I remember having to shim that. I guess I am confused. Seems to be happening a lot more lately.