For any farmer or vintage tractor enthusiast, a Farmall tractor isn’t just a machine; it’s a workhorse, a piece of history, and often, a daily companion. Ensuring its peak performance and, more importantly, its safety, is paramount. Among the most critical components for safe operation are the brakes. Over decades of service, even the most robust Farmall brakes can wear out, losing their effectiveness and potentially creating hazardous situations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of replacing the brakes on your Farmall tractor, providing detailed steps, essential safety tips, and expert advice to help you restore your tractor’s stopping power with confidence.
Whether you’re dealing with worn-out bands, discs, or simply a spongy pedal, understanding the intricacies of the braking system and how to properly service it is crucial. We’ll delve into the necessary preparations, the step-by-step disassembly, the actual replacement of components, and finally, the crucial reassembly and adjustment phases. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to tackle this vital maintenance task, ensuring your Farmall remains a reliable and safe asset on the farm or in the field.
Prepping for success: safety and supplies
Before you even think about grabbing a wrench, prioritizing safety is non-negotiable when working on heavy machinery like a Farmall tractor. Begin by parking your tractor on a flat, stable surface. Chock the front wheels securely to prevent any movement. Disconnect the battery to eliminate any electrical hazards. When lifting the tractor, always use a robust hydraulic jack capable of handling the tractor’s weight, and immediately follow up by placing sturdy jack stands under the axle or chassis. Never rely solely on a jack. Personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and steel-toed boots, should be worn throughout the process.
Once your safety precautions are in place, gather all the necessary tools and replacement parts. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and prevent frustrating interruptions. Here’s a typical list of what you’ll need:
- New brake shoes, bands, or discs (depending on your Farmall model)
- New brake return springs
- New axle housing gasket and seals (if applicable)
- Brake cleaner or degreaser
- High-temperature grease
- Assorted wrenches and sockets (including large sizes for axle nuts)
- Torque wrench
- Impact wrench (optional, but helpful for stubborn bolts)
- Pry bar
- Screwdrivers
- Hammer/rubber mallet
- Drain pan for gear oil (if draining axle housing)
- New gear oil (if replacing drained oil)
- Brake spring tool (can be helpful)
- Shop rags
Tip: Consult your specific Farmall model’s service manual for precise part numbers and torque specifications. This is invaluable for ensuring correct assembly and long-term reliability.
Opening up the axle: disassembly and inspection
With safety measures established and tools ready, it’s time to access the braking system. The first step involves removing the rear wheel on the side you’re working on. Loosen the lug nuts while the wheel is still on the ground, then lift the tractor and fully remove the wheel. Secure the tractor again on jack stands.
Next, you’ll need to gain access to the brake drum or disc assembly. On many older Farmall models (such as the H, M, C, A), the brake components are housed within an extension of the rear axle housing. This typically means you’ll need to remove the entire axle housing side cover that holds the brake drum or disc assembly. This might involve draining the differential or axle housing oil first, as the housing can be partially submerged. Place a drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug, if necessary, allowing the old oil to completely evacuate. Then, systematically remove the bolts securing the axle housing extension or brake cover to the main differential housing.
Once the housing is carefully removed, you’ll expose the brake drum and the brake shoes or bands (for dry brake systems). Take this opportunity for a thorough inspection. Look for:
- Brake lining wear: Are the linings worn thin or completely gone?
- Oil contamination: Is there oil or grease on the brake linings? This indicates a leaking axle seal, which must be addressed.
- Spring condition: Are the return springs stretched, broken, or weak?
- Drum/disc surface: Is the drum scored, grooved, or heavily glazed? Minor scoring can sometimes be machined, but severe damage warrants replacement. Discs should be flat and free of deep grooves.
- Linkage wear: Check the brake actuating rods and clevis pins for excessive wear or rust.
Identifying and addressing any other issues found during this inspection is critical for the long-term effectiveness and safety of your new brakes.
The heart of the matter: replacing the brake components
With the brake components exposed and inspected, it’s time for the actual replacement. Carefully remove the old brake shoes or bands. These are usually held in place by springs and pins. A brake spring tool can make this job significantly easier and safer, as the springs are under considerable tension. If your Farmall uses disc brakes, you’ll remove the worn discs and any associated separating plates.
After removing the old parts, thoroughly clean the entire brake housing, drum, and any reusable components with brake cleaner or a suitable degreaser. Remove all dust, rust, and oil residue. This step is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your new brakes. Pay particular attention to the actuating cams or plungers, ensuring they move freely. If an axle seal was leaking, now is the time to replace it. Carefully pry out the old seal and tap in the new one, ensuring it’s seated squarely and not damaged during installation. Apply a thin layer of grease to the sealing surface of the new seal before installing the drum or disc assembly.
Now, install the new brake shoes, bands, or discs. Follow the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure the new brake linings are correctly oriented and securely seated. Attach the new return springs. This can often be the most challenging part due to the spring tension; again, a dedicated brake spring tool will be a great asset. Make sure all pins and retainers are correctly installed. For disc brakes, stack the new discs and friction plates in the correct sequence, often with a friction disc followed by a steel separating plate.
Here’s a quick overview of common brake component types for various Farmall series:
| Farmall Series (Examples) | Brake Type | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C, H, M, Super H, Super M | Dry Band or Shoe | Brake bands/shoes, brake drum, return springs, cam/linkage |
| 400, 450, 560, 706, 806 (and later) | Dry Disc or Wet Disc | Brake discs (friction & steel), pressure plates, actuating balls/ramps, springs (for dry disc); wet disc packs (if oil-immersed) |
Putting it back together and adjustment
With the new brake components in place, it’s time to reassemble the axle housing. Before you do, install a new gasket on the mating surface of the axle housing extension or brake cover. A thin layer of RTV silicone sealant on both sides of the gasket can aid in sealing and prevent future leaks, but ensure it’s compatible with gear oil. Carefully lift the housing back into position, aligning it with the bolt holes. Reinstall all the mounting bolts, tightening them incrementally in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Consult your service manual for the correct torque specifications for these bolts; overtightening can warp the housing, while undertightening can lead to leaks.
If you drained the gear oil from the differential or axle housing, refill it with the correct type and amount of new gear oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific oil grade and capacity. Overfilling or underfilling can lead to performance issues or premature wear of internal components.
Once the housing is securely reinstalled and the oil refilled, remount the rear wheel. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. Lower the tractor off the jack stands.
The final, crucial step is adjusting the brake linkage. Farmall tractors typically use a mechanical linkage from the brake pedals to the brake actuating cams. Adjust the rods so that there is a small amount of free play at the brake pedal (usually 1-2 inches before the brakes engage). The goal is to have both brakes engage at the same time and with equal force when both pedals are depressed. This ensures straight-line stopping. Test the individual pedals as well. If one side engages too early or too late, adjust the corresponding rod until symmetry is achieved. There are usually turnbuckle adjusters on the rods or nuts at the brake cam levers. A proper adjustment is vital for safe and effective braking.
Conclusion
Replacing the brakes on your Farmall tractor is a significant maintenance task that, while requiring effort and attention to detail, is entirely achievable for a mechanically inclined individual. By diligently following the steps outlined – from meticulous safety preparations and gathering the right tools to careful disassembly, component replacement, and precise reassembly and adjustment – you can confidently restore your tractor’s essential stopping power. We’ve covered the critical aspects, including identifying different brake types, inspecting for wear and damage, and the importance of using new gaskets and seals to prevent future issues.
The reward for your efforts is not just a tractor that stops reliably, but also enhanced safety for you and anyone working around the machine. A well-maintained braking system prevents accidents, allows for precise maneuvering, and ultimately extends the working life of your beloved Farmall. Remember, patience, a thorough approach, and referencing your tractor’s specific service manual are your best allies throughout this process. Don’t rush, double-check your work, and take pride in knowing you’ve performed a vital service that keeps your Farmall operating safely and efficiently for years to come.
Safe operation is paramount, and effective brakes are at its core.
Image by: Elena Mozhvilo