Hello Guys

I've been having a great time playing at tuning my D2-5U. Today it was time to investigate the brakes. I pulled the inspection plates (very black and slightly oily inside, is that normal ??) and followed the operators manual to adjust (not that they really needed it, brake pedal travel was already pretty right). I reset the band support bolt underneath.

Anyhow I was looking to see why the left brake sort of "grabs" and jerks the tractor round, instead of me being able to glide her round. When the adjusting nut is turned it sort of doesn't loosen evenly, one sixth turn loosen from about 3" pedal travel the pedal travel drops to 1". Is something bent, broken or what down in there ??. How can I tell how much brake pad I have left ??

Many thanks - Foster

I'd doubt that anything is broken in there. The adjusting nut (4B4931)has a sort of half moon surface on the bottom and as I recall, adjustment is by a half a turn at a time. Anything other than that and it doesn't seat like it should. IF the pic comes through, you can see what I mean.

As far as the rest of it, you might try dumping some diesel or kerosene in and running it back and forth for a while using both steering clutches and brakes. That will rinse off any old oil and "should" restore proper operation.

As far as checking how much brake mat'l is left, I think if you get twisted around just right you can see the edge of the brake bands. .or you might have to use a small mirror. It's been a while since I've gotten into my kitty so I really can't remember. .old age, no doubt.

I'd doubt that anything is broken in there. The adjusting nut (4B4931)has a sort of half moon surface on the bottom and as I recall, adjustment is by a half a turn at a time and you can feel it drop in place. Anything other than that and it doesn't seat like it should. IF the pic comes through, you can see what I mean.

As far as the rest of it, you might try dumping some diesel or kerosene in and running it back and forth for a while using both steering clutches and brakes. That will rinse off any old oil and "should" restore proper operation.

As far as checking how much brake mat'l is left, I think if you get twisted around just right you can see the edge of the brake bands. .or you might have to use a small mirror. It's been a while since I've gotten into my kitty so I really can't remember. .old age, no doubt.

Hadta resize the pic. .sorry. I'd forgotten about file sizes. .let's see if this one makes it

The adjusting nut has two points and two valleys..... adjustment must be made in 1/2 turn increments so that the nut rests in the valleys.... see pic..... hope this helps.

Hey thanks very much guys.

For some reason I thought the nut was adjustable in 1/6th of a turn increments, but with the photo I can see how it was running out of adjustment at 1/6th turn increments.

How thick are "new brake linings" ?? I'd say mine were about 3/16ths remaining, is this still enough so the rivet heads don't come through ??

Cheers - Foster

I'm not sure what the thickness is on new liners. .but if you have sufficient braking power now for your use, I'd postpone relining 'em for a while yet. Of course, if you're bored and have nothing better to do for a few days, have at it. If you decide to get in there, check your clutches too. I don't have the dimensions for a fresh pack or the allowable wear dimensions but I'm quite sure someone else in this forum does.

On the D4, new brake lining thickness is 1/4 in. The rivet set depth is 5/32 giving a usable wear thickness of 1/8 in. so at 3/16 in thick remaining you would be about 50% worn. I suspect the D2 would be the same.

Hi Foster

I've been following this thread with interest as I struck exactly the same problem on my 'new' (to me) D2-5U a couple of weeks ago. The reason you may have thought that the adjustment was in 1/6th of-a-turn increments is because that is what the Operator's manual says! Like yourself, I moved the adjusting nuts a bit and the pedal travel went from about 4" to 1". Didn't seem right so I put them back where they were. Now I know what the problem is, so once it stops raining I'll go and have another go at adjusting them.
I hope you're able to keep warm down there in the snow!

Adrian

Palmerston North

Hello Adrian

Nice to hear from you. Sorry to report that there is no snow where we are (Otatara, just outside InverVegas) but it is pretty cruel outside, my Cat is inside but I havn't bothered to go work on it.

If you want to talk by all means give me a ring 03 213 0894, especially if you know anyone with parts.

Cheers - Foster