Brake Shaft Seal Replacement

I would really like to thank "AGirlAndHerTractor" from our message board for this excellent write-up.

Here's a how-to on changing out a leaky rear brake seal and seal collar. This was done on a YM1601D which will be nearly identical to most other models.

Symptoms of this repair was oil leaking around the brake backing plate on the left side. Since this is an old tractor I decided to go ahead and do both sides. Hoye has a good write up on R&R brake shoes . This deals specifically with the seal and collar.

Repair time
About an hour per side - maybe a little more or less depending on tractor and mechanic skill.

Parts needed for both brakes
2 brake backing plate gaskets
2 brake collar seals
2 brake collars
2 cotter pins

Repair with pics

  1. Jack rear of tractor and support with sturdy jackstands (min 2 ton to be safe)
  2. Remove rear wheel (optional but gives you more room to work)
  3. Remove brake rod. Discard old cotter pin.
  4. Remove 6 bolts securing backing plate to axle housing and remove backing plate. Set backing plate aside.

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    Note : obviously my shoes were soaked in hydraulic fluid. I opted to clean and reuse them since they were barely worn from a brake job a few years ago.

  5. Remove 27mm snap ring (aka retaining ring). You'll need a .07 snap ring tip.

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  6. Remove brake drum. If drum is tight, you may need a puller. [you will pretty much ALWAYS need a puller. The drum is on a tapered spline and is usually VERY stuck.]

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  7. Remove seal with a flat bladed screwdriver. It's OK if you damage the seal on remove - you're replacing it. Be careful not to drive your screwdriver deep past the seal as there is a bearing behind it. Just grab the edge then twist/pull it out. Pic of area after seal removed:

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  8. Remove collar. I found the 18" "Pittsburgh" pry bar from Harbor Freight has a perfect bend and worked well.

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    Gently apply pressure on the back of the collar. It has a rubber inside surface and should gently slide off the shaft. Careful not to scratch the shaft surface.

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    Old collar:
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Installing new collar and seal
  1. Apply a thin coat of grease to inside of new collar. I also put a little grease on the back edge of the brake shaft where the collar sits.
  2. Slide the collar as far back as it will go without force.
  3. Temporarily slide the brake drum on the shaft. Use a block of wood and mallet to tap the collar down on the shaft. You'll feel it tap up against the bearing. Remove drum.

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  4. Again, grease up the inside and outside of the collar seal. I also put some grease on the surfaces around the shaft and collar. No need to slather it on - just a thin layer is enough.
  5. Temporarily slide the brake drum on the shaft. Use a block of wood and mallet to tap the seal into the seal cavity. The drum will get the seal flush with the brake cage. Remove drum.
  6. Use a deep well socket and carefully drive the seal the rest of the way in. You'll feel it bump up against the bearing.

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  7. If the inside of your brake compartment is crusty or oily - clean before going ahead. Be sure your drain hole is clear and free of obstruction.
  8. If you had to use a puller to remove the drum, use an angled pick to scrape the crust/dirt out of the shaft splines. Do this on the shaft and the brake drum.
  9. Finished seal & collar replacement:
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  10. Reattach backing plate and secure with 6 bolts.
  11. Reattach brake rod and new cotter pin
  12. Reinstall wheel