Yanmar Brake Shoe Replacement

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A very common issue with the yanmar tractor is sticking, stuck, or dragging brakes. The common cause is the shaft or cam(# 9) binding in the cover (#4). This is normally what keeps your pedal from returning to the top and what makes your wheels seem like they are turning hard. You may be surprised how tight the cam can get stuck in the housing. It is not uncommon to have to press this part out when doing a brake job. Here is how to do a correct brake job on a Yanmar Tractor-

- Remove the rear wheels - not necessary but it makes it easier to get to the brakes. Unhook the brake linkage #28 from the cam #9.

- Remove all of the bolts from the cover #4

- Make sure that the brake cam is in the neutral position- no pressure on the shoes. This can be difficult if the cam is stuck. You may need to use a wrench or even a light tap with a hammer to get it to move.

- Remove the cover by using a small chisel or prybar. Move around the cover plate and pry evenly and lightly. Take your time- it may be difficult but you do not want to brake this cover.

** brake shoes may contain asbestos - do not inhale brake dust **

- Once off you will need to remove the shoes and brake cam. Most of the shoes are just held to the cover by the tension of the brake springs themselves. Others may have a small snap ring that needs to be removed. You may need to press the cam out with a press or vise.

- Clean the cover completely. Clean the cam completely. Remove the oring (#13).

- Inspect the drum. If the surface of the drum is rusty or rough you will need to sand that smooth before you install the shoes in rough drums you can severely shorten the life of the shoes - all the way down to just a few stops before they are destroyed! The shoes are far to expensive to take chances.

- Lube the cam with a good quality grease or lubricant. Install new oring. Install new shoes onto the cover. Use new springs if your old springs are rusty or damaged.

- Install a new gasket - important because any water or humidity that gets into this compartment can cause more rust and more damage.

- Reinstall the linkage & rear wheels.

- Adjust the linkage so that the pedal has the correct free travel . Normally about 1/2" is fine. Be sure that both pedals are even so that in an emergency you will stop straight.

Note: If you are not sure you will be able to do this job safely or have any additional questions please contact us or your local dealer. Not all Yanmar tractors are the same. You brakes may be designed slightly different. We are not responsible for problems caused by use or misuse of this information.