IH Farmall 350 diesel - brake question

Each brake assembly consists of a pair of rotating brake disks splined to the differential output shaft. These disks have the friction material bonded to them. In between the brake disks sits an actuator assembly consisting of a pair of cast iron disks. The whole business is then sandwiched between the cast iron brake cover and the side of the transmission.

In operation, the brake pedal causes the actuator assembly to expand (thru balls and ramps between the actuator disks) when the pedal is depressed. This squeezes the friction discs between machined surfaces on the actuator disks, the inside of the brake cover and the side of the tranny causing the braking action.

Many people bad mouth Farmall disk brakes. However properly maintained they work great and last a long time. But they are extremely sensitive to contamination from leaking tranny lube, rainwater infiltration, lack of lubrication of the shaft splines/actuator disk balls, improper adjustment, etc. Also a set of 4 new friction disks (2 required on each side) will run close to $100.

Hope this helps...

They use disc brakes.

They are applied with a ball/ramp/return springs kind of an arrangement applying friction disc against metal disc.

Can't remember right off hand, what that gizmo is called that does the applying tho. :>)

Allan

I've gotta 560 and thought one day I'd just fix those dang brakes. They'll stop ya all right...and just about toss you over the wheel, especially the right one.

Tore it all apart, cleaned em up real good, and lubed the balls. Reassembled....dang, same thing. Closer inspection revealed the outer cover (right was the worst) both sides had hairline cracks. Buddy who grew up on 560s says that's pretty common. Now, I just drive a bit more careful...

I can't seem to find any new ones near me, and when you ask "are they cracked?" people get the idea yer a smarta**. I never noticed mine were cracked either till I cleaned 'em all up real good with wire brush and looked close at the inside surfaces.

I want to add here that there is simply no excuse for having bad brakes on tractors set up with the IH disc system. They are so easy to change. I bought new discs last month at $13.50 each.

It is amazing how well they do work, when set up properly.

Trouble is, if ya ever get used to those new-fangled hydraulic powered brakes, it about ruins your sense of humor. They are soooo nice.

Allan