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Mend Craftsman 917.271555 Problem Tractor

Brake problem - Craftsman lawn tractor?

Tractor model 917.271555 - DANA transaxle model 4360-140
My brakes were not holding, I verified the adjustment per the owners manual.
I then ordered new "Friction Pucks" (brake pads).

To finish mowing, I shimmed each existing pad out about .030"-.040" (to simulate thicker pads) and reset the adjustment. This did not work.

I noticed the linkage / adjustment rod had a deep gouge worn about 1/3 way through it where the brake actuating lever pushes on it when the brake pedal is pushed in. I made a thin steel sleeve to slide over this worn area. This did not help either.

I then tried adjusting the lock nut holding the actuating lever on, both inward and outward, but still no good.

With the shift lever in Neutral, the brake depressed and locked in place with the brake locking lever, I can still easily turn the rear wheels.

Any ideas?
Why would my attempt at shimming the pads outward not work?
Also - How do I re-adjust the lock nut on the actuating lever properly when I put in the new pads? (This adjustment is not described in the owners manual.)

jeff schultz
May 2008

Craftsman Craftsman 917.271555 Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers Problem Craftsman Tractor

Going to ask an obvious question here - the brake acts on the transaxle, which is fitted with a differential - I assume that when you tested the brake by turning the rear wheels, you were trying to turn BOTH of then simutaneously in the same direction (or at least had one of them on the ground whilst turning the other)? If not, with the transmission locked with the brake, the wheels will counter-rotate and give the impression of the brake not working.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders
May 2008