MTD 17.5 / 42" - Brake Operation and Adjustment

[Joe Struthers]

I have a 12 year old MTD lawn tractor which I am servicing. Its in good condition but has not been used for last couple of years. Currently attending to the brake which is a simple disc brake. I do not believe the brake is operating properly as the tractor will still roll with the pedal applied. There is a rod connecting to the clutch pedal and there is a tension spring between the rod and the brake caliper. There does not appear to be sufficient tension applied when the foot pedal is operated and there is no means of adjusting connecting rod tension . I believe that I can adjust the clearance between the brake pad and the disc (0.013" ?) but can anyone lead me through the operation of the brake linkage?
Thanks - Joe

 

[pugaltitude]

Assuming manual transmission?

Usually caliper held on with 2 "3/8" bolts.
Remove bolts.
Pull caliper off brake rod.
Remove centre nut usually 1/2'.
Pins will be siezed in caliper.
Remove and clean pins and holes.
remove disc and give pads and disc clean with emery.
Fit in reverse but dont tighten centre 1/2' nut.
Apply brake pedal and lock.
Tighten centre nut until disc stops spinning.
Disengage pedal.
Good to go.
If required tighten or slack centre nut.

 

[Joe Struthers]

Thanks Pugaltitude - I will strip the brake calliper as you described. "Wha's like us?" - Joe