Adjusted the Brakes Today

[todds112]

Was wishing I had a 710 instead of a 712.

Screwed it up the first time. I "misinterpreted" the term "easy to turn by hand". Took it for a test drive and I had drastically worsened my braking.

Attempt #2. I turned the adjusters until I could NOT turn the drum by hand, than backed out one click. Except for the #2 axle which I backed out 2 clicks. Went for a drive...MUCH better.

Shoes and drums looked great. I did pull the drums and cleaned them out, they weren't too bad. Looks like I have alot of life left on the shoes.

I was starting to get a squeal on braking. I think the adjusting and cleaning cured it.

[andy]

Todd, just curiosity, how long did it take you to do it each time? That is one of the few things I have done in a previous life that I think I can manage. My problem is having to squeeze it in between rainy days and feeding deer leases. It has to be daylight for me to even think about doing it. # 1 No decent outside light, # 2 I can't see for beans anymore in the dark. thanks.

Andy

[Wayne Roberts]

I think that you may have tightened your brakes too tight. I believe that they should be backed off 3-5 clicks. I run in deep mud almost every weekend. I have to pull the wheels and clean up the brakes or the mud eats the lining quickly. As a general timeframe for each wheel is around 30-40 minutes per wheel. This includes cleaning and adjusting the brakes. I wish that there was a way to clean out the drums without pulling the wheels. It is a pain but it is part of owning a Pinz.

[Profpinz]

The thing with doing the brakes (I'm just talking about adjusting them....not changing the shoes etc), is that you can't see much anyway ....it's mainly done by feel!
The bulk of the time is spent jacking up the wheel/s and removing the tyre .... the actual adjustment is fairly quick and simple!

[andy]

I can put together an hour or two most of the time. Should one do all four (in my case) at once or will one or two suffice, as in is that safe?

Andy

[milesdzyn]

Andy...If you can't do all of them at the same time, at least do one axle complete starting with the front axle then the rear. If you have a 712 do the front axle first, then the rear most of the rear tandem axles second, and finally the forward of the rear tandem axles last. And remember the forward of the tandem rear axle brakes should be turned back one extra click than the rest of the brakes. Good luck.

Miles

[andy]

milesdzyn, I only have a 710 M, but every once in awhile, after it has sat for a day or so, right after start up I get a squeal on the right front and it almost feels like it is grabbing. It goes away after about 1/4 mile, but it is worrisome and probably shouldn't be ignored.

I suspected it might be a deal where you would want to do at both on the same end at the same time.

Now watch, I'm going to do this, first chance I get, and after an hour and a half, I'll be in here on the computer begging for help, cuz the tire wouldn't come off or something.

Thanks

Andy

[todds112]

They seem to be perfect now. No drag on them at all. There was no mud in the drums at all, just some brake dust. There is no mud here this year. Went right from snow to dust!

Took me about 3 hours the first time with removing the drums and cleaning them out. The second time it took about 2 hours to redo them all.