Brakes

Gman · Post by **Gman** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 4:17 pm

Hello eveyone. I have never had brakes when in reverse or going backwards down a hill, dangerous at times. Brakes work going forward, left or right works when making sharp turns. I always thought this was possibly due to the weight of the power major. Are there any adjustments that may correct this? I have never inspected brakes but sense she stops going forward thought maybe an adjustment would help.
Thanks
Gerald

henk · Post by **henk** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:28 pm

GMan,

How far can you put the pedal in?
You can adjust the shoes by turning the vertical adjuster. This can be done with a screwdriver through the hole covered by a small plate behind the adjuster.
Maybe your shoes are worn too much.

Gman · Post by **Gman** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:27 pm

Thanks Henk. I reread my post, she will stop while in reverse on level ground, she does not want to stop if on an incline or backing off of a trailer. I do not have to push pedals down very much to stop going forward. The shoes probably do need replacing, I've never looked at them. It appears the back wheels would have to be removed in order to inspect them. I will look into the adjustment and see if it helps any. Thanks for you advice, it is always appreciated.
Gerald

essex pete · Post by **essex pete** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:28 pm

I would be interested to hear about this as well. Our old loading shovel based on a reversed skid always braked better in reverse than forward. Had rather assumed that it might be the trailing shoe effect?

super6 · Post by **super6** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:44 pm

hi gman
i put new shoes on my major last year, i shampherd down leading edge and rear edge, i have excellent brakes going forward but in reverese i have to use all my leg power to stop her especially with my trailer on.
Maybe it is normal.

MAXPOWER · Post by **MAXPOWER** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:08 pm

while we are on the question about brakes, anyone know a good source in the states for brake rebuild parts? i have the shoes need hardware.
thanks

Dandy Dave · Post by **Dandy Dave** » Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:59 pm

I put relined shoes on my Power Major several years ago and never really thought about how it stops in reverse. I've loaded, and unloaded it off of my trailer a number of times and never had a problem. It does stop in either direction but with that said, I never try to stop it half way up the ramps either. You could set yourself up for problems doing that. I did a lot of York raking with it last year on a long driveway with a decent grade, and did not notice a problem. The brakes now need adjusting as they are starting to wear in. This will be the first time since I installed them. Next time I run it, I will take better notice. Dandy Dave!

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 1:24 am

Just buy new brake shoes. (I bought mine off ebay). You don't want to be messing too much with the old ones, since they are most likely asbestos.

Kiwi Kev · Post by **Kiwi Kev** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:33 am

At the risk of upsetting the purists, I have fitted a hyd master cyl to each of my brakes pedals, and a hyd slave cyl inside each brake drum. Now stops real good.
Kiwi Kev

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:52 pm

Hi Kev! I'd sure appreciate some of the particulars of installing hydraulic brakes on a major as I will be facing a massive amount of brakework soon and this sounds like a good way to go. Thanks!

Foxen · Post by **Foxen** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:06 pm

With the help of a small vacuum pump driven off the crankshaft you could even get yourself some servo assisted brakes(nick off the brake force modulators from two older volvos)

Kiwi Kev · Post by **Kiwi Kev** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:54 am

Kim
I've got the Major in the shed at the moment, already to tackle the gearbox. Will take some photos of the brakes within the next couple of days for you.
Kiwi Kev

Kiwi Kev · Post by **Kiwi Kev** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:49 pm

Kim
Here are the pictures as promised
The master cylinder for each wheel,

and the slave cylinder inside the drum

Hope this helps you, and will not upset too many other people.
Kiwi Kev

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:53 pm

Thanks for the photos, I'm going to have a go at it after I raid the wreckers yard for parts!

Foxen · Post by **Foxen** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:51 pm

Kiwi Kev wrote:
Kiwi Kev

The threaded holes facing upwards in the upper right corner on the drive shaft housing, what size thread are they?

Kiwi Kev · Post by **Kiwi Kev** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:41 pm

Foxen
The threaded holes are 5/8 UNC.
Kiwi Kev

Foxen · Post by **Foxen** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:50 pm

Thank you

Then I will be hunting for four 5/8 unc bolts very soon then

fergusont20 · Post by **fergusont20** » Thu May 06, 2010 7:45 am

Kiwi Kev wrote:Kim
Here are the pictures as promised
The master cylinder for each wheel,

and the slave cylinder inside the drum

Hope this helps you, and will not upset too many other people.
Kiwi Kev

what a fantastic idea! looks really well done! do you have any pictures of the brake pedal setup and also inside the drums? i wouldnt mind replicating this on my major. did you have much trouble getting it all to work??

thanks Mark