D17 III Brakes

So the tractor has not been used for awhile and after running it for a short while in F & R to disk up a small plot the brakes lock up when going forward.  I'm guessing that theres drag between the brake bands and brake drums causing the drums to roll the balls up the ramps and set the brakes.  Sorry, but this is one of those posts where I'm looking for suggestions before I really get into it.  Thinking I need new pedal return springs and probably brake band return springs. 

You are right.  Lots of lining on the inboard side but there are metal particles on the outbord (drum) side.  I'm wondering how worn disc linings will cause the drum to rotate and set the brakes.  It does this without me touching the brake pedal.  I grew up with a pre series III tractor (different design) where we'd forget to take the brakes off until you could smell them.  Is there anyway short of removing the brake bands (freewheel) to continue using the tractor without brakes before I build up the courage to pull axles?

Edited by jeickman01 - 22 Apr 2024 at 8:54pm

So the outboard brake lining is not only gone but the friction hub on the axle has worn into the brake drum.  The brake band return springs are missing but I think the cause of the brake locking up was the loose pieces of the brake band lining wedging between the band and the drum.  This is my hobby tractor that I use on my 2 acre backyard and is never roaded in high gear and at full throttle.  Also, I don't need to brake steer it like I did as a kid on my Dad's early D17 in muddy feedlots so a brake on that side is not a priority.  I greased the drum surface and friction face and went back to work.  Very crude fix but you do what you have to do.  Maybe someday I'll get around to fixing it the right way. 

I just saw Rick Corder's post on Facebook that he is having a spring sale for the 100 series. You won't find better brakes than Rick's.

Dr Allis, your point is well taken...

Edited by jeickman01 - 24 Apr 2024 at 11:27am