125 brake leak

[namvee]

Hi all,

I've been trying to track down a hydro leak on my beat up 125 for some time and think I've got it nailed down to the brake lining retainer. I'm relatively new to this, so I have some questions that will probably seem pretty basic to most of you but any info would be greatly appreciated ... so here goes.

1) I assume it's leaking because the o ring on the retainer has gone bad, is that likely it or is there some other possible reason it might leak from the brake plunger area?

2) If it's the o ring, is the replacement procedure roughly the same for both hydro and gear drive? I've seen a gear drive replacement procedure but If there is one specifically for hydro, I didn't see it.

3) Will I basically have to drain the hydro and open the back plate to get at this thing? I just need to know if I need to order another new gasket for the back plate.

4) Does the tractor need to be split for any reason to do this? It's split now, but I need to put it back together to mow the lawn and I really don't want to have to split it again when the parts come.

In case it matters, I should mentioned that the brake has never worked in the year I've owned the machine. That being said, I've yet to try the standard adjustments to make the brakes work.

Again, any input would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anybody has any helpful pics, vids or links on this issue, that would be great as well.

[Yosemite Sam]

If you already have it out (the rear end) You can get away with tipping it up to not lose the fluid when you take the plunger out.

Sometimes the plungers can be difficult to remove, they have a taper on the front, outside part of them. I usually use an ice pick to clean the area where the taper is.

If I remember correctly on the last one, I clamped a pair of small vice grips (the ones with the kernelled jaws) on the plunger, one jaw inside the hole where the steel ball goes and the other jaw on the taper, and used a twisting motion to pull the plunger out.

I don't think there is anything special about the "O" ring, you should be able to pick one up anyplace where they sell such things.

If yours is leaking, I wouldn't suspect that it is "frozen" in the hole, but if it is, you may have to remove the reduction housing and drive it out from the back side.

Good luck.