Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Brakes on Rally Mower, dowel pins, dowel pin

Question
I bought a Rally Riding Mower recently and have discovered the brakes don't work. I don't know where to find the model of the mower, but it has a 1998 Briggs and Stratton 14.5hp OHV engine that runs great. It has the gear shift on the side instead of between the legs. It has the knob on the left side sitting on the seat to turn to adjust the highth of the deck.  I pulled the right wheel off and observed that the disk is still in good shape. I tried adjusting the screw but that wasn't the problem.  I believe that some of the parts may be missing. I have the manual the owner gave me, but it doesn't help. I compared it to my 2004 Troy bilt pony and it doesn't look like it works the same way. I looked on the internet trying to find information that I could use to no avail. I am hoping you will be able to help me out since I would like to sell it but want everything to be in working order. I bought the mower from the original owner and the outward appearance is very good.  If you could find a brake diagram with part numbers, that would be fantastic.  Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.  

Stephen

Answer
You probably have a Peerless or Dana/Foote transaxle.  The brakes work all the same.

Check out this link, page 26:

http://www.wfmfiles.com/download/Tecumseh-Peerless_Motion_Drive_System_-_Transmi(691218).pdf

The most common problem is rusty brake puck dowel pins.  Remove the brake assembly.  Pay close attention to brake puck on the dowel pin side...there will be a metal plate between the brake puck and dowel pins.  You MUST have this part.  You do NOT have to remove the disc unless you need to replace the inner brake puck.

Take out the dowel pins.  Clean/polish with a wirebrush, steelwool or fine grit sandpaper.  You can them to be clean from rust.  

Clean the dowel pin holes.  I use a small drill bit wrapped with steelwool to clean the inside of the dowel pin holes.  Again, remove all the rust and debris.

Clean the are where it contacts the dowel pins.  

Re-install brake assembly.  I usually bolt the brake puck housing to the trans, then LIGHTLY lube the dowel pins and arm with white grease.  Then put the arm and nuts on.

To adjust, set the parking brake.  Tighten the nut until the mower will not roll.  Release the mower and see if will roll easy.  Re-set parking brake, test to make sure it will not roll...adjust as necessary.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric