Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): brake/shifter shaft on peerless transaxle model 180B118, dowel pins, dowel pin

Question
hi Eric
I have a 11 year old palmer independence plus ive never been able to adjust the disk brake and i found out why recently. i have discovered that when in neutral the brake disk spins free, so i took apart the trans case and have not found anything broken or obviosly wrong with it,shift keys, collar and fork all look ok and it shifts threw all 5 gears and reverse.do you have any idea what it might be? i called palmer industries in ny and they told me that can't happen but it does. if you could give me some info i could use i would appreciate it, i would like to call palmer and tell them i fixed it.
thank you very much
       colin

Answer
The most common problem with the brakes not working is rusted/dirty brake arm pins.  You need to clean both dowel pins with a wirebrush to remove all dirt/debris.  Also clean the dowel pin holes.  I use a piece of steelwool on a small drill bit and just run the steelwool/drill bit through the dowel pin holes to clean and polish the holes.  When re-installing the pins use a little white grease for lube.

Re-assemble the brake arm assembly, set the parking brake, then adjust the brake arm adjusting nut until the brake holds the mower in place with the parking brake.  Test operation and adjust again if needed.

Let me know if this helps.

Eric