Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Brake adjustment on Toro 212-5, white lithium grease, dowel pins

Question
Hi Eric,
I have the above Toro model fitted with a Peerless 930-020 gearbox/diff and having a torrid time trying to adjust the brakes on it. I have done all that is mentioned in the repair manual, but when you set the handbrake, l can still push the mower along. Desperate for some expert HELP !!!!!
Kind Regards
John

Answer
One trick with adjusting the brake is to make sure the dowel pins and holes are clean.  I would take the brake assembly off, remove the two dowel pins and clean with a wirebrush.  Clean the inside of the holes with a small drill bit wrapped with some steel wool...this will really polish the inside and allow the dowel pins to slide freely.  Use a small amount of white lithium grease to lube the pins as well as the arm that contacts the dowel pins.  Re-assemble and adjust the brakes.

Once the brake assembly is clean and the brake pucks are degreased the brakes can be adjusted.  I start by setting the parking brake, tighten the nut until the mower will not move.  Release the brake and see if the mower rolls easy.  Repeat until the parking brake holds the mower in place.

Let me know if this helps.

Eric