Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): garden tractor brake/clutch adjustment, dowel pins, dowel pin

Question
Sears garden tractor-Dana transaxle-brake assembly on right side of trans-case. I have replaced the pucks on the brake assembly (the old ones were almost totally worn).  The adjustment nut on the linkage rod is out (towards the rear) almost as far as possible.  Also, I notice that if I snug up the nut which attaches the brake lever to the housing, the lever will not return after the brakes are applied.  If that nut is too loose the lever does not depress the plungers enough for the the pads to grab.  Too tight and the lever will not return.

I am trying to find the correct balance between the tightness of the brake lever retaining nut and the linkage adjustment.  When I get the proper braking, with the lever returning after application, I find that I have no clutch play.  I cannot ease into 4th, 5th, or 6th without "popping a wheelie."

How to I correct the lack of clutch play and still get proper braking?

Answer
Did you remove the dowel pins and clean with a wirebrush or sandpaper?  Also, clean the dowel pin holes by using a small drill bit with steelwool on the tip of the drill bit.

With all the brake parts clean start the adjustment process by making sure the clutch is adjusted first.

When the clutch is adjusted adjust the brake arm nut, on the brake assembly, so the brake holds the mower in place when the parking brake is set.

Did you adjust the clutch when you replaced the pucks?

Eric