[AT] de-greasing disc brakes

[jtchall at nc.rr.com]

OK, I’m normally one of the first people to say don’t try this just buy some new ones. However, 4 disc brakes to fit my combine will run me $450 from Deere—they are not available aftermarket—it appears the 3300 was the ONLY thing to use this particular transmission. I’ve got plenty of pad left on them. I had a light leak/sweat on one side, the other is dry. Anyone ever had any luck degreasing a set? As stated they weren’t really greasy, but they just have a look and feel that to me suggests at some point they have gotten grease on them. I’m thinking about soaking them in Purple power for a couple days. I washed them off with Gunk yesterday.

When I put this combine back in service 3 years ago I  ground down the spots on the steel parts (larger and smaller diameters left as the discs wore them away) where the pads don’t run. Installed new balls and springs. This time I am going to try re-machining the 2 steel pcs that actuate the brakes as I can tell they are not wearing flat. I’ll hand sand the discs on a ground plate or surface plate—yes I know they are probably asbestos so I’ll take reasonable precautions. I’m also going to replace the seals in the transmission.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

John Hall