brake issue

[ArgoSteve]

on my last trip out my right brake (mechanical brake system) has become hard to operate, I almost have to pull it back to the seat for it to stop, but the left one is fine/normal. Is my pads worn? Can the brakes be adjusted?

Thanks,
Steve

[ArgoSteve]

Here is a pic of what is happening. This is how far I have to pull on the lever for the brake to engage.



Anyone know what's going on here?

[racerone3]

it sure looks to me like your pads are worn out. pull the firewall, push both levers forward and use a screwdriver to push all the pads away from the rotors (both sides) then compare the distance between the pads and rotors on both sides. i'm betting you will have a much bigger gap on the right. i'm not sure what adjustment there is for them .

[AlaskaGrizzly]

Could be your pads but it could also be that your brakes out of adjustment. If your pads still have some meat to them then try adjusting them. Mechanical brakes take some TLC to keep working good. Shold be a 1/2" double nutted bolt through the brake caliper assembly that the brake lever arm is on. Loosen the outside nut and tighten the inside nut until the brake starts working good again. Then tighten the jamb nut to keep it in place. On long trips with my first machine I always had two 1/2" wrenches handy so I could adjust my brakes as needed. Throw a moose in the back of an 8X8 with mechancial brakes and you learn fast how much it helps to keep your brakes adjusted!

[Rock Doctor]

Right down where the brake arms are mounted to the Argo, there is a threaded rod on each brake arm (Brake adjustment Rod). Tighten the nut to tighten the brake, loosen the nut to loosen the brake (1/2" or 9/16" Deep Socket, I don't remember). You can see the Adjustment Nut for the LEFT Brake in your pic. In order to remove the "Firewall", you must remove these brake adjustment nuts, so the brake handles fall forward towards the seat. This will give you room to pull the Firewall out, and give you access to your mechanical brakes.
You said "On my last trip out", as though this happened suddenly? I would suspect the Brake Actuator Plate may be bent or worn out. (Brake Adjustment Rods are conected to this plate and held with a Cotter Pin)

Check out this PDF File, and you should get a pretty good idea of whats going on (Section 7):

http://www.argoatv.com/_uploads/recreational/documents/24_Argo_Operators_Manual_671-04_-05-2003.pdf__(761_K)_(Prior_to_2004_Models)v1.pdf

[ArgoSteve]

problem solved. the right pads were wore down to the rivits. Also the adjustment nuts had losened off plus the inside bolt on the pad had stripped the threads and couldn't tighten down.

So I bought the pad/caliper kit and changed it out, works like a charm. The left side is still working good and should get a few months of good operation.

Thanks for all your advice. I love this place, couldn't do it without you guys!!