T-20 Band Failure Warning Signs?

[jpswift1]

Does anyone know what warning signs there might be when the bands start getting low on a T-20. I just wanted to know so I dont ever wear a drum down with a band that doesnt have any brake material left on it. Anybody have ideas? Thanks.

[Don]

When you hear that big bang and lose your brakes on one side, it's time to check the bands!

The only real indicator I've found is the adjustment on the plungers. Once the adjustment is all the way in and you've still got too much throw in the sticks, it's a good chance the bands are about done. The only time I've ever seen the transmission slip is when someone mistakenly put gear oil into it and the lining flaked off the bands.

[liflod]

I think the limit is 11/16" on the plungers. If they come put farther than that, the bands are worn too the limit.

[porcupine73]

Muh oh. I'm wondering about this on my '99 max IV with t-20. Now it seems I have to push the control handles forward manually to get the trans to fully grip. Maybe it is time for drum/band adjustment? It has had a fair amount of metal shavings the last two times i hcanged the ATF. Not sure how hard the adjustment will be on the Max IV since the engine sits right on top of the t-20 trans and you can hardly see the trans.

[Mike]

I think you can do it without removing the engine. You won't be comfortable but I think it can be done. I was just looking at that this weekend. The Max IV has never had an adjustment and I'm about to do it sometime this week. I will let you know how it goes...or you let me know if you do it before me

[jerrynuss]

How much travel do you have in your controls? You can adjust the transmission in the machine. I just pull the floorboard and back seat to make it easier. For someone having to push the laterals forward, this should be done anyway, but you may want to lube your plungers while making the adjustment.

To make the adjustment I remove the clip off the u-channel then move the control lever so the bolt comes all the way out then sort of wedge it so it doesn't pop back in. The I can move the u-channel and bolt lock out of the way and turn the bolt in with my fingers.

[fulleraviation]

Lubricating the plungers

Hey Guys,

You are probably right about the adjustment needed in this case, BUT...

My 2007 Max IV with 100+ hours on it did the same thing and here is what I found.

I could pull back on the stick and release the stick. The plunger would kind of hang up a little and would require forward pressure to seat back.

I do have my spring tension loosened some on the sticks.

When turning it drove me crazy and would have to apply forward pressure to get that side to drive again. Of corse it is good practice to hold some forward pressure.

Anyway, I sprayed silicon spray into the plunger area and worked the sticks back and forth. It corrected the sticking action. I now spray the plungers fairly regulary.

Rut