The brake handle on my Cat does not return to its open position when released. I have to push it back out after I use it. Is there an adjustment that needs to be done to correct this? It's a minor annoyance.

Also, my rear differential plug continues to leak oil. I tried to tighten the plug and it broke in half.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img] I learned that it's only cast aluminum. I replaced the plug and it still leaks.

Thanks for the help.

 

That is funny you mention it b/c my uncle had that very problem on his 2001 500 auto this weekend,he belives it is from leaving the parking break engaged during prolonged storage and possible it is the return spring which has worn out?

 

I had the same problem with mine - if you leave the parking brake on for extended periods it stretches the cable. I am sure you can adjust it out, but after a while it should return to it's original length. Leave the PB off for a while and see if it returns. If it doesn't after a week or so you may want to adjust it to take the slack out.

 

I had this trouble on my 250 and now with the 375. A little WD-40 sprayed on the brake cable and other parts seems to eliminate the problem.

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] I think that with hydraulic brakes there are no return spings,or cables. WD-40 will do the trick. Once the handle piviot loosens up try a little white grease on it.Mine does that,have to keep applying it. My foot brake has a cable. That will hang up due to rust and mud.Try a little thread sealer on your plug.Just tighten carefully,sealer will allow you to tighten with less effort.

 

Thanks for the help, guys. FYI, I store my 400 in the garage and never leave the brake engaged. I'll give WD-40 a try. Thanks again.

 

For the diff leaking have you considered putting a gsket on the plug. You could make one yourself out of an old intertube. I have used this tirck for numerours things before and it seams to work well. Plus the rubber will act as a lock washer on the plug and further assist in alleviating the problem. Just an idea to try to stop the leaking [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

For the leak there should be a o-ring on the plug. Check it, might be missing or damaged.For the handle, like Win3855 said take the pin out of handle apply some light grease to the pin and the area that the handle touchs on the sides. Here is the trick do NOT tighten the bolt going through the handle to tight. Stick the bolt(pin) in after greasing and try it then start tightening and try it, if it starts to bind up back off on the nut till it works.FYI Some time back some of the master cylinders were recalled on the 01 models. This might be your problem but I would check to see if the bolt is to tight and needs some lube first.

 

Cummins - thanks for the info. The plug is new and the o-ring is undamaged. I'm going to try some plumber's tape on it.

I applied some WD-40 to the handle. I'll try some grease too. If this doesn't work, I'll have the dealer check the master cylinder.

Thanks again.