Backhoe JD 400 Brakes

shad2005 · Aug 1, 2011

I just bought a John Deere 400 backhoe/Bucket, it had a little brakes when I loaded it on trailer, But had none when I got it off trailer. would like input on possible problem,or schematic of brake system so I have an ideal of what to look for. Thank You

Zebrafive · Aug 3, 2011

Go to JDparts and take a look at the brake system. Each pedal has it's own valve and a line to each sides brake. Brake is internal disc. Start by bleeding the system. If water go in the trans brake linings may be ruined. Or piston at the brake disc may be froze.

shad2005 · Aug 4, 2011

i was going to change hydraulic fluid, and did find water in system. changed fluid and tryed bleeding,I have very little flow and no petal still. any thoughts. Thank You.

jd110 · Aug 4, 2011

You can rule out a problem with the brake valve by unhooking the brake lines at the valve. Put a cap on the fitting coming out of the valve. If the pedals are then hard, then the valve is good. If pedal still goes to the floor, the valve is bad.

shad2005 · Aug 6, 2011

Thank You for your help.

shad2005 · Aug 11, 2011

Thank You For the information. Do you know how hard it is to rebiud valve? are the O-rings somthing I can get out of my o-ring kit, or are they special?

NHEngineer · May 24, 2023

Zebrafive said:
Go to JDparts and take a look at the brake system. Each pedal has it's own valve and a line to each sides brake. Brake is internal disc. Start by bleeding the system. If water go in the trans brake linings may be ruined. Or piston at the brake disc may be froze.

So then Mr. Zebrafive, I read you response with interest since the brakes on my JD400 backhoe are also a problem. Left side need bleeding every morning. Right side bleedds just fine but the pedal won't move after closing the bleeder. I assume that it's the piston.

My shop manual is a $75 photocopied job whose photos are almost useless so I'm not sure what the internals look like. Externally, it looks like a fix requires removing the tire, axle and axle housing - probably beyond me replacing the piston (I'm 80 years old). Your input would be appreciated.