Stihl chain saw with malfunctioning brake

[PineRidge]

I have a Stihl chain saw, approx. 9-10 years old with a chain-brake problem. Was using it and when I hit the brake heard something snap and it no longer functions. This isn't a case of something wearing out like a pad or band as it suddenly stopped working. Are these brakes repairable and if so what should I be looking for when I disassemble it?

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I would look at where the handle attaches to the brake band first. Depending on which model you have they have a slot where the brake band goes into that may have pulled out. Usually they are all goobered up with sawdust so hose it out with compressed air if you have it or WD-40. You can find a lot of the parts on Ebay as well. There aren't a lot of parts to try and figure out so you should be able to see what's happening with the side cover off.

 

[xyz123]

Model of saw?


I just had to repair a husky 455 with non working brake. Somehow the big tensioner spring got out from under the plastic cover. No exit wound or nothing which has me puzzled.

What a pita to reinstall spring, re-engage brake and get working right. 45mins

 

[s219]

You probably broke the brake band, or a spring. But I could say more definitively if you told us which model Stihl.

 

[PineRidge]

I haven't had an opportunity to even get a model # off the saw because of work. I'll see if it can happen later today. i appreciate the help.

 

[PineRidge]

Had a bit of time today to disassemble the 026 Stihl. After taking off a couple of the covers it was easy to see why the brake quit. A hefty spring that puts tension on the brake band came apart. Once I locate the spring the hardest part about the fix might be stretching the new spring. I'm thinking that the tool I use when changing brake parts/springs on a car might be just the ticket to get the spring stretched and re-installed. Thanks for the suggestions and help guys.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Cool on the find.. Gee you even cleaned up the saw to see and take pictures.. If you have a local Stihl. Looks like needle nosed vise grips will do the job. Wear Safety glasses...

 

[PineRidge]

Cool on the find.. Gee you even cleaned up the saw to see and take pictures..

Found out a long time ago that spray brake cleaner really knocks off the oily crud. Have used it for years.

Just found a Stihl brake spring on Flebay for 3 bucks.

 

[xyz123]

Cool for you that was a easy one. :thumbsup:

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Check out the rest of the mechanism in there and the sprocket on the clutch while you have it apart. Get all done at once.