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The Case 688G and Its Hydraulic Brake System
The Case 688G hydraulic excavator was part of Case Corporation’s late-1980s to early-1990s lineup of mid-sized machines designed for general excavation, roadwork, and utility trenching. With an operating weight of approximately 35,000 lbs and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 120 hp, the 688G was built for durability and simplicity. Case, founded in 1842, had already earned a reputation for rugged construction equipment, and the 688G was widely adopted across North America and Europe for its straightforward hydraulic systems and mechanical reliability.
One of the more nuanced systems on the 688G is its parking brake, which integrates hydraulic actuation with spring-applied force. Unlike purely mechanical brakes, this design uses hydraulic pressure to release the brake and relies on spring tension to engage it when pressure is lost—such as during engine shutdown or emergency stop.
Understanding the Brake Location and Configuration
Depending on the production variant, the parking brake on the 688G may be located on either the rear axle or the front axle’s pinion shaft. Machines with rear axle brakes typically use a hydraulic cylinder that applies the service brakes by pulling on levers mounted to each side of the differential. These cylinders are spring-loaded to extend and apply braking force, and retract under hydraulic pressure to release the brakes.
In contrast, machines with front axle pinion brakes feature a dedicated brake housing mounted on the pinion shaft. This housing contains friction discs and splined couplings that lock the shaft when the brake is engaged. The presence of this housing—absent on the rear axle—helps identify the brake location during inspection.
Symptoms of Brake Failure and Initial Diagnosis
Operators have reported cases where the parking brake fails to engage upon engine shutdown, despite the rocker switch functioning correctly. In one scenario, the brake had previously dragged during operation and was forcibly released by rocking the machine back and forth. After this event, the brake ceased to function entirely, even though the switch still controlled gear engagement and engine start interlocks.
This behavior suggests that the brake release mechanism—normally activated by hydraulic pressure—may have been damaged during the forced release. If the brake is located on the front axle pinion, the most likely failure points include:
The parking brake on the 688G is a spring-applied, hydraulically released system. When the engine is running and the rocker switch is in the “off” position, hydraulic pressure is sent to the brake actuator, compressing the spring and disengaging the brake. When the switch is turned “on” or the engine is shut off, pressure drops and the spring forces the brake into engagement.
If the brake fails to engage, possible causes include:
Inspection and Repair Strategy
To diagnose and repair the parking brake system:
Field Anecdotes and Preventive Measures
A contractor in Kansas recalled a similar issue with a Case 788 excavator, where the parking brake failed after a winter transport. Upon inspection, the friction discs had worn down to bare metal and the splines were rounded off. After replacing the discs and installing a pressure gauge on the hydraulic line, the brake functioned reliably.
Another operator in Nebraska noted that his 688G’s brake failed after a dragging incident. He traced the issue to a stuck solenoid valve that continued to apply pressure even when the switch was off. Replacing the valve and cleaning the electrical contacts restored normal operation.
To prevent future failures:
Parking brake failure on the Case 688G excavator is often linked to hydraulic release issues or mechanical damage to the friction discs and splines. By understanding the system’s spring-applied, pressure-released design and inspecting key components like the actuator, solenoid, and brake housing, operators can restore functionality and prevent future breakdowns. With proper maintenance and transport practices, the 688G’s brake system remains reliable—even decades after its initial production.
The Case 688G hydraulic excavator was part of Case Corporation’s late-1980s to early-1990s lineup of mid-sized machines designed for general excavation, roadwork, and utility trenching. With an operating weight of approximately 35,000 lbs and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing around 120 hp, the 688G was built for durability and simplicity. Case, founded in 1842, had already earned a reputation for rugged construction equipment, and the 688G was widely adopted across North America and Europe for its straightforward hydraulic systems and mechanical reliability.
One of the more nuanced systems on the 688G is its parking brake, which integrates hydraulic actuation with spring-applied force. Unlike purely mechanical brakes, this design uses hydraulic pressure to release the brake and relies on spring tension to engage it when pressure is lost—such as during engine shutdown or emergency stop.
Understanding the Brake Location and Configuration
Depending on the production variant, the parking brake on the 688G may be located on either the rear axle or the front axle’s pinion shaft. Machines with rear axle brakes typically use a hydraulic cylinder that applies the service brakes by pulling on levers mounted to each side of the differential. These cylinders are spring-loaded to extend and apply braking force, and retract under hydraulic pressure to release the brakes.
In contrast, machines with front axle pinion brakes feature a dedicated brake housing mounted on the pinion shaft. This housing contains friction discs and splined couplings that lock the shaft when the brake is engaged. The presence of this housing—absent on the rear axle—helps identify the brake location during inspection.
Symptoms of Brake Failure and Initial Diagnosis
Operators have reported cases where the parking brake fails to engage upon engine shutdown, despite the rocker switch functioning correctly. In one scenario, the brake had previously dragged during operation and was forcibly released by rocking the machine back and forth. After this event, the brake ceased to function entirely, even though the switch still controlled gear engagement and engine start interlocks.
This behavior suggests that the brake release mechanism—normally activated by hydraulic pressure—may have been damaged during the forced release. If the brake is located on the front axle pinion, the most likely failure points include:
- Stripped splines on the friction discs
- Worn or broken return springs
- Hydraulic cylinder seal failure
- Electrical solenoid malfunction preventing pressure delivery
The parking brake on the 688G is a spring-applied, hydraulically released system. When the engine is running and the rocker switch is in the “off” position, hydraulic pressure is sent to the brake actuator, compressing the spring and disengaging the brake. When the switch is turned “on” or the engine is shut off, pressure drops and the spring forces the brake into engagement.
If the brake fails to engage, possible causes include:
- Hydraulic pressure not venting due to a stuck solenoid valve
- Internal damage to the actuator preventing spring extension
- Friction discs worn smooth or splines stripped from excessive torque
- Electrical fault in the switch circuit preventing valve actuation
Inspection and Repair Strategy
To diagnose and repair the parking brake system:
- Locate the brake housing on the front axle pinion or rear differential
- Inspect hydraulic lines for leaks or pressure retention
- Test the rocker switch circuit for voltage and continuity
- Remove the brake housing cover and inspect friction discs for wear
- Check spline engagement and spring tension manually
- Replace damaged discs, springs, or actuators as needed
- Flush and bleed the hydraulic system to ensure proper pressure delivery
Field Anecdotes and Preventive Measures
A contractor in Kansas recalled a similar issue with a Case 788 excavator, where the parking brake failed after a winter transport. Upon inspection, the friction discs had worn down to bare metal and the splines were rounded off. After replacing the discs and installing a pressure gauge on the hydraulic line, the brake functioned reliably.
Another operator in Nebraska noted that his 688G’s brake failed after a dragging incident. He traced the issue to a stuck solenoid valve that continued to apply pressure even when the switch was off. Replacing the valve and cleaning the electrical contacts restored normal operation.
To prevent future failures:
- Always secure machines tightly during transport to avoid rocking
- Cycle the parking brake weekly during idle periods to prevent sticking
- Inspect hydraulic fluid condition and replace annually
- Test switch and solenoid function during routine service intervals
- Avoid forcing the brake to release by rocking the machine under load
Parking brake failure on the Case 688G excavator is often linked to hydraulic release issues or mechanical damage to the friction discs and splines. By understanding the system’s spring-applied, pressure-released design and inspecting key components like the actuator, solenoid, and brake housing, operators can restore functionality and prevent future breakdowns. With proper maintenance and transport practices, the 688G’s brake system remains reliable—even decades after its initial production.
