How do the brakes work on a SQ top loader?

[mtn1584]

Recently, my AWN542 starting making an intermittent squealing noise. I had the belt and drive pulley changed, but the noise continued. I called Alliance, described what was happening, and was told my brakes needed silicone. Much to my surprise, the serivce tech came out, and lubricated the brakes and voila, no more squealing noise. Now the tub is back to indexing, and I know this will eventually stop, but I still would like to know how the brakes work. This noise was only heard during agitaion, when the brakes are supposed to keep the tub from indexing I suppose.
Mike

 

[yogitunes]

if I have this right, the brake is along the function of a disc brake for an auto....

during spin, the motor reverses, and the helix at the bottom of the pulley causes the rotors to seperate from the pads, and allows the tub to spin.....

during wash, the pulley is in counterclockwise direction, causing the helix to close the rotors together on the pads, stopping the tub from spinning during wash phase....during the oscillation strokes the brake is under tension and the tranny is trying to move it, this slight movement is whats causing the noise.....

what I do when this happens is put two tiny drops of Zoom/3n1 oil on the rotor.....the tub will index ever so slightly, maybe 1/2 inch for every stroke, but thats liveable, and the noise is gone....

 

[mtn1584]

Thanks Yogi,
Mike