Is Your Poulan Chainsaw Brake Stuck? Find Out How to Fix It Now!

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Poulan Chainsaw Brake Not Working

A Poulan chainsaw brake that isn’t working properly can be a major safety hazard. If the brake doesn’t engage when you pull the lever, the chainsaw could continue to run even after you let go of the trigger, which could lead to serious injury.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Poulan chainsaw brake that isn’t working. I’ll explain the different causes of this problem and how to fix them. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your chainsaw’s brake working properly again so that you can use it safely.

Most Common Reasons Of Poulan Chainsaw Brake Not Working

Most Common Reasons Of Poulan Chainsaw Brake Not Working

1. Loose or damaged brake cable

The brake cable is a critical part of the chainsaw brake system. If the cable is loose or damaged, it will not be able to apply enough force to the brake shoe to stop the chain. To check the brake cable, look for any signs of wear or damage. If the cable is frayed or kinked, it will need to be replaced. You can also check the tension of the cable by pulling on it. If the cable is too loose, it will need to be adjusted.

2. Faulty brake shoe

The brake shoe is the part of the chainsaw brake system that actually applies the force to stop the chain. If the brake shoe is worn out or damaged, it will not be able to stop the chain. To check the brake shoe, look for any signs of wear or damage. If the brake shoe is worn down to the point where it is no longer thick enough to make contact with the chain, it will need to be replaced.

3. Clogged brake housing

The brake housing is the part of the chainsaw brake system that houses the brake shoe. If the brake housing becomes clogged with sawdust or other debris, it can prevent the brake shoe from moving freely. To check the brake housing, look for any signs of clogging. If the housing is clogged, you can clean it out with a small brush or compressed air.

4. Faulty brake lever

The brake lever is the part of the chainsaw brake system that the operator uses to activate the brake. If the brake lever is broken or damaged, it will not be able to activate the brake. To check the brake lever, look for any signs of wear or damage. If the brake lever is broken, it will need to be replaced.

5. Insufficient lubrication

The chainsaw brake system requires lubrication to function properly. If the brake system is not properly lubricated, it can cause the brake to malfunction. To check the lubrication of the brake system, look for any signs of dry or worn-out grease. If the brake system is not properly lubricated, you should apply a light coat of grease to all of the moving parts.

How to Troubleshoot: Poulan Chainsaw Brake Not Working

Your Poulan chainsaw’s brake is an important safety feature that prevents the chain from moving when the saw is not in use. If your chainsaw brake is not working, it can be a serious safety hazard. There are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem and get your chainsaw brake working again.

Step 1: Check the brake lever

The first thing you should check is the brake lever. Make sure that it is in the correct position. The brake lever should be in the off position when the chainsaw is not in use. To engage the brake, move the lever to the on position.

Step 2: Check the brake spring

The brake spring is a small spring that helps to engage the brake. If the brake spring is broken or damaged, it will not be able to properly engage the brake. To check the brake spring, remove the brake cover. The brake spring is located behind the brake cover. If the brake spring is broken or damaged, you will need to replace it.

Step 3: Check the brake pads

The brake pads are two small pads that are located on either side of the chain. The brake pads help to slow down the chain when the brake is engaged. To check the brake pads, remove the brake cover. The brake pads are located behind the brake cover. If the brake pads are worn out or damaged, you will need to replace them.

Step 4: Check the brake cam

The brake cam is a small cam that helps to engage the brake. If the brake cam is worn out or damaged, it will not be able to properly engage the brake. To check the brake cam, remove the brake cover. The brake cam is located behind the brake cover. If the brake cam is worn out or damaged, you will need to replace it.

Step 5: Check the brake housing

The brake housing is the part of the chainsaw that houses the brake components. If the brake housing is damaged, it can cause the brake to not work properly. To check the brake housing, remove the brake cover. The brake housing is located behind the brake cover. If the brake housing is damaged, you will need to replace it.

Conclusion

These are the steps you can take to troubleshoot a Poulan chainsaw brake that is not working. If you are unable to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can take your chainsaw to a qualified chainsaw repair shop.

FAQs: Poulan Chainsaw Brake Not Working

Why is my Poulan chainsaw brake not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Poulan chainsaw brake may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The brake is not engaged. Make sure that the brake is engaged by pulling the lever on the front of the chainsaw. If the lever is not engaged, the brake will not work.
The brake is worn out. The brake pads on a chainsaw can wear out over time. If the brake pads are worn out, they will not be able to stop the chainsaw blade.
The brake is damaged. The brake can be damaged if it is dropped or if it is hit with a hard object. If the brake is damaged, it will not be able to stop the chainsaw blade.

How do I fix my Poulan chainsaw brake?

To fix your Poulan chainsaw brake, you will need to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can follow the steps below to fix the brake:

If the brake is not engaged, simply pull the lever on the front of the chainsaw to engage the brake.
If the brake is worn out, you will need to replace the brake pads. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Remove the chainsaw’s air filter cover.
2. Locate the brake pads on the front of the chainsaw.
3. Remove the old brake pads.
4. Install the new brake pads.
5. Reattach the air filter cover.
If the brake is damaged, you will need to replace the brake assembly. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Remove the chainsaw’s air filter cover.
2. Remove the brake assembly from the chainsaw.
3. Install the new brake assembly.
4. Reattach the air filter cover.

How can I prevent my Poulan chainsaw brake from failing?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Poulan chainsaw brake from failing:

Engage the brake before you start the chainsaw. This will help to prevent the brake from wearing out prematurely.
Keep the brake clean and free of debris. Debris can build up on the brake and cause it to malfunction.
Inspect the brake regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any problems with the brake, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

What should I do if my Poulan chainsaw brake fails while I’m using it?

If your Poulan chainsaw brake fails while you’re using it, you should immediately stop using the chainsaw and turn it off. Then, you should follow the steps below to fix the brake:

If the brake is not engaged, simply pull the lever on the front of the chainsaw to engage the brake.
If the brake is worn out or damaged, you will need to replace the brake pads or the brake assembly.
Once you have fixed the brake, you can resume using the chainsaw.

What are the safety risks of using a Poulan chainsaw with a faulty brake?

If you use a Poulan chainsaw with a faulty brake, you could be at risk of serious injury. A faulty brake could allow the chainsaw blade to continue to rotate after you have turned off the chainsaw, which could result in you being cut. You could also be at risk of being thrown from the chainsaw if the blade catches on something and the chainsaw becomes uncontrollable.

It is important to have your Poulan chainsaw brake repaired or replaced as soon as possible if you notice any problems with it.

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About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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