A load pin brake cell apparatus includes a load pin element that can be machined with a pair of external grooves in order to create independent load locations. A sleeve can be installed over the load pin element and can be welded at each edge of the grooves to relocate the pair of grooves to interior of the load pin element. The sleeve and the load pin act as one homogenous component to ensure a predictable and total transfer of stress and strain to a strain gauge located within the load pin. The ratio of a cross-sectional area between the sleeve and the load pin can be kept to a minimum in order to minimize the non-linearity due to bending stresses. The sleeve wall preferably possesses a sufficient thickness to prevent yielding at the grooves.