54 Mercury front brake question

Bob from Northport

Well-known member
Have been disassembling the front brakes for cleaning and painting. In the photo, the is a funny bolt and a large washer on the right side of the backing plate that is loose and turns freely. Can anyone tell me what it is for???
Center right of the photo
 
Last edited:
Kultulz,
I read the entire content of that information. Do you mean that the washer/bolt is some type of eccentric for adjusting the shoes?? I took the RF apart today, and that bolt was tight.. But the LF was very loose. I see you posted a photo near the end of that information showing the same washer bolt on the backing plate
 
Yes, an eccentric used to properly adjust the brake shoe.

Were you able to read the pages from the WSM?

The 1954 FORD had the eccentric on the secondary shoe and an adjustable anchor pin.

The 1955 FORD had the eccentric on the primary show with a fixed anchor pin.

REVELATION AND ADDENDUM -

It just dawned on me that we are talking MERC, not FORD ... :rolleyes:

The MERC 1954/55 CHASSIS CATALOG shows parts usage for 1954 only on the MERC.

Do you have a 1954 MERC WORKSHOP MANUAL?

https://www.detroitironis.com/1954-1955-mercury-factory-shop-manuals-cd.html
 
Last edited:
Yes. I have every manual I could find on my 54 Mercury

Check the section on front brakes and see what it says. It should be the same as 1954 FORD but I would want to be sure. Yours should also have the adjustable anchor so that will need to be done also.

Source of replacement shoes?
 
The shoes on the front are nearly new. I am going to replace the spring set. Do you have a source for new shoes?? I'll read the section on front shoes when I get to my shop today.
Thanks!!!!
 
Last edited:
I forgot to mention -

If having relined at a quality shop, if you include the drum inner diameter(s), they can arc-grind the shoes to fit the drum properly. Saves a whole lot of break-in time and stretched seat covers.
 
Never did answer the man's question ...

The only two sources of brake hardware I would trust would be either RAYBESTOS or CENTRIC.
 
Back
Top