1961 Full size Ford brake question

[Sid]

First did 61 Fords have self adjuster brakes in 61? My 2'nd question is if it did, Isn't there supposed to be a spring that bridges at the bottom from shoe to shoe just above the star adjuster? Resembling the non automatic adjusters? My thought that without a spring from shoe to shoe there is nothing keeping tension against the star adjuster. I was thinking 61 was a little early for self adjusters.

 

[fordor41]

if '61 had self adj. brakes there is no spring. the adjuster holds the star wheel. that's why you have to push the adjuster back towards the backing plate to manually adj. the star wheel thru the access hole.

 

[Lanny]

I think Mercs had self adjusters in the late 50's ('58) i think.
and I think Ford started using self adjusters in '60 or '61.

The bottom spring goes from the lower self adjuster bracket
to a lower hole in one of the shoes, if I remember correctly.

And the star wheel had more adjusting points on it for self adjusters.





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[bobss396]

There should be a spring over the adjuster to keep the shoes against the adjuster. I did convert a bunch of old Fords over to self adjusters over the years. Any kit from 1964 to 1974 should work. Just make sure it matches the drum size. The only change is the length of the cable for the rears.

 

[packrat5]

fordor41 and lanny are correct. The other guy is not.

 

[Sid]

It just seems that there should be a spring to keep the shoes snug against the adjuster. I can't recall seeing a set-up without a spring over the adjuster. Usually with self adjusters the spring arches over the star to allow the self adjuster to do its job.

 

[V8 Bob]

The Bendix (Ford) self adjusting lower spring does not contact the star (adjuster) wheel, but connects the adjuster lever to the lower primary shoe. This pulls the shoes together and forces the lever against the star wheel.
Below sample is a RR.

 

[fordrodsteven]

I pulled this image from my Chilton's manual. The book says this is correct for '61 to '66 full size Ford & Thunderbird.

 

[Sid]

Thanks Guys....Went to wrecking yard today to view some Ford F100's and you are right. The spring goes from the self adjuster arm to the opposite shoe. I think that spring may me weak on my car.