Bends in Brake Rods?

MartyAndrew

Member
Hi. I have 29 coupe and prepping parts to put back onto the straightened, painted frame. My service brake rods have various bends in them. Some look accidental, like someone tried to pull back on the pedal then the brakes were stuck in the applied position. Some others look like they were there for routing around something. I took pics before I took them off the car. They are attached. You can see a crook near the rear running board bracket and also near the motor mount. Are these supposed to be there and if not, should I just straighten them out before painting the rods? Thanks.
Marty
 
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I didn't attach the photos 1st time around. I went thru the steps this time, but I don't see them in my 'reply' screen. I hope they end up attached this time!
 
The brake rods should be straight. I hammer my bent brake rods straight on an anvil. I weld and redrill the clevis pin holes.
 
Yes, by all means, straighten your rods.
With bent rods, a lot if your foot pressure goes to "straighten" the rod, without being used, at all, for stopping power.
A straight pull with a straight rod is the most efficient.
MIKE :)
 
Rods sometimes are bent as a attempt to adjust brakes, not correct should be straightened
 
I've tried using bent rods, I've tried straightening bent rods. However, I gave up and went ahead and got new rods. Brakes equal safety and with my abilities {or lack of..} I figure new and straight was the best way to go.:)

Bob-A:D
 
New Front Springs after market) have raised the front end, brake rods are "bent" going back. Your recommendations pls.
 
New Front Springs after market) have raised the front end, brake rods are "bent" going back. Your recommendations pls.

Just loosen the bolts on the brake rod springs (anti-rattlers) and let them find the relaxed position where the rods are straight. If someone bent the rods, then remove the rods and straighten them in a vice, or by pounding the bends down on a large flat plate. I've used both methods with success.:)
 
Many thanks to everyone. Straight makes perfect sense to me for all the reasons given in the replies. I'm off to straighten them now.

Marty
 
Thank you Tom, the rods are straight as an arrow (my PC w/photos in the shop will post tomorrow) the brake rod springs look to be an inch or more too short. The springs are new from a good vendor and this has happened to both A's here. Thanks for your reply !
 
You don't by chance have the emergency brake springs on the front rods and all 4 of the service brake springs on the rear do you? Just a thought since you are an inch short. Tim
 
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