Brake Adjustment, What am I doing wrong?

TechnoMayor

TechnoMayor

Junior Member
After watching a couple of YouTube videos and reading several posts on adjusting Model A brakes, I fired up the table saw and made the suggested stair-stepped adjusting stick.

With my '29 RPU up on jack stands, I adjusted my brakes per the procedure on the video and posts and all appeared as expected.

On the test drive the brakes seem to work a little better, but no matter what I tried, I cannot get the brakes to lock up.

Am I doing something wrong, or is there a deeper problem with the brakes?
 
Are your brake rods set to the proper length? Sometimes folks will change the length of the rods thinking that is the way to adjust. All 4rods meet to be the proper length 51-7/16" thru 51-1/2". I would start there.

Beyond that, what have you done? New Brake shoes? Are the Rollers new or to spec?
 
To add to QGolden's reply, the various mechanical parts (rods, shoes, drums, actuators, etc, etc) all need to be to spec before adjusting per the videos and books will produce top-notch braking. Advise doing a thorough inspection as a first step. Hopefully you have some local club resources who can help with this. Good luck - let us know how you make out.
 
QGolden said:
Are your brake rods set to the proper length? Sometimes folks will change the length of the rods thinking that is the way to adjust. All 4rods meet to be the proper length 51-7/16" thru 51-1/2". I would start there.

Beyond that, what have you done? New Brake shoes? Are the Rollers new or to spec?
Click to expand...

Is that measurement from center line of clevis to center line of clevis?
 
if the shoes are not arced and centered, only the high spot of the linings will contact the drum, hence, no lock up. There must be full contact, or close to it.
 
I did very much what you described but could not lock up the brakes. I then changed out the hard modern linings with the original equipment woven linings which are much softer. I can now lock up the brakes when needed. One caveat is that everything is connected, all systems must be in working order in this brake system. Drums, Shoes, Rods, Roller Track, Wedges, ... Good luck!
 
Get a copy of the Ford Model A Service Bulletins if you don't already have a copy. They explain how to adjust your brakes properly.
 
Yes, center eye to center eye. Setting up the brakes is a process, not an event.

I read once that when you step on the brake pedal, there are 300 components that need to move in sync with each other to make effective brakes. I am not sure if the 300 number is correct, but if you think about it, you have 4 seperate quadrents (each wheel)that needs to work from on single point (the pedal). Start at the wheels with the drums, (wear, diameter, etc),to the shoes, (wear, material, centered ) to the rollers (wear, lubed, pins, interaction with shoe) to the springs, cams, rods, pins, bearings, cross shaft, etc. there is a lot going on when you step on the pedal. Even wear on the right side will effect left side brakes. Les's book gives good details as well as the service bulletins.
 
QGolden said:
I read once that when you step on the brake pedal, there are 300 components that need to move in sync with each other to make effective brakes. I am not sure if the 300 number is correct, but if you think about it, you have 4 seperate quadrents (each wheel)that needs to work from on single point (the pedal). Start at the wheels with the drums, (wear, diameter, etc),to the shoes, (wear, material, centered ) to the rollers (wear, lubed, pins, interaction with shoe) to the springs, cams, rods, pins, bearings, cross shaft, etc. there is a lot going on when you step on the pedal.
Click to expand...

We should start a contest to guess the correct number!
Even counting every cotter pin, etc. I cannot think of more than 200 or so...

Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top