Brake adjustment

[James Rogers]

First thing to do without fail is, put the car up on jack stands with one at each of the four sides under the AXLE not the frame. Don't expect to be able to adjust the brakes using any method if any wheel is hanging. This includes if you have a jack in the middle of the front or rear axle. You also need to make sure all wheels are hanging as close to possible at the same height. With this done, you should be able to adjust the brakes using the wooden stick unless there is wear in the tracks or rollers. If they won't adjust like this, check your internal parts for wear or damage.

 

[Richard Wilson]

OK, I will add my method, given to me by a retired Ford Garage mechanic. He said that when the Model A was new and needing an adjustment they would:

Get all four wheels off the ground. Next undo the brake rods at the adjustable end. Tighten all the brake adjusting wedges until the wheels will not turn. Now tighten the brake rod adjustments until you can just get the clevis pin back in. Next is backing off the adjustment wedge until the wheel turns. Put the car back on its wheels and you are done.

Of course this is assuming that your brake parts are in good operating condition.

I have used this method for thirty years and have always had good Model A brakes.

 

[steamgas]

wouldn't it be great too have a skype forum here!!skype is free.you already have a computer then all you need is a camera and mic.and you are ready to go.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

wouldn't it be great too have a skype forum here!!skype is free.you already have a computer then all you need is a camera and mic.and you are ready to go.

steamgas,
That sounds almost SCARY!! Would we have to tape down our middle fingers, would farting be allowed?? I'm covered on the last one, I'd blame it on the DOG! What about that saying, if looks could KILL? or, a picture is worth 987 WORDS! Bill W.

 

[jmeckel]

OK, I will add my method, given to me by a retired Ford Garage mechanic. He said that when the Model A was new and needing an adjustment they would:

Get all four wheels off the ground. Next undo the brake rods at the adjustable end. Tighten all the brake adjusting wedges until the wheels will not turn. Now tighten the brake rod adjustments until you can just get the clevis pin back in. Next is backing off the adjustment wedge until the wheel turns. Put the car back on its wheels and you are done.

Of course this is assuming that your brake parts are in good operating condition.

So, how much drag do you leave? Or do you adjust the wedge until there is no drag. Is this the part that was listed as just able to move the tire using 2 fingers?

 

[James Rogers]

So, how much drag do you leave? Or do you adjust the wedge until there is no drag. Is this the part that was listed as just able to move the tire using 2 fingers?

If you have a problem with the correct amount of drag, use a beam type torque wrench on a lug started in the same position on each wheel. This would tell you when you have exactly the same amoult of drag on each wheel.