Charles Reese
Well-known member
I share, with a very red face, the solution to my front brake operating wedge problem which I posted the other day. I wrote originally of my problem getting the actuating arm to properly engage/separate the brake shoes at the lower operating wedge. I discovered that I have the unique very early style operating wedge/stud (Jan 28 open pickup). I assumed this was the source of my problem and asked if I should replace these with the later style operating wedge. After numerous responses to my FB post (thanks to all!) I learned that I would have to modify my early backing plates to accept the later stud (a no-no in my mind). So, I dutifully (re)tore down the entire front brake system, inspected everything and reassembled … still a very strong resistance at the actuating arm! Frustrated, I opted to pick up my can of Kroil (instead of a 5# sledge) and applied a few drops at the interface of the actuating arm/dust ring/shaft housing … viola! Smooth as glass!! At least I took the opportunity to replace the operating pin (note in pix how much wear the originals had) … should have done this originally!!
Since there was a fair amount of interest ... I am attaching a coupla pix of the early style brake operating wedge system. Seems to me this was a ‘floating’ system much like some are trying to reintroduce. Several FB folks mentioned that this style had a tendency to fail to return properly … thus, the reason for being obsolete so quickly.
Yet another lesson learned (and shared) on this fascinating journey. Thanks again to all!!!
Since there was a fair amount of interest ... I am attaching a coupla pix of the early style brake operating wedge system. Seems to me this was a ‘floating’ system much like some are trying to reintroduce. Several FB folks mentioned that this style had a tendency to fail to return properly … thus, the reason for being obsolete so quickly.
Yet another lesson learned (and shared) on this fascinating journey. Thanks again to all!!!
