loose brake adjusting shafts

[DKnapp]

The brake adjusting shafts that attach to the brake shoes are real loose in the backing plate sockets. Is this normal. I can not imagine that these sockets get much wear as these shafts only move when adjusting the brakes.
Should I try to shim these sockets so the shafts fit better or is this supposed to be a real loose fit so the brake shoes floats a bit. Any help appreciated.
Thanks, Dick

 

[Phil Brown]

The shafts are a loose fit with a tapered shaft like the catalog pic shows. Probably more important is how worn the ends of the shaft are from 90 years of brake adjustments and the length of the pair of shafts should be very close to the same

 

[nkaminar]

Loose is good. It allows the shoe centers to be controlled by the rollers on the shafts at the actuating end.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

Ditto nKaminar. Loose Brake Adjusting Shafts help the brake shoes find center when the brakes are applied. Install Flathead Ted's Brake Floater Kit and you will be amazed at how much better your A's brakes perform.

 

[DKnapp]

Thanks Phil, Nkaminar and Bob