Newbie brake question

GRUMPYONE

GRUMPYONE

Junior Member
We are talking about rear axles.
I have searched and found some of my answers. I have an a model chassie 30 model. Mechanical brakes, question is when i went to pull the drums off they were sagging down. They have been rubbing the lower portion of the backing plates. Where would be a good place to start with. Would it be the bearings, inner drum race, or axle housing where the bearing rides on. Is there a repair kit out for this.

Lets see if i know where im at.:confused:

The axle will have movement when drums off, cause the hub contains the bearing to keep it centered?

This would failure of bearing, drum, race, or housing would cause it to come off center and rub drum and shoes?

I know safety is first and am on tight budget. Not to tight to want to drive to get hurt. I will let it sit before that.

Thanks ahead of time for the help:D
 
Grumpyone, I'd suggest finding a local Model A club and inviting someone to look at your situation.....it's a little hard to tell what might be at fault from your description! Another suggestions is to get hold of the Service Bulletins and/or Les Andrews book, Vol 1, and read these for guidance on brake set-up. Your "safety first" approach makes total sense in the meantime. :)
 
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I SECOND the idea of Les Andrew's Books. I would buy all three. This will be money well spent.

You will not only learn about doing your own repairs, following his directions will allow you to become more efficient and make better use of your available funds.

My Opinion,

Chris
 
This would failure of bearing, drum, race, or housing would cause it to come off center and rub drum and shoes?

It sounds like you have an idea of what it might be. Think the only way to find out is to take the drum/wheel off and see what you have.
 
the axle will move without the hub in place, that's normal, no worries there.. The hub race, axle race and bearings keep the drum centered. The axle taper keeps the drum away from the backing plate. Check your axle bearing race to see if its round. They can wear at the bottom, allowing the drum to ride up and hit the top of the backing plate and rub against the bottom of the shoes. Worn inner hub race and or bearing will allow movement of the drum up and down. On a smooth road, it will ride up and wear the lower ends of the brake shoes. Worn axle taper allows the drum to rub the backing plate.

The taper can be shimmed with thin axle shims available from suppliers. A worn hub can have a sleeve and smaller bearing installed easily. That kit is available from most parts suppliers. If the axle race is no longer round, it can be sleeved too, but its costly. Less expensive would be to replace it with one that is still round.
 
THANKS
Ill order all three books. Its not herting anything now the body is out for paint. Body is a brookville roadster truck. Motor is a 4banger, snyder head, cam, adjustiable lifters, weber carb. Its not all original(lol) but do love the conversations about the brakes and running gear.
 
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