Axel Shim Advice????

[Banky]

Hi all,

How many axel shims can you use? Is 3-4 on one end to many?

thanks,
Banky

[Pete]

One is too many.

[George Miller]

You need to fix the problem. Hub and axle.

[columbiA]

Ive never had a problem using 1 axle shim,but if 3 or 4 are needed then the hub and/or axle shaft are worn out.

[Marco Tahtaras]

I agree that shims are bad but what is your configuration? I assume you are talking about shims between the axle taper and the hub/drum assembly. although less than ideal I've only seen them used when converting to hydraulic brakes.

[Banky]

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I have converted to 40 juice brakes. I milled the baking plates and drums according to Kes Andrews book. One side seems to rub in one area.

[V4F]

i have hyd brakes & am using 2 per side for spacing . no problems so far . but i do check torque now & then .........

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Banky

I have converted to 40 juice brakes. I milled the baking plates and drums according to Kes Andrews book. One side seems to rub in one area.

Is the backing plate bent? I always thought you didn't need the shims if you did the milling.

Charlie Stephens

[Jim Brierley]

I trim .090" off the flange on the housings, but this requires complete disassembly of the rear end.

[steve s]

Are you sure the rub is not on brake shoe or pad; that might be an easier grind.

[Banky]

It may be the brake shoe, great suggestion. I knocked the edge off, but could go further.
Any good suggestions on how to tell exactly what's rubbing? Paint on all edges, see what wears???

[BobbyG]

Been dealing with the exact same issue today - I am totally new to the Model A so everything has taken an age to research and then sat on the floor staring at my alien bits trying to ascertain what is what !!

I have ordered some shims as I have 1 hub that is too tight, I put some chalk on the rear backing plate and it looks like the drum is hitting the backplate.

Can I take a grinder to the drum, and shave off a few mm ??

[Banky]

If you don't have Les Andrews books 1 & 2 GET THEM!!!! I'm new to Model A's as well. Between those two books, and the GREAT FOLKS ON THIS SITE, I almost have my A on the road.

I would suggest you have the backing plates & drums milled. (Rear only) I suppose you could grind them, but don't make a mess out of it.

[john in illinois]

I have 39 ford rear brakes and I had to mill quite a bit more off the backing plate and the drum than the books called out. I would not put shims on the axle. You need a tight metal to metal fit on the taper.Take the extra time to do it right. You can paint all the edges with dykem layout machinist dye and easily see where it rubs.

John

[mjw]

Here is a great thread on the Hamb, Ryan's other site regarding Juice brakes, shims, spacers and grinding on the A.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=124112

[Banky]

I've studied the post on the HAMB a million times. After looking once more I think I underestimated how much to take off of the brake pads.

thanks!

[Bill Steiner]

I have seen two used a lot of times with no problem. Bill

[Al 29Tudor]

I have one shim on one of my axles with 125 ft lbs. of torque. No problem - runs great. Make sure your axle nut is to spec. I recently returned two to the supplyer because they were out of spec.

[steve s]

Originally Posted by Al 29Tudor

.. Make sure your axle nut is to spec. I recently returned two to the supplyer because they were out of spec.

Can you provide details? Thanks!

Steve

[bogiediver]

Attached is a PDF of the initial posts of that thread on the H.A.M.B. on the juice brake conversion, along with a couple of pertinent follow up posts.

All credit given to posters.

FWIW