The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Installing emergency brake return springs

Pilotdave · 03-01-2012, 10:17 AM

Rusty, I share your pain. I think that the spring is getting wound pretty tightly and you are running out of leverage and space in which to operate.

Does "cotter key and pin" mean "locking bolt and Woodruff key"? If so, we're on the same page!

Although others have described installing that spring with the backing plate and radius rod bolted up, I had to remove the radius rod to do it. Even then it wasn't easy. IF you have the space to remove the locking bolt on that holds the lever on the shaft AND to slide the lever off the shaft far enough to disengage from the Woodruff key, you can then rotate the lever, slip the spring hook over the lever, rotate it back, engage the key, and slide it back on to the shaft. Then replace the locking bolt and the radius rod and you're good to go.

03-01-2012, 10:17 AM	#2
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,226	Re: Installing emergency brake return springs Rusty, I share your pain. I think that the spring is getting wound pretty tightly and you are running out of leverage and space in which to operate. Does "cotter key and pin" mean "locking bolt and Woodruff key"? If so, we're on the same page! Although others have described installing that spring with the backing plate and radius rod bolted up, I had to remove the radius rod to do it. Even then it wasn't easy. IF you have the space to remove the locking bolt on that holds the lever on the shaft AND to slide the lever off the shaft far enough to disengage from the Woodruff key, you can then rotate the lever, slip the spring hook over the lever, rotate it back, engage the key, and slide it back on to the shaft. Then replace the locking bolt and the radius rod and you're good to go.