The Ford Barn

wuga · 03-22-2023, 01:41 PM

1931 model A RPU
The release button on the top of the emergency brake lever is very heavy to push. I want to replace the spring with a lighter weight spring. I see the spring for sale for the 28-29 lever but not for the 30-31. Can this spring be removed and if so how do you get it out?
Thank you
Warren

rotorwrench · 03-23-2023, 02:23 PM

The button and rod should move relatively easy when the pawl is unloaded. Try some oil or penetrant down the inside of the lever first to see if that will free it up in some way. The pawl becomes loaded as the lever pulls it across the locking ratchet. A tug on the lever should unload the pawl so that the button & rod will move more freely to release the pawl from the ratchet.

If it remains stiff then it will have to be disassembled to replace that spring. The button has a pin that secures it to the rod. All of the button type levers should use the same or similar spring for the pawl rod since all of them fit inside the lever.

wuga · 03-23-2023, 10:50 PM

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Thank you rotorwrench, I found the pin and have taken the button/rod/spring apart and it was all quite rusty. Will clean it up and see if the button is easier to depress.
Warren

03-22-2023, 01:41 PM	#1
wuga Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 80	emergency brake lever pawl spring 1931 model A RPU The release button on the top of the emergency brake lever is very heavy to push. I want to replace the spring with a lighter weight spring. I see the spring for sale for the 28-29 lever but not for the 30-31. Can this spring be removed and if so how do you get it out? Thank you Warren

03-23-2023, 02:23 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 17,410	Re: emergency brake lever pawl spring The button and rod should move relatively easy when the pawl is unloaded. Try some oil or penetrant down the inside of the lever first to see if that will free it up in some way. The pawl becomes loaded as the lever pulls it across the locking ratchet. A tug on the lever should unload the pawl so that the button & rod will move more freely to release the pawl from the ratchet. If it remains stiff then it will have to be disassembled to replace that spring. The button has a pin that secures it to the rod. All of the button type levers should use the same or similar spring for the pawl rod since all of them fit inside the lever.

03-23-2023, 10:50 PM	#3
wuga Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 80	Re: emergency brake lever pawl spring Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thank you rotorwrench, I found the pin and have taken the button/rod/spring apart and it was all quite rusty. Will clean it up and see if the button is easier to depress. Warren