The Ford Barn

Russell Reay · 10-25-2024, 03:28 PM

I have all new anti-rattlers, but the right rear rod drags on the a-r to the point that it has worn the hole to an oval, and restricts the pedal return so that the brake lights remain on. I have added the pedal return spring from the vendors, plus another anchored to the battery box, but they aren't enough to overcome the drag. I can remove the rod and massage the a-r into better alignment and more tension, but I am skeptical. The wire style a-r seems like it would not be subject to wear like the flat ones. Any thoughts ?

Bob C · 10-25-2024, 05:59 PM

Aren't the holes is the service brake rod return springs oval?

bobbader · 10-25-2024, 09:05 PM

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Have to imagine there might be more in play here than the rod chafing on the anti-rattler. The anti-rattler provides more stability to the rod than it allows the rod to retract. The internal springs on the brake shoes provide the initial and strongest impetus for the rods to retract. But, every moving part in the mechanical brake system adds to the efficiency of brake rod retraction. How well the rear brake lever shaft on that wheel rotates can cause problems. The cam that spreads the shoes on that brake assembly could be hanging up. How easily the service brake crosshaft rotates can cause a problem. Even wear in the brake pedal bushings can be an issue. The anti-rattler chafing can be addressed as you've mentioned. Even just squirting some oil on the place the rod is rubbing against the anti-rattler can ease that issue. You may still have to further diagnose the whole system. Good Luck.

10-25-2024, 03:28 PM	#1
Russell Reay Senior Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: NH/ VT Posts: 460	Brake rod anti-rattlers I have all new anti-rattlers, but the right rear rod drags on the a-r to the point that it has worn the hole to an oval, and restricts the pedal return so that the brake lights remain on. I have added the pedal return spring from the vendors, plus another anchored to the battery box, but they aren't enough to overcome the drag. I can remove the rod and massage the a-r into better alignment and more tension, but I am skeptical. The wire style a-r seems like it would not be subject to wear like the flat ones. Any thoughts ?

10-25-2024, 09:05 PM	#3
bobbader Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntington, NY Posts: 352	Re: Brake rod anti-rattlers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Have to imagine there might be more in play here than the rod chafing on the anti-rattler. The anti-rattler provides more stability to the rod than it allows the rod to retract. The internal springs on the brake shoes provide the initial and strongest impetus for the rods to retract. But, every moving part in the mechanical brake system adds to the efficiency of brake rod retraction. How well the rear brake lever shaft on that wheel rotates can cause problems. The cam that spreads the shoes on that brake assembly could be hanging up. How easily the service brake crosshaft rotates can cause a problem. Even wear in the brake pedal bushings can be an issue. The anti-rattler chafing can be addressed as you've mentioned. Even just squirting some oil on the place the rod is rubbing against the anti-rattler can ease that issue. You may still have to further diagnose the whole system. Good Luck.