Frozen shaft on E brake

[J Wade]

My Model A has the E brake in front of the shifter and I have been trying to get it to move for 2 weeks. The car hasn't been driven probably since 1956. I've been soaking the shaft with PB Blaster with no luck. I haven't tried heat. Any ideas. Thanks

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

The Dog sez, "If it's frozen in the OFF position, don't WURRY about it"
Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I had one the same way. I don't recall if I just used Kroil, and time, or if I had to resort to heat, but after a lot of force it finally started moving. A few years ago I bought a Milwaukee electric heat gun, and it puts out a lot of heat.

You also might try soaking it in one of the rust remover solutions.

[Spokes]

Pull the pin out of the e-brake linkage and try moving e-brake handle. Any luck ???

[rocket1]

I don't think it is the hand brake itself,like spokes said disconnect the rod,with the leverage on that handle it's got to move,and then go back from there.

[100IH]

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The E brake shaft/levers in the rear backing plates very frequently get frozen in their bushed sleeve. There is no grease fitting for it in the original form. I spent several hours freeing one up this week with the backing plate in the press and had to use lots of heat too. Release the brake rod at the lever on the Plate and feel for free movement.

[Tom Endy]

Originally Posted by 100IH

The E brake shaft/levers in the rear backing plates very frequently get frozen in their bushed sleeve. There is no grease fitting for it in the original form. I spent several hours freeing one up this week with the backing plate in the press and had to use lots of heat too. Release the brake rod at the lever on the Plate and feel for free movement.

A lot of these levers are found frozen for two reasons. One, there is no way to grease them, Two, some owners never use the hand brake and moisture gets into the shaft and bushings and locks them up.

There is a mod that has been around for years to add the grease fitting Henry forgot. Drill the inboard end of both shafts with a drill bit the size to accommodate a tap in grease fitting. Drill the hole deep enough to the space between the two bushings and cross drill it. Install the tap in grease fittings. Give it a shot of grease whenever you lube the car.

It is also a good idea to set the hand brake whenever you park the car.

Tom Endy

[Dennis Pereira]

Take the handle off and remove linkage tap shaft out of tower clean shaft and bushing a little white grease and it should work like new .

[J Wade]

The transmission tower is off, and I can take the brake lever off. I'm going to heat and use the lever to try to free it. Could you drill the housing in the center and put a grease fitting? Thanks for the help.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Actually once you get it freed up, cleaned, and apply grease when you reasseble it, I can't imagine it rusting again in our lifetime. We lube these cars and keep them out of the weather, unlike many from the old days..

[J Wade]

Tom, I think your right. I've got it freed up and put anti seize on it and it works good. It will never set outside again so I'm not going to worry about it. On to the next challenge.