Emergency brake cross shaft problem

[wrndln]

I installed the emergency brake cross shaft inside the frame for my early 29 phaeton. I installed the parts the way shown in Bratton's catalog - see picture below. After much work I finally got it installed but I can't rotate the shaft, as it is way too tight. Looking through the holes in the frame where the grease zerks will be installed, I can see a moderate gap between the frame and the end of the brass cup where the grease holes are. It doesn't seem there should be a gap there. If there is a gap, it seems the grease would not go into the brass cup very well to lub the ends of the shaft. It appears the spring is too small and as it wont sit over the protruding part of the brass cup. The brass cup and the ends that bolt to the frame are original Ford parts. I don't remember where I bought the felt/spring kit, but it doesn't work properly. The felts appear OK, but the springs seem too small in diameter and to strong. If anyone can help me with this problem, I would appreciate it.
Rusty Nelson

[wrndln]

I think I found the problem with the emergency brake shaft not fitting right. I am pretty sure the problem is due to a poorly made set of springs. The springs I was trying to use wouldn't fit over the protrusion of the brass cup. I luckily had another set of springs that DID fit over the protrusion on the brass cup. I measured the difference inside both springs and the one with the problem was .050" smaller than the one I plan to try tomorrow. I am attaching some pictures showing the good and the bad springs. Damn poorly made repro parts!!!
Rusty Nelson

[Tom Wesenberg]

Quite often I find replacement springs for many parts are wound the opposite direction of original springs. Not that it matters, but it does seem strange.

[SteveB31]

The spring on the left is for the radius cap ( under the clutch housing), the spring on the right is for the emergency brake cross shaft. They are very similar, but different size.

[midgetracer]

Steve, you are a virtual encyclopedia of Model A knowledge. We are lucky to have you on this forum.

[wrndln]

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Steve,
The smaller springs were in a sealed package with the 2 felt rings. Maybe the vendor mistakenly put the wrong spring in the package and sealed it. This time it wasn't my fault!
Rusty Nelson

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by SteveB31

The spring on the left is for the radius cap ( under the clutch housing), the spring on the right is for the emergency brake cross shaft. They are very similar, but different size.

Excellent eye Steve! and.. a unique problem that probably doesn't occur too often unless the incorrect parts are pulled/sent/used, etc.

Definitely a good lesson for the day.
Larry Shepard

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Originally Posted by SteveB31

The spring on the left is for the radius cap ( under the clutch housing), the spring on the right is for the emergency brake cross shaft. They are very similar, but different size.

This about the fastest resolution to a problem i have ever seen on this forum!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I had a new drag link spring that was WAY TOO SHORT! Came in a kit.
Bill Short (LOL)