The Ford Barn

JM 35 Sedan · 08-25-2023, 12:34 AM

Joey, it's a good thing that you found that bushing problem with the cross shaft and replaced it with one in better condition. If you ever hope to get that mechanical braking system adjusted and working properly, you really need to go completely through all moving parts and assemblies in the system and repair or replace everything that's worn, and I mean everything if you ever want those brakes to be as good as they can be. It took me awhile to get there on my '35 fordor sedan (avatar) but once i got all the worn items taken care of and added floaters/equalizers at all four wheels, those mechanical brakes work very well.

As far as replacing the cross shaft, it's not that tough of a job if you have a lift to work under, clean all the built up crud on and around the cross shaft, pull the wishbone assembly down and out of your way, and block it with some 2x pieces of wood to keep it down. Then it becomes a pretty simple chore of removing four bolts to get the assembly completely out.

On the center of cross member brake return spring, that can be a bear as you described, or it can be pretty easy and straight forward. After I struggled the first time replacing that spring, I came up with a method that makes the job a lot easier. I use a piece of 1/16" to 1/8" diameter aircraft cable about 3ft long, and connect the ends together with a very small cable clamp. Then using a small come-along or a small ratchet strap, I hook that loop of aircraft wire to the looped end of the spring and the other end on the come-along cable hook, and pull that spring right into place. Then slowly release the come-long, remove the small cable clamp holding the ends of the aircraft cable together, and pull the aircraft wire completel out. Hook up the brake rods, adjust the the brakes to fine settings and go for a ride. You will need to adjust things at least several more times until there's plenty of pedal and the vehicle does not pull hard to the left or right when the pedal is pushed down hard.

08-25-2023, 12:34 AM	#4
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,876	Re: Mechanical Brakes - Cross Shaft Replacement Joey, it's a good thing that you found that bushing problem with the cross shaft and replaced it with one in better condition. If you ever hope to get that mechanical braking system adjusted and working properly, you really need to go completely through all moving parts and assemblies in the system and repair or replace everything that's worn, and I mean everything if you ever want those brakes to be as good as they can be. It took me awhile to get there on my '35 fordor sedan (avatar) but once i got all the worn items taken care of and added floaters/equalizers at all four wheels, those mechanical brakes work very well. As far as replacing the cross shaft, it's not that tough of a job if you have a lift to work under, clean all the built up crud on and around the cross shaft, pull the wishbone assembly down and out of your way, and block it with some 2x pieces of wood to keep it down. Then it becomes a pretty simple chore of removing four bolts to get the assembly completely out. On the center of cross member brake return spring, that can be a bear as you described, or it can be pretty easy and straight forward. After I struggled the first time replacing that spring, I came up with a method that makes the job a lot easier. I use a piece of 1/16" to 1/8" diameter aircraft cable about 3ft long, and connect the ends together with a very small cable clamp. Then using a small come-along or a small ratchet strap, I hook that loop of aircraft wire to the looped end of the spring and the other end on the come-along cable hook, and pull that spring right into place. Then slowly release the come-long, remove the small cable clamp holding the ends of the aircraft cable together, and pull the aircraft wire completel out. Hook up the brake rods, adjust the the brakes to fine settings and go for a ride. You will need to adjust things at least several more times until there's plenty of pedal and the vehicle does not pull hard to the left or right when the pedal is pushed down hard. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein* Last edited by JM 35 Sedan; 08-25-2023 at 12:50 AM.