The Ford Barn

clay co 27 · 05-20-2014, 09:07 PM

What is the best way to free up emergency brake toggle levers that
have been stuck for years on rear ebrakes ?

Joe K · 05-20-2014, 09:33 PM

I assume you're talking about the toggle in the rear where the link that bends around the axle pushes on it?

WD40 and beat it with a hammer?

I would more imagine that where the operating shaft passes through the backing plate would be much more likely to rust in place. Have seen this happen actually. Taking off the operating lever on the outside and then pressing out the lever to the inside took the bushing out with it!

Maybe use grease cut with ATF for that in through the zerk. Had I known I would have tried it.

Joe K

Tom Wesenberg · 05-20-2014, 09:59 PM

I would be carefull about using a hammer or big wrench to twist on it. The sleeve is swaged to the support plate and I've seen many knocked loose while trying to free them up. My fist choice would be a lot of heat on the tube, then as it cools spray some penetrating oil on the shaft, then try some light tapping.

Once the swage is knocked loose it seems most people weld it back solid and this is ugly compared to the original swage. If you're not in a hurry try letting it soak for weeks or try De Rusto.

larrys40 · 05-21-2014, 07:53 AM

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I concur with Tom , be careful with this as you have a good shot or two but can do more harm than good if not careful
I assume the levers are off if not remove the bolt and use a small cold chisel to spread the lever split to pull the lever off easy remove the key
Soak the levers and bushings liberally with kroil penetrating oil
You are best trying to do these on the bench vise. I use bronze jaws in my vise and brass hammers and drifts , so not to mushroom the shaft ends
Make sure it's not already mushroomed. If so fix first
I would put the e-brake carrier in the vice so the flat is down on the jaws slight clamping around the shaft tube but not too tight that it clamps it to the shaft
Soak with penetrant more and attempt to tap out
If the bushing shaft comes loose from the carrier it can be repaired carefully , just know it has to fit in the backing plate cleanly after repair so trial fit is recommended

Good luck!
Larry Shepard

05-20-2014, 09:07 PM	#1
clay co 27 Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: N E arkansas Posts: 43	stuck emergency brake toggle levers What is the best way to free up emergency brake toggle levers that have been stuck for years on rear ebrakes ?

05-20-2014, 09:33 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: stuck emergency brake toggle levers I assume you're talking about the toggle in the rear where the link that bends around the axle pushes on it? WD40 and beat it with a hammer? I would more imagine that where the operating shaft passes through the backing plate would be much more likely to rust in place. Have seen this happen actually. Taking off the operating lever on the outside and then pressing out the lever to the inside took the bushing out with it! Maybe use grease cut with ATF for that in through the zerk. Had I known I would have tried it. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

05-20-2014, 09:59 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: stuck emergency brake toggle levers I would be carefull about using a hammer or big wrench to twist on it. The sleeve is swaged to the support plate and I've seen many knocked loose while trying to free them up. My fist choice would be a lot of heat on the tube, then as it cools spray some penetrating oil on the shaft, then try some light tapping. Once the swage is knocked loose it seems most people weld it back solid and this is ugly compared to the original swage. If you're not in a hurry try letting it soak for weeks or try De Rusto.

05-21-2014, 07:53 AM	#4
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: stuck emergency brake toggle levers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I concur with Tom , be careful with this as you have a good shot or two but can do more harm than good if not careful I assume the levers are off if not remove the bolt and use a small cold chisel to spread the lever split to pull the lever off easy remove the key Soak the levers and bushings liberally with kroil penetrating oil You are best trying to do these on the bench vise. I use bronze jaws in my vise and brass hammers and drifts , so not to mushroom the shaft ends Make sure it's not already mushroomed. If so fix first I would put the e-brake carrier in the vice so the flat is down on the jaws slight clamping around the shaft tube but not too tight that it clamps it to the shaft Soak with penetrant more and attempt to tap out If the bushing shaft comes loose from the carrier it can be repaired carefully , just know it has to fit in the backing plate cleanly after repair so trial fit is recommended Good luck! Larry Shepard