Front brake actuator arm

[Great Lakes Greg]

My front brake was hanging up and I had a devil of a time figuring why until I noticed the brake rod was getting caught on the shock absorber and preventing the brake from fully releasing. My car is a '30, and it seems both my brake actuator arms are '29's. I didn't know there were different arms. Section 7 of the judging standards shows many different configurations. I am now in search of offset arms to remedy the clearance issue. I thought I would post this just as a courtesy to those who also didn't know. I learn something everyday.

[Bob C]

I don't think that is your problem. Can you post a picture of your shock
and brake rod.

Bob

[Great Lakes Greg]

I have attached some pictures. The brake rod is bowing out around the shock adjustment screw here, but it eventually slips up on top of that screw causing the brake hangup. I also took a pic of my '31 project awaiting restoration. It has the offset arm giving a half inch more clearance.
When I restored the chassis on my car, I don't think I noticed because the weight of the body wasn't on it so it wasn't close enough to foresee a problem.

[katy]

Can you not just bend an offset in the arm to provide clearance?

[Bob C]

I still think there is something else going on. Do both sides hit, why is there so
much thread showing where the shock cover screws on?
Looking at the picture of Marco's Roadster there is a lot of space, way more
that the offset arm would give.

Bob

[Tinbasher]

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I think it may be a weak front spring. If you have another car to check against, see how high the bottom of the frame is to the ground. I don't have the riding height for a Model A . So this is a way to check. Also see how flat the spring is? If the spring shackles are tight against the perch that could be the problem.

Just some thoughts. John Poole

[wrndln]

I agree with Bob C, there appears to be something wrong besides using an offset brake arm. Like it was stated, it could be a sagging spring. If you could take a picture of the passenger side, they can be compared. Does the passenger side have the same problem as the drivers side? It does look like the shock screwlike deal is out too far.
Rusty Nelson

[Tom Wesenberg]

The spring looks too flat (worn out and sagging).

I'm trying to figure why the brake shaft is sloping down so much on the inside end, plus the arm looks slightly bent inward.

[Great Lakes Greg]

I measured the front motor mount pad under the frame to the top of the axle and I got 3 inches on both cars I own, so I don't think it is spring sag. My car is the Fordor in the center of the picture, and it looks like it is riding the right height to me. No funny tire wear or steering problems that I have noticed. The right side is nearly identical, but not touching. I am going to give it more attention next visit to where it is stored. Thanks for the ideas.

[Tinbasher]

Just a thought, is the spring centered in the frame. Measure from the side of the frame rail to the end of the spring on each side. It should be the same. If it's not the same check for a broken spring center bolt.

JP