The Ford Barn

Tom B. · 10-07-2014, 03:35 PM

I'm adjusting the brakes on my '30. The adjuster on the right rear won't turn. How do I free it up?

Joe K · 10-07-2014, 03:43 PM

It may be rusted in place. LOTS of penetrating oil - but be careful not to soak the brake pad.

Or possibly "tap" the end of the square while using an open end wrench on it.

Or - if all other means fail - do a tear down of this area removing the brake shoes and getting back to just you and the adjuster wedge. Then you can tap from both sides - and soak to your heart's content.

Heh. I almost forgot. On the inside adjuster housing there is a cap. This is usually removed by turning the adjuster in ALL the way and then tapping the now loose adjuster to where it "pops" the cap loose from the inside. Your adjuster is fixed in place so you'll have to find a way to pry out this cap. Maybe drill a hole in it and use a self tapping screw and a claw hammer to pry it out. (Slide hammer dent removers work real well on this too.)

New caps are available for small money. Or put the old one back with a hole in it.

Joe K

Tom Wesenberg · 10-07-2014, 06:35 PM

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Where do you live? Try to use a good quality brake wrech with a square hole so you don't round over the sides of the adjuster. I have one that I bought years ago at some swap meet. It's freed up a couple very stuck adjusters. You may have to use heat on the threaded cone part, and also use Kroil to help penetrate the threads. Be sure to grease the threads when it goes back together.

10-07-2014, 03:35 PM	#1
Tom B. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wautoma Posts: 112	Stuck Brake Adjuster I'm adjusting the brakes on my '30. The adjuster on the right rear won't turn. How do I free it up?

10-07-2014, 03:43 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Stuck Brake Adjuster It may be rusted in place. LOTS of penetrating oil - but be careful not to soak the brake pad. Or possibly "tap" the end of the square while using an open end wrench on it. Or - if all other means fail - do a tear down of this area removing the brake shoes and getting back to just you and the adjuster wedge. Then you can tap from both sides - and soak to your heart's content. Heh. I almost forgot. On the inside adjuster housing there is a cap. This is usually removed by turning the adjuster in ALL the way and then tapping the now loose adjuster to where it "pops" the cap loose from the inside. Your adjuster is fixed in place so you'll have to find a way to pry out this cap. Maybe drill a hole in it and use a self tapping screw and a claw hammer to pry it out. (Slide hammer dent removers work real well on this too.) New caps are available for small money. Or put the old one back with a hole in it. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse. Last edited by Joe K; 10-07-2014 at 03:48 PM.

10-07-2014, 06:35 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Stuck Brake Adjuster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Where do you live? Try to use a good quality brake wrech with a square hole so you don't round over the sides of the adjuster. I have one that I bought years ago at some swap meet. It's freed up a couple very stuck adjusters. You may have to use heat on the threaded cone part, and also use Kroil to help penetrate the threads. Be sure to grease the threads when it goes back together.