The Ford Barn

springerpete · 05-31-2018, 01:08 PM

Been working on my '29 brakes. Got a lot more pedal now but also a slight pull to the right.
1. What does this pull indicate ? Which brakes are unevenly adjusted ?
2. What adjustments do I need to make to get rid of this pull.

I appreciate your help as I am a novice. Thanks.

SeaSlugs · 05-31-2018, 01:58 PM

if the car pulls to the right its 1 of 2 things:

1: right side adjusted too tight (not likely unless you smell burning brake shoe or a temp gun or the back of your hand cant be held against the lugs/drum after a short drive)

2: left side not tight enough - both problems generally in the front wheels (make sure the arms at the wheels are 15* tilted forward with the slack taken up before connecting the brake rods)

Should be able to spin the wheel with ever so slight scuffing drag noise then using your hand lock it up tight with the brake arm straight up and down. Arms should be equal on both sides.

could possibly be a 3rd thing - does it pull on a flat level smooth parking lot?

Patrick L. · 06-01-2018, 05:44 AM

Like SeaSlugs said.

If the car seems to pull right without noticeable pull the of the steering wheel then the problem should be in the rear. If the steering wheel is affected then the trouble is probably in the front.

A click or 2 with the adjuster will probably fix it. Like a click looser on the right and a click tighter on the left. Or, 2 clicks tighter on the left. Some combination that will keep a slight drag/scuff when spinning the tires should work.

chap52 · 06-01-2018, 12:52 PM

Here's a good You Tube video for you to glean from. Chap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMizfaKHXVQ

larrys40 · 06-01-2018, 05:46 PM

Gentlemen.
Not trying to be a rebel but I do many brakes jobs and am known for my brake work in particular as is a guy like Randy Gross, and that video is a way on how NOT to adjust them properly. Release the brake rods at the front rods and rears at cross shaft. Adjust your wedges first for a slight drag and back off one or two if necessary. Then adjust your brake rods with a helper or brake pedal spacer wooden or otherwise.

Not all youtube stuff out there is good information with all due respect.
Larry shepard

duke36 · 06-01-2018, 06:06 PM

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One quick yet not always an accurate test is to feel the brake drums after a short drive. If one(s) is (are) much warmer than the others, those shoes may be adjusted too tight.

SeaSlugs · 06-01-2018, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrys40

Gentlemen.
Not trying to be a rebel but I do many brakes jobs and am known for my brake work in particular as is a guy like Randy Gross, and that video is a way on how NOT to adjust them properly. Release the brake rods at the front rods and rears at cross shaft. Adjust your wedges first for a slight drag and back off one or two if necessary. Then adjust your brake rods with a helper or brake pedal spacer wooden or otherwise.

Not all youtube stuff out there is good information with all due respect.
Larry shepard

agreed, video is not the best. Do it the larry way haha.

CWPASADENA · 06-01-2018, 10:58 PM

[QUOTE=SeaSlugs;1635598]agreed, video is not the best. [QUOTE]

I also agree that this video is not correct at all.

Look at Les Andrews book. It has a very good explanation of how to adjust brakes.

My Opinion,

Chris W.

RonC · 06-02-2018, 08:32 AM

The Ford method is explained in the Ford Service Bulletins.

05-31-2018, 01:08 PM	#1
springerpete Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central Maine Posts: 644	brake adjustment Been working on my '29 brakes. Got a lot more pedal now but also a slight pull to the right. 1. What does this pull indicate ? Which brakes are unevenly adjusted ? 2. What adjustments do I need to make to get rid of this pull. I appreciate your help as I am a novice. Thanks.

05-31-2018, 01:58 PM	#2
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: brake adjustment if the car pulls to the right its 1 of 2 things: 1: right side adjusted too tight (not likely unless you smell burning brake shoe or a temp gun or the back of your hand cant be held against the lugs/drum after a short drive) 2: left side not tight enough - both problems generally in the front wheels (make sure the arms at the wheels are 15* tilted forward with the slack taken up before connecting the brake rods) Should be able to spin the wheel with ever so slight scuffing drag noise then using your hand lock it up tight with the brake arm straight up and down. Arms should be equal on both sides. could possibly be a 3rd thing - does it pull on a flat level smooth parking lot? __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

06-01-2018, 05:44 AM	#3
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: brake adjustment Like SeaSlugs said. If the car seems to pull right without noticeable pull the of the steering wheel then the problem should be in the rear. If the steering wheel is affected then the trouble is probably in the front. A click or 2 with the adjuster will probably fix it. Like a click looser on the right and a click tighter on the left. Or, 2 clicks tighter on the left. Some combination that will keep a slight drag/scuff when spinning the tires should work.

06-01-2018, 12:52 PM	#4
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: brake adjustment Here's a good You Tube video for you to glean from. Chap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMizfaKHXVQ

06-01-2018, 05:46 PM	#5
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: brake adjustment Gentlemen. Not trying to be a rebel but I do many brakes jobs and am known for my brake work in particular as is a guy like Randy Gross, and that video is a way on how NOT to adjust them properly. Release the brake rods at the front rods and rears at cross shaft. Adjust your wedges first for a slight drag and back off one or two if necessary. Then adjust your brake rods with a helper or brake pedal spacer wooden or otherwise. Not all youtube stuff out there is good information with all due respect. Larry shepard

06-01-2018, 06:06 PM	#6
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	Re: brake adjustment Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) One quick yet not always an accurate test is to feel the brake drums after a short drive. If one(s) is (are) much warmer than the others, those shoes may be adjusted too tight.

06-01-2018, 10:58 PM	#8
CWPASADENA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: PASADENA, CA Posts: 1,882	Re: brake adjustment [QUOTE=SeaSlugs;1635598]agreed, video is not the best. [QUOTE] I also agree that this video is not correct at all. Look at Les Andrews book. It has a very good explanation of how to adjust brakes. My Opinion, Chris W.

06-02-2018, 08:32 AM	#9
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: brake adjustment The Ford method is explained in the Ford Service Bulletins.