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Old 06-04-2020, 03:29 PM   #1
Werner
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Default Steel balls in brake cross shaft

Guten Abend.

I have renewed the half balls of the brake cross shaft. The crooked holders were self made of very thin sheet metal, with a total of 12 (!) spring washers underneath. (Pic. 1 below.)

The old balls were made of steel. In all the catalogs I only find brass ones (they are better) and I installed them.

Does anyone know anything about the history of the seldom steel balls?
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Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928
Citroen 11 CV, 1947
Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version
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Old 06-04-2020, 04:29 PM   #2
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

The original ones had steel with graphite fabric liner--- self lubricating
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Old 06-05-2020, 06:42 AM   #3
Werner
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

Danke Kurt,

original are undivided balls if my knowledge is correct? But my car has unknown split balls in steel.
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Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928
Citroen 11 CV, 1947
Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version
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Old 06-05-2020, 07:47 AM   #4
ryanheacox
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

Quote:
Originally Posted by Werner View Post
Danke Kurt,

original are undivided balls if my knowledge is correct? But my car has unknown split balls in steel.

That is correct. Was there any sort of fabric between the steel bushing and the brake cross shaft?
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Old 06-05-2020, 11:03 AM   #5
rocket1
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

I replaced them many years back with the original type(fabric insert) the pins were a dog to remove,I think thats why they offer the split balls.I would do the correct job better in the long run.Danka
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Old 06-05-2020, 12:12 PM   #6
Werner
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

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There are no fabric between the balls found, only dusty grease, Ryan.
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Old 06-05-2020, 12:39 PM   #7
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

I know we are saying the original bushing was steel but just so we are clear in this, the A-2477-A1 Service Brake Cross Shaft Bushing was designated as a stamped steel design yet the A-2477-A2 designed in May of 1930 was designated as a die-cast design. Both types were a one-piece bushing.
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Old 06-05-2020, 06:55 PM   #8
Kevin in NJ
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

As pointed out there are 2 versions. They have a brass and fiber woven bushing that appears graphite impregnated, at least the NOS one I have looks that way.

The were made with the fiber bushing because Ford did not want the bushing to hang up. If it was a metal to metal contact with grease then cold weather and dirt would cause it to bind. It was also round so the flexing frame would not cause it to bind.

Contrary to some points of view Ford did not forget a lubrication point. Obviously if you are going to put metal bushings in place you will need to lube it, but then you take some chances with dirt and cold. It does seem to work fine, I just took the extra time to make it original. I did this fix for the 30 fordor I had.

I believe they make a repro with the original fiber.

Keep in mind this point does not have to be a perfect tight fit. A small amount of play here would be ok as the cross shaft is self centering.

I have also found if you look for them at flea markets you can find ones with decent fit or no wear at the bushing point. I was surprised to find several of the cross shafts I have do not have any wear. I mention this as I have read about all sorts of fixes people have made. I can see where knowledge and careful parts selection can make this job much easier.

Probably a bit too much info, but its free.
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Old 06-06-2020, 02:05 PM   #9
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

Kevin, very interesting your detailed explanation, thank you! -


In the meantime I have mounted the main brake shaft again with new brass bearings. Because the shaft was a little worn, I sanded the flat surfaces of the bronze half-shells until there was only 1/50 inch clearance. Then I coated the shaft surface with PTFE gliding lacquer spray and wrapped it with several layers of skin-thin PTFE tape. The balls are then assembled with copper grease and new holders.

If I wiggle vertically, I can now only feel only a very small tolerance.

Thank you all for much helpin' words!
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Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928
Citroen 11 CV, 1947
Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version
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Old 06-06-2020, 07:49 PM   #10
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Default Re: Steel balls in brake cross shaft

You do very nice work, Werner!
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