Re: Brake adjusters

Posted by Bob Carabbio on August 06, 1997 at 09:23:51

In Reply to: Brake adjusters
posted by Dan on August 05, 1997 at 23:18:13

I'm assuming that you don't have a Oxy-Acetylene setup.Heating with a propane torch can't really get you too hot (unless you really work at it).since the square head of the adjuster is smaller than the thread, you'd have a tough time breaking the adjuster internally.
It would be best to remove the wheel,drum, and brake shoes so you can see what's going on. You need to heat on the outside of the adjuster housing close to the backing plate. Get it good and toasty just to a dull RED hot, then let it cool and apply penetrating oil while still warm, then go at it with a square socket or adjusting tool.Assuming that there is a little bit of motion between the housing and the adjuster, rock it back and forth, applying penetrating oil to loosen.If there's no motion, heat it again - repeat several times as necessary until it breaks loose a little.In Extreme cases, you may have to break it loose while it's red hot, but DON'T attempt to turn it until it cools (It might gall and weld otherwise).
When you get it rocking, apply penetrating oil and work the adjuster IN (clockwise from the drive end).
What you want to do is push out the plug that covers the end of the adjuster and remove the adjuster completely by screwing it toward the outside of the car. The adjuster will probably run out of threads before the plug comes out, so tap the square end to finish the job.
When it's out, clean it and the inside of the housing thoroughly, making sure all the rust and corruption is out of the threads.A wire brush is good for this.Then grease lightly and re-assemble for another 60 years of use.
If stuff is too far gone to re-use, Bratton's and others have replacement parts.
ALSO CHECK:
for looseness in the bushings etc. on the brake cam levers - wear on the cam - rollers not round - rear wheel bearing race (axle housing end) worn on the bottom (should be round to within 0.010"). plus drum and shoe condition.
In my experience, the "How to Restore" series from Restorer Magazine, the Service bulletins, and the Bratton's catalog are the best sources I've come up with for info.
see www.modelatrader.com/brattons/brattons.htm
Bob Carabbio

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