To adjust the brake band, or not.

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: To adjust the brake band, or not.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 09:33 pm:

I have a '23 Touring with Kevlar bands. I've put around 1000 miles on the car since I replaced the bands. Since then, I've taken the brake band up maybe twice since the Kevlar seemed to wearing in.

The last time out, the pedal seemed to travel towards the floor a bit more than usual. It now rests about a 1/2" from the floorboards when really tramped on. It will hold the car back on a grade. But seems to be a bit soft overall when trying to bring the car to a stop.

When depressed the first time, it seems to have a good bite to it. The subsequent pulses by my foot seem to be less effective. Sort of like mild brake fade.

I know these brakes are nothing like today's brakes. But I want to make sure I have enough pedal power there when needed. At the same time, I do not want to risk damaging the drums by over tightening.

Appreciate any advice.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Tomaso - Milton,WA on Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 10:26 pm:

Might be prudent to take a "look see" at the drum while a companion cranks the engine over so you can verify your drum hasn't cracked resulting in the "soft" pedal.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R. S. Cruickshank on Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 11:54 pm:

Dan, I have the same problem with my 24. In addition to what you said, when I open the door, the filter is always full of lint. The drums are smooth and I have tried to look for a cracked drum as suggested and haven't been able to find anything wrong. I keep on adjusting and cleaning but I have never had this problem with my other cars with kevlar.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Thode Chehalis Washington on Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 12:16 am:

The basic instructions for driving a T is to drive as if it has no brakes. You should have to really push on our brakes only in a unexpected or emergency condition.

Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 04:53 am:

If it will lock up the rear wheels before hitting the floor, I'd leave it alone. If not, tighten it 1/2 turns until it does.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Pawelek Brookshire, Texas on Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 06:57 am:

Dan, When I acquired my '19 Touring I had the same problem as you described and adjusting the brake band never seemed to give me adequate braking and allow the pedal to travel within a few inches of the floor boards. When the braking was set to work well either the band was too tight and when loosened a bit the pedal would go all the way to the floor. On the advise of others here on the forum I checked the shape of the pedal and the wear of the brake pedal support (T-3436). I eventually replaced the brake pedal support with one that had very little slop and bent the brake pedal stem back to the original shape. All the wear in the system plus the bent brake pedal made it near impossible for a good adjustment. Apparently all the "stomping" on the brake pedals over the years and regular wear and tear finally take their toll.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Sunday, June 23, 2013 - 07:12 pm:

Take a good look at the drum. If it is blue or blackened, your brake is too tight. Tightness will heat the band and the band will expand slightly which will loosen the brake until it cools off. Overheated drums tend to crack, so beware. If you do much driving and the area is hilly, or there is quite a bit of traffic, I think you should invest in Rocky Mountain or other auxiliary brakes. Then you can leave the transmission brake just tight enough to stop the car, and adjust the Rocky's to come on before the transmission brake. The Rockys would then do most of the stopping and you would use the transmission brake only if you press hard, or need to brake in reverse.
Norm


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