MTFCA Forum

I've seen this a couple of times....most recently in a friend's newly purchased 1911. The spring seems caught within the ears of the reverse band.Is there a danger of the spring binding and causing the reverse bands to drag? Was there a run of some undersized springs in the past so that this one should be replaced? Your opinions and experiences will be appreciated.

Needs to be replaced

I agree this spring needs replacement! What is the cause of this happening!

I have seen this. Frequently the band ear is wider than necessary.
A little press squeeze to just clear the 7/16 shaft has worked for me.

It happens. Commonly "fixed" by placing a washer between the spring and band ear. (Notice, it's also happening on the brake band.)

I'm with John on this fix - narrow the ears up - adding a washer there will only add one more piece to drop into the abyss !

Are those the longer springs that’s available? The original length springs are just a little shorter and the longer ones are made to give a little more tension to keep the more commonly used Kevlar bands from dragging. Or that was the theory a few years ago.

It appears that your springs are smaller in diameter than normal and look to be made of smaller wire that does not span the ear properly and have lost their temper and rigidity. They should be big enough in diameter to span flat face of each ear with big enough wire not to twist into the space between the ear lugs. You probably should get a new set of 3 springs of the proper dimensions. Jim Patrick

jiminbartow wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 30, 2022 7:04 pm

It appears that your springs are smaller in diameter than normal, May be made of smaller wire, do not span the ear properly and have lost their rigidity. They should be big enough in diameter to fit flat on the face of each ear. You probably should get a new set of 3 springs. Jim Patrick


1A8EEEB0-EE9E-4400-9E16-A56852202660.jpeg

Jim,

Please tell me that's a random image of a T trans and not yours. Lockwasher on reverse band? Odd nut on brake band??

Yes Jerry. It is a random image I found online in images of “Model T band springs” merely to show how the springs should fit against the band lugs and for comparison purposes. I did not notice the incorrect nut and washer, but I can understand your concern. Jim Patrick

If you add a washer check to be sure the spring does not bind before the band is applied. If it does it's band & spring time.
Craig.

Here is another random picture found in images on the internet. Notice that both pictures I posted show the three shaft onto which the springs are threaded are smooth, while the three shafts of the picture in the original post are threaded. I think that the three threaded shafts are the result of a repair consisting of all thread that is too small of a diameter to support the ID of the three springs, thus allowing them to twist instead of remaining supported and straight. Jim Patrick

Jim - re: threaded shafts. The car is a 1911...would that make a difference? Are early pedal shafts any different?

Oldav8tor wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 31, 2022 3:28 pm

Jim - re: threaded shafts. The car is a 1911...would that make a difference? Are early pedal shafts any different?

Good question. I didnt think so, but the shafts shown appear to have a lot more thread. Could this be from an accessory outside band adjuster set?
I have seen old pedal shafts that get a wear pattern that reduces the O.D.
This could also provide a place for the spring to duck into, just like an undersized shaft.