Re: Brakes: Who is right? Packard or Bendix?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/3/22 10:45:24

Don't let the position of the star wheel adjustment confuse you, on Bendix self-energizing brakes such as you have the primary (shorter lining) always goes forward. It cams or jams the secondary (rear, longer) lining into the drum with a bit of a mechanically amplified force for more braking power.

Re wheel bearings, remove, clean in kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid, generally it is recommended NOT to use gasoline. Inspect each roller for pits or other signs of wear, also inspect the race for galling or signs of wear. If all is well, get a tub or wheel bearing grease - the modern red or blue stuff for disc brake cars is just fine. If you don't have the little bearing packing tool, just put some gobs of grease on your fingers and work into the cavity between the rollers. Some folks put the grease into the palm of their hand and "slap" the bearing into it - either way the object is to fill the space in and around each roller with grease, and then a bit of a additional film on the outside around the rollers. You might also want to remove the old grease from inside the hub. Many of us put a small amount of additional grease inside the hub between the inner and outer bearings and it's probably a good idea but don't overdo it. After the outer bearing is installed and the retainer and nut installed, I often take one more finger tip of grease and push it in around the bearing just for good measure.

It's a good practice when tightening the wheel bearing retaining nut to overtighten slightly (maybe 15 lb-feet or so) to make sure the bearing is seated. Then back off and make the final adjustment. Most of us old timers do it by feel; Packards spec in later years was 4 lb-feet, and back off to the first cotter pin hole.

I'm sure others will their own techniques.