Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi- I am trying to balance my front brakes. I have new shoes on them and have about 20 miles on the shoes. I have two questions:

1- What do I need to tighten to get the rear brakes to engage better? I believe my brake equalizing linkage might have a bit of rust/corrosion on it which it giving me challenges.

2- I have adjusted my front brakes multiple times and it still keeps pulling to the left. Could I have a cracked left spring or do the 'shock' straps need some kind of adjustment?

Thanks,
Gar

Any suggestions are appreciated.

What adjustment procedure are you using?

I'm not familiar with brakes quite that early, are they the Bendix/Perrot 3-shoe system? If so I have some technical literature which might prove useful.

With the brakes applied firmly the levers at the backing plate should be approaching vertical. As well the shoes should be centered in the drums with .0015 clearance optimal. If the drums are worn this result will not be attainable and a compromise required. The front cables on those cars are subject to fatigue where they pass through the chassis. They should be removed and inspected and the passage cleaned as it collects grit that wears through the cable. Inspect the suspension for loose spring u-bolts that will cause pull, as will a loose trunion, and spring shackle mounts. Inspect the wheel bearings for damage. A flat spot on a wheel bearing will cause irregular application and sudden pull. Worn king pins will do the same. Note as well, that a locking left rear wheel will cause a pull.

Owen:

Yes these are a three shoe system. Please see picture below...

Attach file:

---

  (128.21 KB)

Tim:


My drums were turned and trued last fall. I also had all of the shoes replaced and all of the components lubed/packed (where appropriate), new springs installed and all cables cleaned and inspected.

The car stops reasonably straight (very little left pull) as long as I don't hit the brakes too hard.

How much slack should be in the spring shackles? Right now I have about 1 to 2 inches.

Thanks

I use these instructions when adjusting the brakes on my 633 which I suspect is the same as the 533. I have had good results however I have never succeeded in having the brakes pull up absolutely evenly under all conditions.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/1929_BendixBrakesServiceBulletin.pdf

These instructions are on this site, there is a lot of good information here.

I forgot one item. The brake cams have a top and bottom. If one is installed upside down that may be causing your problem. As well, the books all want really tight shoe to drum clearances, but that is for new drums which goes out the window after 90 years.

Tim:

Great doc. Thanks

Good Evening...You might also have a wheel bearing that is worn out more on one side than the other. Ernie in Arizona...around the corner and down the lane from David Packard!