Questionhow do you properly adjust them
AnswerAh the A brakes !!!! Try to follow the procedure in the service bulletins or in Jim Andrews book. It a red book on fixing everything on the A. Great book, we all have it. Get it rom MARC or some other A parts supplier. Don't get the green on, get the red one. Model A mechanics handbook. About $35, and well worth it.
Now, if you don't have the book, I can tell you a little. Front brakes are easier than the rear.
The star wheels turn clockwise on each wheel. They turn into the backing plate. That spreads out the shoes. The procedure is way too long for me to write it here. You really should inspect the bushings in the rear brakes. If the big cam lever is loose, you need to put in new bushings. Same for the emergency brake bushings. The were not lubed after Henry built the car. Replace the bushing, lube it and hope. I just found a little write-up I am doing for a friend. It has some info on brakes. It follows:
I got the Model A, now what do I do????
Depending upon the condition, this could be a quick check, or the start of a long process. Many cars are restored cosmetically and the mechanicals are neglected. You can take care of the cosmetics; I will help you with the mechanicals.
The engine is the engine, and its condition is obvious. It either runs or it doesn’t. I won’t go into that. I assume you bought an A that will run.
First, you have to make sure it is safe. It has to stop in a decent fashion, and the steering must be sound. Don’t drive it over 10 mph if the tires are not good. If in doubt, ask someone who knows tires.
Brakes:
(For general information, the Model A is designed to be a rear skid system. Modern cars are designed to be front skid. The rear brakes hold first; then the front brakes contribute to the deceleration.)
Check for slop in the rear brake lever bushing. This is the arm that the rod pulls on when you depress the brake pedal. It is located on the rear brake backing plate. Try to shake it and move it laterally. If it is loose, then you have a very big job ahead of you. You need to install new bushings. Not a difficult job, but a lot of hard work. At the same time you are into the rear brake, replace the emergency brake lever bushing. It is not lubed by design, and is probably worn out. Fixing the bushing problem may be all you have to do to the rear brakes. If it stops after this, leave them alone. If it still does not stop well, then do the complete brake job. Lining, tracks, cam, and rollers, and turned drums.
Front brakes: Clean things up and make sure everything moves as it should and returns under the force of the shoe springs. If the brake lever is not positioned with a slight tilt forward, then add a “pill” to the wedge to get the lever in the tilted position. That may be all you need to do.
Adjustment: This is a tough job and you better get someone who knows how to adjust them to do it for you.
Steering: Reach down under the rear of the left front fender and grab the pitman arm and pull it toward you and push it away from you. If it moves at all, you will have to put new bushings in for the sector shaft. It is a big job getting the steering gear out of the car. You will need help to do this, put in the new bushings and to adjust the gear. Find a club member who knows this area of the “A”.
Check the pinch-bolt that holds the pitman arm on the sector shaft. There can be no looseness in this joint.
Tie rod and drag link: Take a close look at the ends of the tie rod and drag link. They must be firmly connected to the balls.
Lay under the car and look at all of the wires to make sure none are rubbing on anything that might damage the insulation. Make sure the insulation is in good shape and not worn off. Look very closely at the battery cable from the negative post to the starter post. It routes near the clutch and brake pedal mechanisms. Have someone push on both pedals to make sure they don’t hit the battery cable. No movable member can touch the battery cable. If you have a problem in this area, you can burn you car and house up.
Back at the ranch-----If you get the car stopping pretty good, leave it alone. You can spend all day playing with them.
Lets assume they are in good shape and stop sort of. Jack up all 4 wheels. The front levers should be leaning a little forward from verticle. The rear levers should engage the cam as soon as you push on the pedal. Make sure all wheels spin freely.
Block the brake pedal down 1 in. and the rear brakes should just be coming on. Go down another 1/2 in. Thr rears should be firm. Go down another 1/2 in. the rr. should be locked up.
The front should start coming on as you push the pedal down 1 1/2 in. A little firmer with another 1/2 in. And heavy with another 1/2 in. This is basically it. Join a model a club and have them help you. Good luck, and let me know how you make out. We also have the video for brakes that you can get or borrow from Marc. It shows it all.
jack
