Emergency Brake

((529))

The new emergency brake provides a separate and distinct emergency or parking brake system. It consists of two internal expanding brakes on the rear wheels operated by a hand lever and entirely independent of the four wheel service brakes. (See Fig. 529.)

To accommodate two sets of internal brakes on the rear wheels a specially developed two-in-one brake drum of exceptional strength has been designed. The larger braking surface accommodates the brake shoes of the four wheel system, and a separate braking surface slightly offset from the first accommodates the parking or emergency brakes which are of the band or full flexible, self-energizing type.

In this combination of two braking systems the Model A driver has the maximum in safety and unexcelled braking efficiency.

Adjusting Emergency Brakes

The new emergency brake requires little attention from an adjustment or service standpoint, and with ordinary care will last indefinitely. Only when the band linings become excessively worn, permitting the emergency brake lever to come back to the extreme rearward position, will adjustment be required for wear. When this occurs adjustment can b e easily made as follows:

  1. Fully release emergency brake lever.
  2. Remove rod A-1853 that connects emergency brake lever to cross shaft center lever. (See A, Fig. 530.)
  3. Next replace the rod inserting it through hole ‘B’ in center cross member and connecting the rod to the cross shaft center lever through UPPER hole ‘ C in lever.

Never adjust for wear by shortening the pull rods.

Equalizing Emergency Brakes

The length of the pull rods that connect the emergency brake cross shaft to operating lever are correctly set at the factory and will rarely require further attention. If an occasion should arise where one wheel slides before the other when the emergency brake is applied, the brake can be equalized as follows:

  1. Make all adjustments with brakes cold.
  2. Fully release emergency brake lever placing it in the extreme forward position.
  3. Jack up rear end.
  4. Disconnect both emergency brake pull rods from emergency brake cross shaft end levers.
  5. Rotate both rear wheels to see that service brakes are not dragging. If dragging readjust service brakes as described in the May Service Bulletin ((LINK TO BRAKES CATEGORY))
  6. Next turn the adjustable end of both brake pull rods until eye in end of rod is exactly in line with end of cross shaft end lever, and rod can be slipped freely over end of lever. Then assemble rods to levers and check adjustment as follows:
  7. With the car traveling 15 to 25 miles per hour on a dry paved surface, slowly apply the emergency brake with a gradually increasing hand pressure, having an observer note whether both wheels slide at the same time. If properly adjusted both rear wheels will lock evenly when the emergency brake lever is applied. If one wheel locks before the other it will be necessary to readjust the brake that locks first; this is done by backing off the adjustable end of the emergency brake pull rod approximately two turns and then repeating the test. If the same wheel still locks first, shorten the pull rod on the opposite brake until a uniform brake action is secured.
  8. After making final adjustment, make sure all clevis and cotter pins are in place.

((530))

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