Brake Cross Shaft

[GlenIdaho]

1957 Ford 850. The brake cross shaft bushings needs to be replaced. Haven't dug into it yet, just doing homework, I assume it can be removed by splitting it. Any other hints?

Also, the right brake pedal height is lower than the left. I understand wear on the brake shaft end that actuates the brakes is a possible reason for this. Will building up the worn areas be beneficial? Thanks in advance.
 

[awhtx]

Glen,
You don't need to split the tractor to replace the bushings. The pedal should come off the shaft and then the shaft can be removed out the left side and the bushings replaced.
Adjusting the "star" wheel inside the brake drum (adjusted through the back plate) often raises the pedal. If the brake shaft end is truly worn then yes, welding it up can repair it.
Alan
 

[GlenIdaho]

Hi Alan, Sorry I wasn't clear and used the wrong part name. I was speaking of the bushing for the brake actuator camshaft. Tried finding in on the NH Parts site and picked the wrong part name. Not sure now from the diagrams what the part number is for the bushing. At any rate, its the bushing that is in the axle trumpet that the brake camshaft pivots in. I assume you must split it (the bushing) to remove it. Thanks again.
 

[awhtx]

OK Glen, I know what you mean now. I don't see it in the parts diagram either. It must only be sold as part of the complete trumpet.
I happen to have a pair of trumpets laying around. The hole in the trumpet is bored all the way through and what appears to be a bushing to you is actually a "freeze plug" or "expansion plug" to seal that hole. The inboard end of the brake camshaft rides inside the "cup" part of that plug. I cannot tell if that plug can be driven all the way through until it falls inside the rear end or if there is a flange to stop it from being driven all the way through. In the latter case would need to drill a hole in the center of it and use a slide hammer with a sheet metal screw end to pull it out of the hole.
Unless the cup part of the expansion plug is completely worn away and the brake camshaft is cutting into the trumpet itself I'd leave it alone. If there is some way you can take a photo of it with the cam removed post the photo here and I'll compare it to mine.
 

[GlenIdaho]

Thanks Alan, you have a good suggestion, just leave it alone! It looks to me that the bushing wear adds to the pedal sagging a little, not much but adds to it. I'd have to pull the the axle retainer out a little to remove the camshaft. I certainly don't want to have to pull the axle trumpets to mess with the plug. I couldn't find anything in the book about it. I guess I'll try to adjust the sagging pedal via brake adjustment and just live with it. Thanks for your help Alan, you're a good man.