Self Adjusting Brakes?
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 93
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From: Daytona Beach, FL
Self Adjusting Brakes?
When were self adjusting brakes first introduced?
To be more specific, do 51 F1's have self adjusting brakes and if not how are the rear brakes adjusted?
Thanks
To be more specific, do 51 F1's have self adjusting brakes and if not how are the rear brakes adjusted?
Thanks
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
1961 on passenger cars, 1964 on F100/250's & Econolines, 1966 on Bronco's.
The self adjusters only work (if they work at all!) when you back up and step on the brake.
The system was a troublesome turd from day one. The self adjuster cable has a nasty habit of snapping, allowing its cable guide to float around inside the drum.
If that guide gets hung up between the shoe and brake drum, when you step on the brake, it chews the hell oughtta both parts. Not pleasant!
The other problem with the self adjusters is that they will not function when rust and road grime are present.
Thankfully, NAPA has offered a kit...for years...that takes the place of the PITA self adjusters.
The self adjusters only work (if they work at all!) when you back up and step on the brake.
The system was a troublesome turd from day one. The self adjuster cable has a nasty habit of snapping, allowing its cable guide to float around inside the drum.
If that guide gets hung up between the shoe and brake drum, when you step on the brake, it chews the hell oughtta both parts. Not pleasant!
The other problem with the self adjusters is that they will not function when rust and road grime are present.
Thankfully, NAPA has offered a kit...for years...that takes the place of the PITA self adjusters.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
So, no, unless you have changed out your rear end to something after 61 car or after 64 truck, you don't have self adjusting brakes. There is a procedure for adjusting the brakes in the shop manual - don't have one - time to get one.
It simply involves tightening up the shoes using the slot in the backing plate and turning the adjuster until the shoes just start to drag then backing off until they don't drag any more - about 1/4 turn. Adjusting the hand brake cables is a little more involved. I quote that procedure in this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-bracket.html
Post #6.
It simply involves tightening up the shoes using the slot in the backing plate and turning the adjuster until the shoes just start to drag then backing off until they don't drag any more - about 1/4 turn. Adjusting the hand brake cables is a little more involved. I quote that procedure in this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-bracket.html
Post #6.
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