Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

Friday completed engine and transmission oil change in the Model A and while inspecting the rest of the undercarriage found a few problems areas that will need attention.


I found the rear brake rod "anti rattle bracket/spring" broken on both sides (only one on each side is broken) and wondering if I can remove them with out any issues. Who knows how long they have been broken and rattling so just wondering. Les Andrews book says they should be applying pressure and broken weak ones replaced (brake return spring) so sounds like they are actually pretty important.


Also the rods need to be disconnected to remove/install so will the brakes require resetting/adjusting if I disconnect the rods to remove the broken brackets/spring?




FYI I have NO Model A brake experience so better to ask about safety related systems...

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

Measure eye to eye, take the clevis and lock nut off replace the spring and reinstall the clevis to the same length.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

They fail due to the vibrations they receive. Easy fix. Note there are different styles

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

Just got done installing all 6 springs this evening. Other than a little trouble with a couple cotter pins it was a breeze. Even if it took me all evening.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

Now there's a confidence builder - What's next?

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

CRAP there are six??? Guess I need to take another look around under there! Any lessons learned you can pass on? New cotter pins maybe? Other than disconnecting the rods it looks straight forward.

Did you need to adjust the brakes after replacement or were they still good to go? (my biggest concern...)

HAHAHA ALL good just a few hours doing what we love to do.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

You may want to put some WD40 or something similar on the ends of the rods and the bolts that hold the broken part before you do anything. If your brakes are working fine just take the rods loose and put them back as they were. It isn't hard to adjust the brakes, there are lots of instructions and videos if you want to check them after you are done and maybe get a little more pedal when you go to stop.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

"different styles" please elaborate.

Found a set of six through Smith and Jones ( http://www.snjparts.com/Model-A-Brak...a-2503-as.html ) any feedback on the company? All the others I have found look the same but are sets of four (rear??)

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

I have used Smith and Jones a number of time and have always been satisfied with their products and service,

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

The other option to the Smith and Jones flat springs, pictured, are the 1931 style springs. To my mind they work better and I don't think the vibration mentioned will wear them out. They go on the same and are available at all the suppliers and usually for fewer dollars. Snyder's sell them on page A-108 in their 2019 catalog.
Marty

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

THANKS for the feedback on SnJ

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

THANKS Marty!!

Found them!! It would seem they should be interchangeable and agree probably less susceptible to breaking.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

Marty,
Can these anti-rattlers be installed without disconnecting the brake rods? The photo does not really show the "loop" but it looks like it is a "closed loop" and would require the brake rods to be disconnected.
THANKS!!
David

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

I have put the wire ones on before from the fixed clevis end.
I've also had the wire ones break - there's one broken on my Tourer waiting for a warm day to replace it...

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

If you don't mind forcing the loop open a smidgin to get it over the rod and then re-closing the loop with pliers or Vice grips you can get them on over the rods . The loops aren't welded - they are just bent spring wire .

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

You're right John. That's what I do. That spring steel has pretty good memory.
Marty

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

I have had better luck with the "wire type" return or anti-rattle springs. The flat spring steel units push very well for about a month and then break right where they bolt up.
If you do not adjust the rods length at all your brakes will function the same as before.
But it's a good time to look for improvement and try to eliminate any free play in the system. This brake system is great if regularly maintained.

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

I agree , remove all the slack but don't go TOO far and cause brake drag . I also use and prefer the wire style 1931 brake rod return springs .

Re: Brake Rod Anti Rattler
 

THANK YOU ALL for the awesome info and continued help!!!