Front Brake Actuating Arms
 

When the Model A brakes are properly set up the front actuating arms are to have a forward lean to them.

I have had to use up to 3 "pills" to get sufficient angle on the arms, but feel uncomfortable about having such a shallow pocket for bottom end of the actuating pin.

It is unlikely over time that the actuating pin itself has worn down that much.

Is it just as likely that the actuating arm has "twisted" over years of use?

Of course lengthening the pin is one solution, (weld up and grind the ends).

How about the judicious use of heat to bend the lever end of the arm so not to affect the shaft part of the arm?

Just thinking...

Re: Front Brake Actuating Arms
 

Years ago when I did my first Model A brake job I found the pins to be worn, and a new pair from Bratton's put the arm where it should be. No pills were used.

Re: Front Brake Actuating Arms
 

I just did the brakes on my 28 Tudor. One side on the front had an actuating pin that had been lengthened by about 1/4 inch. That is one way to make up for slop in the brake rods, wedge, actuating arm etc. I ended up replacing the actuating arm, operating pin, wedge, rebuilt backing plate etc. Result, no pills needed, actuating arm angle is correct, brakes work beautifully. My opinion, brakes are too important to skimp on. Fix them right.

Re: Front Brake Actuating Arms
 

A while back short actuating pins were going around and were fairly common. You may have a set of those, I did. The correct length is 7 1/4 inches (as I recall). Check this out before spending lots of time and energy.

Re: Front Brake Actuating Arms
 

Be sure to check the end of the shaft that goes over the pin , I have seen a few that were cracked. Norm