The Ford Barn

roenidoc · 05-11-2026, 06:37 PM

I'm having problems with the front brake on my Model A: it squeals when I brake hard and sometimes seizes up when I come to a stop. It seems like something is loose. Overall, though, the braking performance is good, and the car hardly pulls to one side. - When I removed the brake drum for inspection today, I noticed that there is no key in the groove at the end of the axle (as there is in the rear). And the axle isn’t smooth; it has grooves. Is a key missing? If so, will the rear axle key fit in?

Big hammer · 05-11-2026, 06:54 PM

That groove is for a washer with a tab , the tab keeps the washer from spinning , the wheel hub is supported by bearings so a rough axle isn’t a problem most likely. A brake locking up isn’t good !? Maybe a photo of the brake would help us with your problem .

Bob C · 05-11-2026, 06:57 PM

The groove is to keek the bearing retaining washer from spinning.

roenidoc · 05-11-2026, 07:22 PM

Sorry, I do not know how to post my fotos here

roenidoc · 05-11-2026, 07:46 PM

Did not work

updraught · 05-11-2026, 08:17 PM

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To post a photo
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/faq.p...l&titlesonly=0

nkaminar · 05-12-2026, 04:39 AM

Do you have the Flat Head Ted kit? If not then carefully inspect the wedge. If at all worn then you will need a new one. Also check that the arms are at 15 degrees forward with the brake rod off and all slack taken up. If not then you will have to add the spacer under the pin that runs through the king pin, sometimes called a "pill." Adjust the rod so that the pin slips in with the arms at 15 degrees.

There are 3 areas on the wedge corresponding to shoes retracted, shoes in normal mode, and emergency stop. The wedge should move up and down freely. I small amount of grease helps.

05-11-2026, 06:37 PM	#1
roenidoc Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: village in low mountain range 40 miles east of cologne Posts: 14	Front brake Problem I'm having problems with the front brake on my Model A: it squeals when I brake hard and sometimes seizes up when I come to a stop. It seems like something is loose. Overall, though, the braking performance is good, and the car hardly pulls to one side. - When I removed the brake drum for inspection today, I noticed that there is no key in the groove at the end of the axle (as there is in the rear). And the axle isn’t smooth; it has grooves. Is a key missing? If so, will the rear axle key fit in? __________________ Greetings from Germany, Chris Ford Model A Fordor Sedan (1931) Unimog 2010 (1951) Fiat 2300 Berlina (1966)

05-11-2026, 06:54 PM	#2
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,637	Re: Front brake Problem That groove is for a washer with a tab , the tab keeps the washer from spinning , the wheel hub is supported by bearings so a rough axle isn’t a problem most likely. A brake locking up isn’t good !? Maybe a photo of the brake would help us with your problem . __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

05-11-2026, 07:22 PM	#4
roenidoc Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: village in low mountain range 40 miles east of cologne Posts: 14	Re: Front brake Problem Sorry, I do not know how to post my fotos here __________________ Greetings from Germany, Chris Ford Model A Fordor Sedan (1931) Unimog 2010 (1951) Fiat 2300 Berlina (1966) Last edited by roenidoc; 05-11-2026 at 07:38 PM.

05-11-2026, 07:46 PM	#5
roenidoc Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: village in low mountain range 40 miles east of cologne Posts: 14	Re: Front brake Problem Did not work __________________ Greetings from Germany, Chris Ford Model A Fordor Sedan (1931) Unimog 2010 (1951) Fiat 2300 Berlina (1966)

05-11-2026, 08:17 PM	#6
updraught Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Australia Posts: 2,289	Re: Front brake Problem Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) To post a photo https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/faq.p...l&titlesonly=0

05-12-2026, 04:39 AM	#7
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,855	Re: Front brake Problem Do you have the Flat Head Ted kit? If not then carefully inspect the wedge. If at all worn then you will need a new one. Also check that the arms are at 15 degrees forward with the brake rod off and all slack taken up. If not then you will have to add the spacer under the pin that runs through the king pin, sometimes called a "pill." Adjust the rod so that the pin slips in with the arms at 15 degrees. There are 3 areas on the wedge corresponding to shoes retracted, shoes in normal mode, and emergency stop. The wedge should move up and down freely. I small amount of grease helps. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.