Service Brake Cross Shaft lubrication

[neds29]

I just disassembled the shaft and the bushing are completely seized (no wonder the brakes were so crappy!). After freeing them up I'm considering drilling them and installing two grease zerks. Has anybody done this? Surprisingly the bushings themselves don't seem worn at all.
Thanks, Ned

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by neds29

I just disassembled the shaft and the bushing are completely seized (no wonder the brakes were so crappy!). After freeing them up I'm considering drilling them and installing two grease zerks. Has anybody done this? Surprisingly the bushings themselves don't seem worn at all.
Thanks, Ned

Ned, the original bushings had a cloth insert. Does yours??

[neds29]

"Cloth insert"? Hmm, that's a new one to me. I'm sure if they did then they've disintegrated. I bought the replacement 2-part bushings and just assumed (and we all know what that does) the originals were plain bronze like them. Any idea why they had cloth inserts? Does Snyder's kit include cloth inserts? Do I need cloth inserts?
Back to the original question: Has anybody added grease zerks to lube those bushings?
Thanks, Ned

[Bob C]

Snyder's shows them. The originals I've seen look a little different,
maybe just worn.

[Cory Moffat]

I drilled and cross drilled one side then added zerks to mine years ago. It works good for me.

[MrBruce]

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I know I've seen an article on grease zerks on the bushings it maybe in Technically Speaking or one of the how-to books. It also might be in an ad for a rebuilt shaft where they put them in?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by neds29

"Cloth insert"? Hmm, that's a new one to me. I'm sure if they did then they've disintegrated. I bought the replacement 2-part bushings and just assumed (and we all know what that does) the originals were plain bronze like them. Any idea why they had cloth inserts? Does Snyder's kit include cloth inserts? Do I need cloth inserts?
Back to the original question: Has anybody added grease zerks to lube those bushings?
Thanks, Ned

Ned, yes it has been done (-even an article in one of the national magazines) but you coming from an engineering background, let's chat about what is gained by an 'afterthought' grease fitting? Start by doing the math to figure how much rotation the shaft actually makes, ...and the frequency of that rotation.

Why not just pre-lube everything with a high-pressure grease when doing the assembly, and then every 5,000 miles or so when you are doing regular undercarriage maintenance, give each of those bushing a shot or two of oil from your Eagle oil can? The longevity of the proper bushing with grease, and following up with some oil to keep the cloth lubricated will likely last longer than the rest of the braking components.

After this, if you are still thinking it is a good idea to install a grease fittings on the cross-shaft, don't forget to drill each of the Clevis pins for micro grease fittings because they don't get any lubrication either.

[Jeff/Illinois]

I recall reading years ago, that those parts being sold by vendors made of aluminum, like in the 70's, were pretty poor quality and to avoid them. Probably a number of Model A's running around with them today.

[neds29]

Well I drilled out one of them and by golly there is what appears to be cloth inside of it! I will have to get a press fit zerk for it today, but otherwise I just freed it so it turns fine and oiled it up well and in a hurry to get it all back together, reassembled "as-is". Thanks for all of the help guys.
Ned

[Dick M]

I have been using the split bushings for 20 years. I lubed them with some sticky red grease upon installation. Checked them about 5 years ago and they were still full of grease. The split bushings work well.