VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 Brake Cross Shaft Adjustment

I have a quick question regarding the proper adjustment of the brake cross shaft....following the instructions given on Bill's 31' site - step 2 says to "loosen the cross-shaft bracket nuts and set the shaft brackets vertically by adjusting the pedal brace rod. Tighten the cross-shaft bracket nuts."

My question is when the cross-shaft bracket nuts that hold the shaft assembly to the frame are tightened - is the assembly then held tight in the vertical position or is the shaft bracket assembly still able to swing forward and back until the brake rods are installed. Even when tightened the brackets are loose which does not make sense to me, I am thinking there is an issue here and I need to make sure the assembly is set vertically and cannot move..

Appreciate the helpful advice...
John

The brake cross shaft has two functions. The primary one is to pull the rods and cables with as much leverage (therefore less pedal pressure) as possible. The other is to compensate for the differences in the individual wheel adjustment. So the arms need be 90 degrees from the rod or cable when the shoes are contacting the drums. The side supports need to be able to move forward and back to compensate for adjustment differences.

I purchased the brake adjustment tool from the Filling Station and have used it now on three cars following the directions supplied. Brakes on all work great.

Thank you very much for the helpful advice. Seems the cross shaft indeed needs to have some free travel as Chipper pointed out. I was able to borrow from my friend, a brake adjustment gauge so all this along with 2 new front brake cables, I have my work cut out for me.
John