davidbracey May 16, 2015 1:33 pm
Subject: Brake rod and cable extension

I had to stamp on my brakes pretty hard the other day and despite being in uncharted waters was relieved (and impressed) that this big heavy LG45 saloon stopped in time and in a straight line. Unfortunately it was then jammed solid and so I ventured underneath.

The brake rod that connects to the forward cable had pulled beyond its sleeved extension and had dropped so that it couldn't return. A simple problem to overcome (I whacked it back!) but I've now been looking at it more thoroughly and can't see a simple solution.

The front end of the cable finishes with a clevis pin connecting to the mechanism for each front wheel. It is already fully close to the front axle and so I don't see how the excess cable can be taken up. If anyone else in the club thinks they might be able to help could they please take a look at the attached 3 pages of annotated images and let me know if I'm missing something.

It looks to me like the cable is too long or the sleeve into which the brake rod connects is too short.

Any help gratefully appreciated before I venture out.

David
Attachments:
LG45 Brake Rod Extension Problems part 1.pdf (Filesize: 165.72 KB)
LG45 Brake Rod Extension Problems part 2.pdf (Filesize: 121.24 KB)
LG45 Brake Rod Extension Problems part 3.pdf (Filesize: 160.93 KB)

bill May 18, 2015 9:13 am
Subject: Re: Brake rod and cable extension

I have just got under my car to check the clearance . It is also 40mm.
I have never had this problem (touch wood) !
I think that your problem must simply be a matter of adjustment. ie the cable is just going too far inside the outer sleeve. Does the pedal go almost to the floor ? If so this is obviously too far.
Check it all over for lost motion. Also maybe file a very slight chamfer on the back end of the cable clevis and chamfer the inside edge of the sleeve so they cannot jam again.
Hope this helps.

davidbracey May 18, 2015 8:13 pm
Subject: Re: Brake rod and cable extension

Hi Bill,

Thanks for checking this for me. I was reassured that yours and mine are in the same ballpark.

I've nipped up any slack and just a little adjustment here and there has made quite a cumulative difference. The travel is now down from 40mm to about 28mm so I am very happy with that. Was very surprised such small adjustments made such a difference.

Thanks again.

David

bill May 19, 2015 9:20 am
Subject: Re: Brake rod and cable extension

Also worth checking that you definitely have the chamfer on the inside lip of the sleeve.
Best of luck. I am sure you are slowly getting there. Now you are only worrying about the brakes and not the engine as well !

davidbracey May 19, 2015 10:34 am
Subject: Re: Brake rod and cable extension

Will definitely check that chamfer next time I strip it apart.

Yes, I think I am getting there. No engine problems and only a few niggles to shakedown. All pretty minor compared to seized engines.

I'm aiming to put another 1,000 miles on the car before the AGM and if that all goes well then I think I will be confident that I've a really well sorted car.

Thanks for your help again Bill.