The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline More Huck Brake discussion

On my 52 1Ton Grain Body, I have the usual things to deal with as outlined in the other recent threads. I have another issue to bring up. On my 1Ton, it looks like I have a big truck brakes, the kind with the adjusters with a sprocket affair that catches on heavy ring adjuster on the cylinder. The brakes are the kind that you turn a bolt on the back of the pressure plate to adjust the shoe. The problem is the adjusting sprocket has been worn off and no longer reaches the cylinder ring. I have some replacement sprockets, and can figure out how to replace them but would like to hear comments from anyone who has done the job before.

What you are referring to as a sprocket, the factory calls a pinion. Several years ago I found on Ebay a pair of replacement pinions and bought them, the only time I have seen them for sale. You are required to peen them onto the backing plate. Fortunately, I have not had to repair these on my 2 ton COE and cannot give you any advice based on experience. You could also try welding up the pinions where they are worn, or perhaps remove them and use a screwdriver through the hole to adjust the brakes, just like a smaller truck. Let us know how you solve this problem!

By the way, I believe that this type of adjustment was normally found on the 1 ton and larger trucks.
Good luck,
Kent

I got my pinions the same way. I was planning on pulling off the brakes and the cylinder to get access. Then grinding off the weld, putting in the new parts and weld it back together. This just sounds too simple. I have some other things to do before I get to this. Like get the engine where I want it and fix the emergency brake cables.

Mike,

Could you just replace the whole backing plate with a pair from another HO52/72 axle housing?

Would seem simpler than grinding/welding/etc

John

I have thought about that but haven't taken it apart lately and don't remember or know if it comes off easily. The weld is only a spot weld plus so I don't think it would be too big a deal. Just haven't jumped into this for real yet. At the present time, I just adjust the shoes out far enough so the drum clears and things seem to work. I also have to get the emergency brake cables installed properly as well, new cables that are almost perfect that need some creative thinking. I will have to see, right now I have some engine things to fix., good thought though, thanks

There is a set on Ebay at the moment. The photo of it is really clear. You can find it by searching for NOS 52 Chevy GMC truck brake cylinder kit (silly description ). I think you could buy an epoxy that would weld the two pieces together permanently. My 1 Ton only has those on the rear. I have often wondered if one could put the caps that are used on the front, on the rear, make a hole in the backing plate and adjust them the same way as the front. I guess one could also make a hole in the drum to do this.

I have the parts, just need some warmer drier weather and a better arrangement in the storage barn to get it done. I have to wait until all the campers and boats are out of the way so I can put my truck in an out of the way location to tear it down a little.