The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '51 GMC 1/2 ton Emergency Brake return spring?

Hi All,

I'm currently redoing the brakes in a '51 GMC 1/2 ton that sat outside uncovered for 10 years. As you can imagine, there's plenty of rust and dust. I'm back to the emergency brake linkage and cables. After a great deal of WD40 and some selective BFH pounding, I managed to free up the linkage from the pedal through the cross shaft that connects to the cables. Here's the question. When I step on the emergency brake pedal in the cab, it practically falls to the floor - mind you, I've got no cables attached at the drums yet. Going through Jim Carter's catalog I came across the attached entry http://s456.photobucket.com/albums/qq286/blastenpene/Carter%20Ad/

There was no linkage return spring on my truck. Sounds like there should be, but I can't even find any attaching points for it. Where does this spring fit? I had been wondering what pulled the emergency pedal back up when you released it, but I thought that it might be just the cable springs.

Thanks

David B

The spring hooks to the frame cross member and then the connecting rod with a welded on flange. They are known to break off. you may need to weld another one on.

Hi Jim, Any advise on the same issue for a 40 1/2 ton. It seems there should be one on the emergency brake handle under the cab. My truck is too without a spring.

Thanks, Doug