The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1946 REAR BRAKE ADJUSTING BOLTS

1946 Chevrolet 2 ton:
The adjusting bolts for the rear brake cylinders are missing from the backing plates. Any suggestions on where I might find replacements? How they install? other options?

i am not real sure what you need.. i thought those trucks had the Huck brakes which adjusted by the end caps on the wheel cyl. some replacements are available or you may find some used..but because of the work involved it would not be cost effective for me to get any off of my parts trucks to sell.. new would be best

but i may be wrong about the brakes on a 2ton..i havent worked on one of those in many years.. maybe someone else will chime in who has had more resent experience

If the '46 2 ton is the same as my '50 2 ton COE, there indeed are "bolts" on the backing plate. You adjust the two 5/8" hex heads that are slotted. The procedure is in the manual. On the inside of the backing plate the "bolt" is peened to a 1 1/2 inch disc that has eight "nubbins" that protrude out, acting as gear teeth, which engage the notched end caps of the wheel cylinder. Much nicer than sticking a screw driver through a notch. There is a spring between the backing plate and the disc to hold it in place.

I have a couple of repair kits (not for sale, I might need them) for these and I have seen one other set for sale on Ebay some time ago. The kit has group number 4.678 and part number 3705288. Again, I am assuming it would be the same for your '46.

Kent

Exactly as you describe. Mine are missing are broke.
Thanks for the part numbers; it gives me something to look for. Keep me in mind if you run across any.
Thanks for the help.
Doug

i guess it has been too long since i have been into the brakes on a 2 ton ..i am glad lightholder spoke up... hope you can find the parts without having to tear into a used truck somewhere.. thats alot of work for such small parts..:)

Used the part number to search ebay and found 2 repair kits. Crisis averted.
Thanks again
Doug

I know this is a very old post but I need advice on those adjusting bolts. Which way do you turn to tighten?

It helps if you tell us if it's a GMC or Chevy and what size/series truck it is (you don't have a '46 listed in your signature)...we all want to be on the same page!

Mike B

As you're looking at the face of the studs, tighten clockwise. However, be very careful as the pinion can easily strip if the threaded cap on the end of the wheel cylinder is rusted and stuck. Use an open end wrench, not a box end or ratchet, and if it doesn't turn easily, don't push your luck. You'll have to pull the drums and free up the caps by tapping with a light punch and hammer. I've found that lightly lubricating the threads on the wheel cylinder adjusting caps is a good idea.