Bracing Brake Cross Tube

[Jamie]

I have read a number of times that bracing the brake cross shaft can improve the brakes by reducing the flex in the bearing hangers. However, I cannot find any pictures to see how people do this. Can anyone point me to any pictures or describe how they have done this, please?


Thank you. 

Jamie

[Tony Press]

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Modification to uncoupled brakes

   

I have used this and a bracing strut on the other side.

["Slack Alice" Simon]

Mine are braced wth short lengths of 1 x 1/8" steel strip at 45 degrees, one end bent so that it runs along the chassis for an inch or so, the other meeting the centre line of the bracket.

Attached with braze at either end, so removable relatively easily if needed.

Been there for 50 years, so far.

[stuartu]

Jamie, I believe the chassis you are working on is an early Ruby which has much more satisfactory cross shaft carrier pressings. 
As has been said, the uncoupled brake cross shaft hangers are fairly feeble and, in my experience, the circa 1930 square hanger pressings benefit markedly from a similar mod to the one in Tony’s post. 
The Ruby version is a good deal stiffer.

It is instructive to place a strong friend in your car and ask him to press the brake pedal firmly while you observe what happens to the cross shaft mountings, especially on the driver’s side. 

Regards,

Stuart