RN Brakes

[Gaz747]

Good evening ,

New to the forum and Austin Seven ownership .

On inspection of the brakes on my 32' RN I found play in the front o/s pivot and cam . 

I have since replaced the pivot and brake cam bush but  since refitting the shoes and hub now have the situation where the brake lever operating the cam is not returning fully leaving the brakes partly on .


The cam was the original and was tight when tried in the new bush before fitting it to the hub . 

The cam was tight to fit but once home rotated freely .

Has someone else experienced this and how do I rectify it ? A case of working the lever back and fore or more to it ?

Thanks in advance ,

Gareth

[Parazine]

A few things spring to mind:

1) There should be a small hole in the top of the bush to allow grease through from the king pin to provide lubrication to the brake cam bush. Did you drill the hole?

2) After pressing the bushes into the stub axle, they should be reamed to suit the cam diameter. You'll need a hand reamer to do this job. Otherwise the fit is very "hit or miss".

3) Sometimes the shoe return springs are stretched and weak, new ones are available from specialist suppliers.

[JonE]

what size reamer please, or is this somewhere where there is need for an adjustable reamer?

[Parazine]

I knew someone would ask and I'd have to go down to the cold garage to measure one! 

7/16" or 0.4375".