M38 Brake Adjustment

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 4:06 pm

I am in the process of adjusting my brakes.

Where do you get the tool to adjust the front axle brakes ( at the lower adjustment near the knuckles). I cannot get an adjustable spanner in there very easily (crescent wrench).

Also where can you get a tool to adjust the tie rods without using a pipe wrench, which leaves teeth mark gouges.

I have already tried a couple of suppliers and will call some more tomorrow, but I was curious as to what everyone else is using.

Thanks

Rick_L · Post by **Rick_L** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 4:59 pm

I use a brake adjusting tool made by Bonney tools. It has 1/4 & 3/16" slots in it to fit the adjusting cams..

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 5:13 pm

For your tie rod ends, try a belt wrench... one of those wrenches that uses a nylon strap to grip with... just a suggestion... Sears carries them I think...

GregS · Post by **GregS** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 7:37 pm

Ryan,

I got one of these on ebay for next to nothing and works great for the tie rods. There are many variations and they all work pretty much the same. Nice tool to have.

This one is made by Lisle, they have all sorts of interesting tools.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_index.cfm

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:35 pm

On the brake adjustment I use a short combination wrench to lock the nut down and I believe it was 1/4 " wench to turn the flat on the bolt.

I cleaned my tie rod tubes up so good they turn by hand.

You might try using a leather glove to keep from marking up the tubes and some channel lock pliers if they tend to be a little hard to turn.

Jeff_H · Post by **Jeff_H** » Tue Aug 15, 2006 5:07 am

Ryan

To undo the locking nut I bought a 3/4 inch offset box wrench and ground it down, top and bottom, until it fit under the 4 bolds on the bottom of the square block (king pin keepers?) which makes it difficult to get a wrench in. after about 3/4 of an hour grinding and test fitting I have a wrench that will work. Will post a picture on my site tomorrow.

Jeff

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Wed Aug 16, 2006 6:18 pm

Thanks guys,

This gives me a lot of ideas.

I finally got my engine/tranny/clutch hooked up and set the power plant onto the frame.

I need to get some photos up on my gallery.

I appreciate all of the help.