Javelin Rear Hub brake adjuster

[paul wilks]

I am about to work on my rear nearside hub. Rather than using an open ended spanner, with the danger of 'rounding' the rear brake adjuster, I would appreciate it if someone can tell me the size of the 'proper' spanner. Are these spanners still available please?

Thanks

Paul

[Forumadmin]

Eighth whit. I do not know a source for the square spanner required. I guess you could make one. If the adjuster is properly greased with brake mechanical grease it should not be stiff.

[David Morris]

Hi Paul,

Have a look at the recent posts from Alan Bartlett. He is working on his new acquisition, a Bradford lorry he has called the Tramp. He was stuck for the same type of spanner and he had some useful posts on where to obtain one, I think through eBay? He has now shown a picture of his new spanner, which is just what he wanted.

I had a look at the links posted to help him, and there were several vendors, at different prices and sizes of spanner.

When you have your spanner, it's a good idea to wind the adjuster out, put some lubrication on the threads and then wind it back in to the correct adjustment. Also, when you are working on the back plate, ( and I am assuming you have the full hydraulic brakes? ) try to give the brake cylinder some lubrication where it rubs against the back plate. The brake cylinder is supposed to move slightly from side to side in it's position on the back plate. They get corroded and seized and this is a frequent cause of binding back brakes. The securing nuts for the cylinder should be either Nyloc or, as I think Jowett's fitted, I think they were split pinned and had a small spring underneath? To get at the cylinder properly, you would need to remove the drum, but that's another story entirely! Try a little lubrication from the back side of the plate first? Don't overdo it though!

Hope this helps,

David

[ian Howell]

David Morris wrote: -

the securing nuts for the cylinder should be either Nyloc or, as I think Jowett's fitted, I think they were split pinned and had a small spring underneath?

(Me now): -

They had a small spring washer called a Thackeray washer, which is like two complete turns of a spring. These allow a little axial movement but resist the 'undoing' forces.

[paul wilks]

Thanks everyone Keith, David and Ian

When I renovated my brakes I used these Thackeray washers, lubricated with white Castrol PH grease the sliding face of the cylinder against the back plate so hopefully it shouldn't be an issue(!?) However I have never had the proper spanner so thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Now I have the correct size I'll 'rummage' through eBay.

Thanks

Paul

[ian Howell]

I'm not sure about this, but the 'dumbbell' or cross-type tap handles usually have a square hole in them for the tap stem - might be worth a try if you've got one handy?

[jowettgeoff]

It's possible to buy a proper brake adjusting spanner (like a ring spanner but with a square hole). These usually are double-ended (2 different sizes). A google search should find one for you.

Geoff.

[Drummond Black]

Paul,
As Geoff M stated you can get a proper Brake Adjusting Spanner, Britool do one and the quality is top notch. The sizes are 1/4 " square and 5/16" square.
Make the job of adjusting simple.

Drummond

[paul wilks]

Hi Drummond. Thanks. I thought Keith said the size is 1/8" Whitworth.
Sorry- confused.com!

Paul

[jowettgeoff]

Hi Paul,

The correct square brake adjuster tool is 5/16 AF. Alternatively a 10mm one is quite close. A 1/4 Whit spanner might do, but it will be a bit sloppy and might damage the adjuster. As Drum suggests - using the correct tool is the best plan! Incidentally, Halfords might sell them.

Geoff.

[Drummond Black]

8 mm is nearer to 5/16"

DB

[jowettgeoff]

But those are are Scottish millimetres. Ours are bigger than yours