Brake Pedal arm rubbing

[Brent B3B]

I am sure this has been brought up but I can't find it.

 working on my B3B with the standard 4 speed (on the floor) the brake pedal "arm" rubs the firewall when it is pressed in about 4" to the point where it pushes it (the firewall) out

 

the clutch on the other hand is dead on and the bushings were replaced a few years back. my redneck side says "just cut the firewall" but, my troubleshooting side says "it is like that for a reason that should be fixed!"  

 

on a related or unrelated note, the body mounts I replaced/ installed new 8 years ago from VPW are splitting (photo taken with washers trying to troubleshoot the "rub")

 

so 1.) what will cause the brake only to push on the firewall? I would guess with the floor pans in place, they would hold the firewall away the distance needed.  

     2.) what can be done to prevent the splitting of the mounts? (it has been inside for 30 years)

and 3.) should I listen to the redneck or the troubleshooter?

 

 

[Jerry Roberts]

Well here is what I did when my pedal rubbed on the SIDE . My bushings didn't have much or any slop in them . I took the pedal off and put it in the vise and bent the arm back straight . My pedal arm was slightly bent . If yours also rubs on the front you may have to readjust your floor panel or slightly open up the notch for the arm . In your photos it looks like the arm rubs on the side and also on the front . 

[Jeff Balazs]

I would say that if the mounts are split then maybe the cab has shifted a bit.....and that might cause the brake pedal to rub.

 

Jeff

[MBF]

Could it be that your body mount bushing(s) have collapsed to the point that they're letting the cab tilt forward enough so that the top of the floor board is rubbing on the brake pedal?   The left front cab mount should have a steel sleeve in it to align the cab so that it stays in position for the pedals and steering.  If that is missing could that be why your bushing split?  Just throwing some helpful guesses out.  I'd be interested in seeing what the post mortem on this reveals.   Mike

[Brent B3B]

Well here is what I did when my pedal rubbed on the SIDE . My bushings didn't have much or any slop in them . I took the pedal off and put it in the vise and bent the arm back straight . My pedal arm was slightly bent . If yours also rubs on the front you may have to readjust your floor panel or slightly open up the notch for the arm . In your photos it looks like the arm rubs on the side and also on the front .

Worth looking into Jerry, I have another pedal I'll make a template to compare.

  

I would say that if the mounts are split then maybe the cab has shifted a bit.....and that might cause the brake pedal to rub.

Jeff, Kind of why I mentioned the split mount but I was second guessing because of the clutch not being effected

 

  

Could it be that your body mount bushing(s) have collapsed to the point that they're letting the cab tilt forward enough so that the top of the floor board is rubbing on the brake pedal?   The left front cab mount should have a steel sleeve in it to align the cab so that it stays in position for the pedals and steering.  If that is missing could that be why your bushing split?  Just throwing some helpful guesses out.  I'd be interested in seeing what the post mortem on this reveals.   Mike

.

I'll be looking for those bushings and their condition . Makes sence. Thanks guys !

[John-T-53]

Front left bushing should be hard rubber as well (to minimize cab movement and pedal rubbing). I've heard that a hockey puck works great for making a new one!

 

If yours is split, one would conclude that it's made of the more flaccid type of rubber.

Edited December 30, 2015 by John-T-53

[Brent B3B]

Well here is what I did when my pedal rubbed on the SIDE . My bushings didn't have much or any slop in them . I took the pedal off and put it in the vise and bent the arm back straight . My pedal arm was slightly bent . If yours also rubs on the front you may have to readjust your floor panel or slightly open up the notch for the arm . In your photos it looks like the arm rubs on the side and also on the front . 

had the day off today and made a template  checked the placement against another B3

and then on the one in question   BINGO!   so for the next person, a possible simpler quick check might be to measure from the two "bumps" in the pedal  two of mine were 8" and the one I have an issue with is 9"

 

Thanks Jerry! i'll buy you a burger at the BBQ in April

 

now to bend this...... CAST!  here we go again...........

[Brent B3B]

Could it be that your body mount bushing(s) have collapsed to the point that they're letting the cab tilt forward enough so that the top of the floor board is rubbing on the brake pedal?   The left front cab mount should have a steel sleeve in it to align the cab so that it stays in position for the pedals and steering.  If that is missing could that be why your bushing split?  Just throwing some helpful guesses out.  I'd be interested in seeing what the post mortem on this reveals.   Mike

the second part of my day was checking out the bushing. real quick I pulled the front inner and outer fenders, doors, the floor boards, loosen the hood center, loosen the gas neck, steering column and body mount bolts and jacked up the cab   I pulled the one from my parts cab drivers side (left) to compare to the one from VPW (right)  so, the thicker bushing wasn't letting the steel sleeve center the "outrigger" properly  (photo "new" bushing)

 

with my one question, you guys solved TWO problems THANKS!

[Jerry Roberts]

My pedal arm was soft steel and bent easily . I was surprised . 

[John-T-53]

Glad to hear it all worked out!!!

 

I didn't think these pedals would bend easily. I thought they were forged or something...but I guess they're just plain old cast....?

[Dodgeb4ya]

Boy Brent...

When things need attention you get it done!!!  Gotta like that!