Wedge Brake Replacement

[417mack]

Need help with 63 b61st. I would like to replace the wedge brakes with Scam style what parts must be swapped. Looks like mounting the new brake chambers will be tricky. Any advice will be much appricated.

[vanscottbuilders]

Depending on the location of your wedge type activators and cans, you will probably have to remove and relocate the brake can mounts.

It's not too bad of a job, and you can get several lengths of brake operating cams. I would try to get the cans as far from the wheels as I practically could, so you could mount large brake cans, especially on the rear axles, where you might want maxi brake activators too. Check carefully for adequate room.

Obviously you will be changing shoes and backing plates. It's a good time to look at wheel bearings, and to change seals and felts also.

If it is a possibility - It might be simpler to find used axles with the S cam brakes already on, and just put seals and felts in and linings, if necessary.

Good Luck, whatever you decide.

Paul Van Scott

[theakerstwo]

And drums and some times wedge brakes did not use a relay on the rear.

[wmolddog60]

I don't think you can change wedge to s cams unless you change the bolt on spider for brake skoes

Meaning you have to pull hub & drums.I might be wrong but I worked on lot of trucks

with wedge brakes,different brake shoes Etc

WMOLDDOG60