I have the same problem with the 1956 I just bought. I've never seen a brake rod with that sharp of a bend in it. All of mine have the dog leg in them to clear the pipe but they are straight. My spare Parts book shows a -37 part number so I don't think there are more than one any enlightenment for me here?Speeding Big Twin wrote:Welcome to the forum, Gregg. The shot below may be of some help and it's one from Chris Haynes' photo collection which I edited. It's the 1952 FL prototype but I think the brake setup remained the same through 1957. Eric
19318.jpg
56 fl brake pedal
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Please do not start new topics here, but here: New Panhead and Flathead topics
Please do not start new topics here, but here: New Panhead and Flathead topics
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
If your thru-rod is good & you have good Play in the bushings/(as the rod should turn EASY with no side to side movement).Then as Rubone mentioned /set the pedal with the front ADJ./where you like it!,& are comfy with.//You should be able to just slide your foot over from the floorboard & your toes should be ready to apply braking.As a side note /I have seen aftermarket ADJ. for thr rear rod come NOT CORRECT in length/If you have one of these/lose it & get the correct one!/As it will not ADJ. properly /even if you ADJ. from both sides-(rear/& Pedal side).As far as the pin going thru///I have welded them in place to backing plate//NO its not how the Factory intended!/-(On a customers bike I would get the correct parts!)-On mine The weld is holding GREAT!./I also put 4-1-inch welds on my sprocket!/Again a big no/no!!--But Im comfy with it & dont have that worry in my mind when on LONG TRIPS!.Good-Luck in your endeaver!/You will no-doubt fix your brakes properly!----Respectfully----Richie
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
PanScott, welcome to the forum. Did you resolve the issue? Front rod is #42326-37 (originally #4073-37) and it was used for 37–47 Knuckles, 37–48 BT Flatheads and 48–57 Panheads. According to page 216 of Palmer’s 37–64 SE the rod is 10” long with two slight bends.
Rear rod is #42257-36 (originally #4065-36) and it was used for 36–47 Knuckles, 37–48 BT Flatheads and 48–57 Pans. Palmer says 23” long. I can’t confirm the length of either rod but maybe someone else can.
Did you check your rear brake operating lever is attached correctly as mentioned earlier in this thread? Below is a factory photo of the 54 prototype for comparison.
Eric
Rear rod is #42257-36 (originally #4065-36) and it was used for 36–47 Knuckles, 37–48 BT Flatheads and 48–57 Pans. Palmer says 23” long. I can’t confirm the length of either rod but maybe someone else can.
Did you check your rear brake operating lever is attached correctly as mentioned earlier in this thread? Below is a factory photo of the 54 prototype for comparison.
Eric
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
I have not had the opportunity seems the wife's FXR got jealous of the new older, prettier, bike and demanded immediate attention.I am fairly familiar with the brakes except when it comes to the floorboards. It seems the front rod needs a bend like Clymers 52 prototype. The 56 is next on the lift Thanks
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
Thank you very much, Eric for reminding me to check the brake actuating lever. Sure as can be it was backward. Next time the wheel comes off the bushing is worn out as well. The front lever rod I put in a vice and increased the front bend like the other picture and voilà. I have full adjustment, and the pedal is where I want it. I ordered a pedal return spring from ePay as well. Thanks again to the two of you for those photo's.
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Re: 56 fl brake pedal
Almost there, rod is scraping passenger peg bracket. A little more bend maybe. Other than rubbing it's feeling pretty good.