The 3000 Forum

Putting the handbrake linkage back together on my 63 BJ7 and am ready to install the felt bushings at the cross rod connection points. Are these bushing supposed to have a light application of oil or be left dry?
Can't see so find an answer here or on BCF.

I don't know but I left mine dry thinking oiling them would just be dust/grit magnets. I think the only function is anti-rattle? Haven't driven mine yet so plenty of time to oil them if someone says they should be oiled

I used small neoprene ‘O’ rings. They last forever and do a far better job of rattle prevention.
Cheers
Alan

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www.bluehealey.com

The Frogeye has a similar set up. The factory workshop manual shows these as points to be lubricated with oil at 1000 mile intervals.

It is important to bear in mind that wear at these cotter pinned joints does not come from use of the handbrake (a few times per journey).
The principle wear rate comes from the friction as the joint rattles around. The felt was there to reduce that rattle and therefore ease the wear rate. What? You thought it was to make the car quieter �
Anyhow. Using small rubber ‘O’ rings, whilst a bit of a fiddle to get them in (they have to be a bit squashed to be effective) completely eliminates movement/rattle at these pivot points.
Enjoy.
Alan

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www.bluehealey.com

Guy, that's interesting. The Big Healey WSM doesn't mention it. Hard to imagine anyone actually lubricating those felts every 1000 miles.

Alan, thanks for the tip. I will see if I can source some appropriate O-rings and give them a try. I am certain I will not remember or care to lubricate those felts as advised and I am all for "maintenance free" whenever it is available.

Archie

Emphasizing Alan’s remarks, the big issue is wear in the pins and pin holes. Viewed in it’s entirety the handbrake system has several spots were a fulcrum type arrangement is used to create sufficient leverage to engage the brakes. At each point wear, or slop, in the linkage creates a need for additional take up length when the system is activated. Aside from excess slop in the system the repair or replacement of parts with worn (wallowed out) pin holes becomes expensive fairly quickly.