5k e-brake operation, zerk fittings in caliper

[S. Jaworski]

I was musing thru the archives a while back and found an article about
adding zerk fittings to the rear calipers. The purpose of which was to keep
the e-brake internals from seizing up. I cant find that article. Anyone know
anything about this?

I just took apart a rear caliper (donated by RPM Parts) to see how the
e-brake worked. Pretty simple concept.
1. e-brake lever attached to 1/2" dia X 2.0" pin
2. pin is drilled off-center halfway thru . .forming an off center "pocket"
in the side of the pin
3. in this "pocket" sits a steel dowel 3/4" long, rounded on both ends
4. other end of dowel fits inside the threaded rod that is inside the
caliper
5. threaded rod has a cup machined into its base to accept the 3/4 dowel
6. the 3/4 dowel prevents any binding as it wobbles and adjusts to angles
produced by the lever pin
7. the threaded rod is sealed from the outside e-brake area with o-rings,
and it has some back and forth play in it

How it works > - - move the e-brake lever . . rotates the 1/2" dia pin . . .
off-center hole in pin moves 3/4" dowel . .. which pushes on the threaded
rod . . . which pushes on the piston that is screwed onto the rod . . piston
pushes on pads . . . wheels locked.

The threaded rod and the mating threaded female part inside the piston are
finely machined parts. Held vertically, the rod will screw itself into the
mating part all by itself just from gravity. Slicker than snot.
Its a cinch for hydraulic pressure to push against the piston and thus
rotate it . . and thus eliminate any play between brake shoes and rotor.

Now there is a spring inside the caliper that pushes or pulls on the
rod - - - I dont know how that works exactly cause it "thwanged" and flew
across the garage somewhere when I took off the inside circlip. I dont feel
like finding it.

Inside and at the bottom of the bore where the lever/pin sits is a hole
drilled to the outside with a steel bearing pressed into it to seal it.
Could this be a grease lubrication point during manufacture?
I guess a zerk fitting could be fitted into this area with some drilling and
tapping. Periodically shooting some high temp brake grease here would keep
that lever/pin pretty well lubed and keep any water/moisture out.
If you know something about this, drop me a line.

Any listers live near me?  Northern NJ, Morris county. I do all my own
repairs and wouldnt mind a "third hand" now and again. Likewise, if you need
some help . . give me a call.

Syl

85 4000s   sold
88 5000sq
90 100sq