Ford Model T – Brakes

The brakes on the T do not work like more modern vehicles.  The T is not slowed down by shoes within drums on the road wheels.  The T’s speed is reduced by pressing down the pedal on the far right which squeezes a band within the transmission.  This slows down the rotation of the drive shaft.  Skilled drivers also use the throttle and the clutch to modulate speed, just as you would on a stick shift vehicle.  The clutch pedal needs to be moved to the neutral point to avoid stalling the engine when coming to a complete halt.

Ford Model T pedals – forward gears, reverse & brake

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is on the far right of the three, just where you would expect the gas pedal to be located.  This is just something you have to get used to.  (In passing, there is no gas pedal at all.  The throttle is controlled by the right-hand lever just under the steering wheel.)  Adjusting the brakes involves removing the access panel on the top and using an 11/16 inch wrench.

Ford Model T brake adjustment

Parking Brake

The parking brake is activated by the lever on the left side of the driver on left-hand side drive vehicles.  (This location makes getting in and out on the driver side difficult, and Ford responded by not installing a driver’s door on many Ts, saving manufacturing complexity and time but obliging the driver to get in on the passenger’s side.)  The lever activates brake shoes within the drums on the rear wheels.  Until 1926, this was metal-on-metal contact, but many people installed after-market linings on earlier years to improve performance.

Some T drivers use the parking brake lever/rear drums to assist with stopping wheh driving.  The system is not designed for this level of stress, but if gently applied, there may be some benefit during normal driving. 

The parking brake lever is also used to hold the neutral position within the transmission when positioned at the midway point in its travel arc.  This releases the rear wheels.  This is handy when moving the vehicle with the engine off.

Ford Model T Parking brake

When all else fails . . .

When people are being taught how to drive a T, they will often be told, if in doubt, stomp all three pedals and turn the engine off.  You will come to a halt.  It may not be pretty but you’ll stop.

Ford Model T parking brake