Before I bend it !

Graham is must be around 1/4" from memory. I should have measured it when I had the chance. You can unscrew one of the brake tube clamps to get an idea.

Sounds like there may be a few Cords around with positive camber on the rear wheels !. It would be interesting to know what the wall thickness is.

Jim the guy used a huge trolley jack with the lifting head or cup around 4 to 6 inch diameter. I am glad that it was not a point loading.
What sort of loading was the rear axle subjected to at speed of around 50 mph if one wheel hit a pot hole in the vicinity of 3 to 4 inches deep?

DO NOT jack up the car by the center of the rear axle - IT WILL BEND!
Terry - you got lucky it didn't bend.

I’ve always place the floor jack under the rear spring to axle u bolt plate with a safety jack stand in place as close to the jack as possible but the weight being carried by the floor jack . If I’m working on a Cord with Bendix brakes and need to access the slot for brake adjustment, I might lower car onto jack stand and remove floor jack to make it easier to adjust brake shoes. Never had a problem.

I sure would NOT jack up my Beverly by the center of the rear axle. These cars do have a significant frame under them. I would place a jack under the frame just forwards of the rear leaf springs and lift one side. Adjust the brakes. Or, you can lift each side by using two jacks on the frame rails.


Gary Parsons

Hi Terry, someone must have done it, did it bend ?
Wanting to adjust rear brakes without twisting the frame and putting tension on the handbrake cables. I know there are many ways to do it, just curious.

Graham this was done to my Cord by a lazy panel shop repair guy. I didn't like it being done however if you are concerned that lifting in the centre will distort the axle I think the answer would be no it would't do any real harm.
The axles were subjected to pretty vicious treatment on unmade roads particularly here in Australia as well as not so wonderful pavement. If your Cord handled that you have nothing to worry about.
Normally I use two trolley jacks as I don't have room for a hoist.

Has anyone jacked the rear of their car by lifting at the centre of the rear axle ?