1934 VLD Rear Brake Backing Plate & Dust Ring Doesn't Make Sense

[John Guntner]

In the pictures you'll see quite a gap between the edge of the dust ring and the brake backing plate. Can you take a dimension for me or let me know what you have or if you've run across the same thing as me. Maybe let me know if yours looks like mine. Maybe it's a 1930's technology thing. I would appreciate any feedback in this regard. Thanks Guys

[Guest]

I get .120 on mine. It looks just like yours.

[Rubone]

It isn't a fitted item. The so called "dust ring" is merely a debris deflector, not a seal.

[John Guntner]

Yes, I get your point. Harley didn't catch on for a few years. Thanks

[Steve Slocombe]

The VL rear brake assembly is pulled together over the 4053-30 thrust washer on the inside, which bears on the 3979-30 felt washer in its carrier. We often see used thrust washers with deep grooves in them where they've worn against the steel felt seal carrier and/or the inside of the brake plate, so I'm thinking the dimension John is looking for would increase over time and is not critical on a rebuild.