Emergency brake, grind linings or turn drum?

Hook

Hook

Senior Member
I am trying to assemble my rear brakes, but the drum won't slide over the emergency brake linings. The rear drums are new, as are the linings. One of the E brake carriers is repop, and the other original. I had a reputable brake place do the linings and fit the new drums, but didn't leave the E brake carriers. Should I try to take material off the linings to get them to fit, or take the drums in with the carriers and have the drums turned down for the E brake?
Thanks in advance for help!
 
My suggestion would be work on the carrier, not the drum. I have been trying to remind myself that it is a parking brake, not an emergency brake. Though I, and I suspect many others, have on occasion used it to stop in an emergency, that can do serious damage to the system, and ultimately wears the lining in such a way as was not intended. The next time you have to work on your brakes you may be glad you have a full drum. If it's Used as a parking brake you may never have to reline it again in your lifetime, depending on how old you are and how much you use your A.
 
The answer to that is not that simple. If the linings are extraordinarily thick, you may find the rivets were not countersunk to the proper specs and so grinding the lining down might find yourself with rivets marginally close to the drum. On the other hand, a quick machining of the drum would be easier, and for all intents & purposes, the e-brake lining really should never get worn unless the vehicle is driven with the e-brake engaged. Therefore a "close rivet" problem is not all that bad.
 
Make sure the e-brake band is properly seated to the carrier and all the springs are attached including the rear return spring. I've seen some bad rivets wedge against the carrier and hold the band out engaging the drum.
 
I'm thinking there have been discussions here that the e-brake lining being supplied now is too THICK.
Paul in CT
 
Humble Opinion:

Not too long ago, (probably longer than I would guess) emergency brake linings sold by vendors were too thick & had to be ground down.

Possibly you may have the thicker emergency brake lininings; however:

1. Step One (1): Measure thickness of your linings.

2. Step Two (2): Call Bert's, Bratton's, Snyder's, or your favorite parts vendor to ask if yours are correct -- I think they should be 3/16" thick or so -- one (1) FREE three (3) minute 1-800 phone call, & peace of mind on the correct thickness lining question.

3. Step Three (3): Depending on what you find from them, get a second or third opinion from them on what to do -- works pretty good with brain surgery -- should work a little better with emergency brakes.
 
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i all ways grind the linings, they are much cheaper than drums, once the drum is turned the metal is lost and cannot be replaced and thus the drum is thinner
 
Thanks for the suggestions and opinions. I measured the linings, and they are about 3/16 inch thick. I have double checked to make sure the brake lining is tight to the carrier, and it is.
The drums are new cast iron drums from Snyder's. I had them mounted to the hubs and new linings attached to the shoes at a reputable brake place in Minneapolis that was recommended by a friend in the Twin Cities Model A club. They have worked on many vintage cars including club members Model A's, so I feel good about the quality of their work. I think I'll take the drums and the emergency brake carrier and lining assembly and have them give me their opinion on how to get the clearance issue resolved. I'll report back next week after I drop them off.
 
I also just went thru this ...I believe the linings are too thick...I just sanded them down with a belt sander till things cleared...
 
Just installed new cast iron drums & installed new 3/16" thick emergency brake linings with rivets.

Cast iron drums came from Mr. Mel Gross -- absolutely no emergency brake lining fitting problems.
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
Just installed new cast iron drums & installed new 3/16" thick emergency brake linings with rivets.

Cast iron drums came from Mr. Mel Gross -- absolutely no emergency brake lining fitting problems.
Click to expand...

I replaced all my brake drums with Mel Gross cast iron drums. I pickup the drums, linings and everything I needed from his son Randy. No problems with installation. What a pleasant experience. They don't only do Drums, but backing plates, brakes, steering and more. I have never heard from anyone who wasn't happy with his work. Thank you - Randy and Mel for what you do for our passion with the Model A, Bill
 
I had the exact same problem when I rebuilt my brakes last year. Cause was incorrectly manufactured reproduction emergency brake carriers that were 1/8" too big in diameter which was enough to prevent installation of rear brake drums. Found original carriers (L&R), sandblasted and painted them, and added new bushings. Then everything fit like a glove.
 
I had one carrier with lining that had not been mounted yet. I was able to get it into the brake drum, but a very tight fit and hard to remove from the drum after I got it in. I ground the lining down so it fits more loosely and good to go. Thanks for all the help. I was headed down the wrong path thinking about machining the drum. :)
 
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