Rocky mtn brakes not great

trainguy

trainguy

Well-known member
Just bought a 12 torpedo rdsr.It has large drum RM brakes.I am very disappointed in their performance ,they really quite scary.I have a 1910 with reg. brakes and they are much better.I looked over the installation and it seems to be correct.I am wondering if the lining is to hard and should be replaced with the old woven asbestos with the bronze wire imbedded in it?Phil
 
I don't know what you mean by scary.

From what I hear they add a big safety factor to stopping when adjusted correctly but are iffy in the rain and almost non existent when backing up.
 
It has a equalizer,brake peddle operates both trans brake and RMB.Hand brake operates RMB.Phil
 
Do a web search for adjusting RM's. Not sure what you mean by scary but sounds like the brakes need to be adjusted. Off hand I think they should be set to about .020 clearance all the way around then check to see if the band is overheating or too cool and readjust.as needed.
 
I just returned from the T tour in Howi in the hills Fl.Had a great time.By scary I mean that they don't work very well,I had a gut wrenching stop while on tour.My only other complaint about the car is the modern Warford works very well but is a bit noisy in overdrive.I plan to examine the brakes in detail next week.Will post my findiongs.Thanks to those who responded.Phil
 
oK,examined the installation,here,s what I found.The person who installed the brakes was not a great mechanic!The rear adj was jamming the lining against the drum(should have had .020 clearance).The transmission brake was adjusted to low on the pedal,the adjustable link between the brake pedal and rock mtn Assy clamped on the emerg.brake cross shaft was adjusted to long thus causing the equalizer Clevis pin to bottom out on the oil pan! lesson learned don't trust the work of unknown mechanics!!Check everything!!!! Phil
 
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I have them on all my T's and they are great. Never had a problem with them. They might not be adjusted correct.
 
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