Screaching Brakes

A friend recently did a complete brake rebuild on a Model A Ford. The brakes now make a loud noise(screaching) when coming to a stop. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
 
Hi Bob,

Questions:

a. Steel drums or cast iron drums?

b. Bonded linings or riveted woven linings?

Then try calling Mr. Gros, the brake man at 714-292-8660 for possibilities.
 
it would help knowing exactly what was done on the brake job and what materials were used.
did your friend confirm which wheel it was coming from by having someone stand next to the car while stopping. once that is confirmed you can attack the problem such as maybe the adjustment is to tight on that particular wheel and the shoes got glazed....
 
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Bob,

It can be attributed to a number of things... here's a few suggestions to start.

Pull the drums and check the following:
1: that the shoes and rollers are installed correctly, lower roller track pin heads on the inside on the tracks, upper adjuster correctly operating with the shoes both moving when adjusted.

2. the shoes should be chamferred on the leading/trailing edges between the end of the lining and the first rivet holes. This will definitely cause chattering noise if not chamferred.

3. ensure brake springs are the heavy made units instead of cheaper foreign light springs. If you can pull them off easily off the bottom they are too light. It takes a good amount of force with the heavy springs.

4. shoes should be centered with a centering gauge in the drum. Drums turned/trued properly

5. make sure backing plate bolts are tight. This is especially common on the fronts where folks don't get them tight enough.

6. If you are still having issues you have an experienced Model A mechanical mechanic in your area assist. Although I think with the above you will most likely cover it.

I would strongly suggest you cover all the bases above in one shot... not just try one and then check them out. Remove the drum once, cover the bases and ensure proper adjustment on all wheels with the wedges first ( rods disconnected), and then adjust rods as necessary.

Larry Shepard
 
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Thanks for the suggestions. Car has new cast iron brake drums with rebuilt backing plates, shoes, etc. Need to find out which wheel or wheels are making the noise to do more inspection.
 
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