new brakes

[jgerard]

I put on some new brake linings today. HUGE improvement, even better than when I first got the plane. I still have some replacement shoes on backorder, who knows when they will show up???. Mine are quite pitted from corrosion but I was able to measure the thickness at .90" Maybe that is what they are supposed to be, don't know. Looks to me like the linings are shot when they loose just about .030 - .040" Took a while to figure out how to properly countersink the rivets, and I didn't like the ones that Sky-bound sent with the linings. They seemed a bit too long. Oh well it's all together and working fine now. There were some issues trying to align the shoes with the lining. Can I remove the washer behind the inner bearing to allow the wheel to move inward some more? Should I put a spacer between the backing plate and the axle to move the brake assembly further out-?? Now that I have cleaned all the parts and got a really good look at the system I plan on ordering more parts as spares like a few extra return springs, and the little figure eight locking wires for the adjuster nuts. I also need axle nuts. I have some alum. octagonal nut/mount for the wheel-pants, and the holes for the cotter pin don't line up that good. FYI I didn't adjust the brake cable at all, no need to. Simply replacing the linings, even with the rest of the system worn/rusted heavily, I doubled my breaking ability. No problem locking them up on pavement even with my 8.50 tires. Well worth the $50 spent on new parts!!

Jason
N43643

[Robert Lees]

Re: new brakes

Way to go, Jason. I do like these Shinn brakes, even though they require some regular minor maintenance to keep them in tip-top condition.

The thin washer behind the inner bearing should be left there. It's so thin anyway, I doubt it wouls make that much difference. The edge of the lining should be flush with the free edge of the wheel, and not pushed all the way into the wheel.

Rob

[Dick Huish]

Re: new brakes

Jason, I had an old mechanic tell me that pitted shoes will tear-up the linings. If were me I would change the shoes as soon as you get them. Dick

[M Towsley]

Re: new brakes

Hey Robert,

I have used your website, (great place to learn by the way), for information on how to change out the brake linings, however, I have a question. This is my first plane, '46 BC-12D, and am learning as I am going along. When I had the wheel off and as I was inspecting the brakes, shoes, etc., I realized I didn't know where to start when disassembling them. I know there is probably a procedure for doing so, but I have never been able to find a step-by-step way of doing so. Do you think you can cover that here, or in an e-mail to me? I would figure some of us newer guys could benefit if you posted it here, though. I know it is probably simple to those that have done it, I just don't want to experiment with the only set of brakes I have, (no spares as of yet). Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Marty
N95275

[Robert Lees]

Re: new brakes

Marty: Thanks for your kind words.

I assume you are referring to the spiel here (250kb pdf), but it does not specifically describe the brake strip-down/rebuild process, because to do so would be very long-winded. Better to try it out yourself (on someone else's brakes, if you can! ) and take photos along the way.

It's a bit like describing how to make a cuppa...it's complicated, but we never saw a procedure!

I would suggest getting a "spares kit" from Skybound if you can...say new linings, rivets, and four return springs (they may break on removal).

I guess it's worth mentioning that the brake shoe assembly comes right off the axle in one piece by unscrewing the 7 or so screws behind the inner-most bearing. The screws are peined over. Replacement stainless structural screws are available from Hunstville Fasteners, Alabama. These screws have a different countersink angle to regular screws.
The return springs are a pain to remove and reinstall.

If you are willing to write the rest, I will happily add it to the "Care and Feeding" document! I need to do a revision anyway, regarding replacing and fitting the bearings.

Rob

[jgerard]

Re: new brakes

Rob, I did get the linings flush with the outside edge of the wheel. It still left about 1/8 or more of the shoe exposed on the inside (axle flange side) that didnot contact the lining. I want to try making a spacer for between the mounting flange and the axle plate. BTW the washers behind the inner bearings are different thickness from left to right wheel, GO FIGURE?

Jason
N43643

[Robert Lees]

Re: new brakes

Well what's an eighth of an inch between friends? Don't worry about it.

If I remember right, the plate behind the inner bearing is to protect the race from the peined screws.

[M Towsley]

Re: new brakes

Robert,

See, you already helped me get a start. At least I know where to begin and what to get as for spares. I wasn't sure where to even begin. Your other article is excellent, and helped me understand how the brakes worked. I have copies of some of your articles and pictures for reference, hope you don't mind any copyright infringements . Thanks for your contributions.

Cheers,

Marty

[Bill Fife]

Re: new brakes

Just a quick question -

Have been having marginal useage of my original Shinn brakes and understand Cleveland sells drum-style replacements for these. Only a purist of the hardest core would pass up an opportunity to get better performance with almost-identical equipment, so was wondering -

Anybody have any comparison data between the origs. and these? Would it be a cost-effective upgrade - or even an upgrade at all?

I hear a lot about what great brakes Cleveland makes (in hydraulics - lol) - but what about drop-in replacements of original design? PMA/TC'ed? Is that the only problem? Is it one? No specs listed in mine...

My mech shop is begging off. Claims I know more than he does. Yeah, well -

Help!
(Still doing mag checks at 1500 RPM- even after brake cable work..)

Bill Fife
BL12-65
Ocala, FL

[jgerard]

Re: new brakes

The clev. brakes only work with the larger axles (-19), and don't work any better than the shinns. (Worked on and flown both styles). Spend $50 bucks on new linnings and you will be amazed at how much more braking force you have.

Adjusting the cable will not solve the problem, that is not how you adjust them anyway.

Jason
N43643

[mhorowit]

Re: new brakes

Anyone care to share a technique for installing the return springs? I've tried every swear word I know and one still won't go on! - Mike