Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

[gilligansae]

I know that some people have bonded in the brake linings instead of using the brass rivets.
I think its a low risk venture, especially after reading Robert Lee's article on it.
However, when it comes time to remove it.... how do you get it off (the glue)... will light application of heat remove it?
Also, the Araldite epoxy--- just room temp cure?
My experience w/ Araldite structural adhesive on aluminum is that it works best at 170-200 F heat cure...

Thanks,

[skip]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

I have used the bonding method for the last three sets of linings over about 10 years.

I use West Systems as it is a good well-known adhesive and it seems to work well for me.

To remove, I play a generic propane torch over the lining from the inside of the wheel. I have found no need to remove the tire. The wheel will reach the glass-transition-temperature of the epoxy long before the tire will be damaged. I usually remove the bearing (good chance to inspect and re-grease anyway) to avoid the flame igniting anything from the inside of the wheel.

As the lining heats and the epoxy starts to release, I use a putty knife or a chisel to help the lining to move away from the wheel. Don't rush and force it. When the epoxy reaches its transition temperature it will release easily.

A final wash with MEK or Acetone and a 3-M pad makes the wheel ready for the new lining. Do this outside and stay upwind just in case the flame and the epoxy creates anything that you might not want to inhale.

Not any official procedure, but it has worked for me.

[M Towsley]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

My understanding, from reading on this site, that it is not an approved process for US aircraft.

[astjp2]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

West systems epoxy is a thermal setting epoxy, so when it gets hot, it goes soft...bad for brakes

[N96337]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

I don't get what's so bad about rivets? They've only worked since forever!! Plus they're legal and don't let go when they get hot..... what is it that I'm missing?
John

[flylo]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

I used contact cement & never had an issue. If I needed to replace them just turn them out in the lathe. Don't change the brake cables to 1/8" or your brakes won't work, stay with the 1/16th" cable.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

I don't get what's so bad about rivets? They've only worked since forever!! Plus they're legal and don't let go when they get hot..... what is it that I'm missing?
John

I never quite got the use of glue either. It sure won't make them work any better. They will still almost hold on a run up.

Hank

[Guest]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

I used contact cement & never had an issue. If I needed to replace them just turn them out in the lathe. Don't change the brake cables to 1/8" or your brakes won't work, stay with the 1/16th" cable.

Contact cement? I have trouble getting that to hold rubber molding onto fairings hard to imagine it holding a brake lining in place.

Are there different types of contact cement?

Dave

[flylo]

Re: Bonding Brake Lining Shinn Wheels

It won't work on rubber. You put a thin coat on the back of the lining & inside the drum & let dry then put the liners in but you have to be right on the 1st time as it's not moving. Then next day chuck the drum on the lathe & turn the liners to fit. I learned to fly in a '40 BL on ski's/ Once on wheels I was taught if you use the brakes for anything but run up, you fail.