Epoxy brake linings?

[DannyDot]

I have heard of using epoxy to install the brake lining on a Tcraft. Anybody been doing this? I am concerned about removing them when they need to be changed again. Any success out there on this issue?

Danny Deger

[N95334]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

Try Taylorcraft.org.uk You have a good point there about the future maintainance, how do you remove the old lining once it has been epoxyed.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

I'll tell you when we get round to it.

This article has the background.

We're up to something close to 1000 hours on a set of linings, and we fully expect another 1000 before replacement becomes necessary. Six pilots have done their tailwheel ratings on these linings, so you can imagine the abuse they get (the linings, not the pilots!)

We expect to be able to use heat to soften the epoxy (we used a room-temperature epoxy)..

[DannyDot]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

I'll tell you when we get round to it.

This article has the background.

We're up to something close to 1000 hours on a set of linings, and we fully expect another 1000 before replacement becomes necessary. Six pilots have done their tailwheel ratings on these linings, so you can imagine the abuse they get (the linings, not the pilots!)

We expect to be able to use heat to soften the epoxy (we used a room-temperature epoxy)..

So I see -- I think. A heat gun will soften a room temperature epoxy even after it cures. Do I have this down right?

Danny Deger

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

I don't recommend it, I have had Shinn brakes hot enough to smolder which would melt any epoxy.

Mike

[Robert Lees]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

Well we'll beg to differ...

If your brakes get hot enough to melt room-temp epoxy, then I'd suggest something else is wrong.

I've been using room temp epoxy in my professional capacity up to about 150 degrees celcius without degredation, in a similar capacity. ALL UK brake & clutch linings for cars & trucks are epoxied on.

I'll leave it with you & your mechanic.

[alwaysoar]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

There's a thread on this and I believe the concensus was that epoxy is not an approved method of attaching the linings and should not be used on US aircraft. It makes sense, but riveting is not hard to do and is the approved way of doing it.

ps. Danny, check your private messages (PM)

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Epoxy brake linings?

Well we'll beg to differ...

If your brakes get hot enough to melt room-temp epoxy, then I'd suggest something else is wrong.

I've been using room temp epoxy in my professional capacity up to about 150 degrees celcius without degredation, in a similar capacity. ALL UK brake & clutch linings for cars & trucks are epoxied on.

I'll leave it with you & your mechanic.

It was a brand new brake set too tight and heated up on takeoff until it nearly locked the wheel up and caused a groundloop (no damage). Once they cooled down and were readjusted, worked fine. And, no not approved here in the US unless you have a field approval to do such. Whatever epoxy you are using is probably a specialized industrial application that you won't at your local parts store.