New linings for old
Page 42
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by Jerry Rodwell
Few operators now re-line their own brake shoes, as service stations charge so little to do the job for them.
But even at 25p a shoe, to strip, clean and re-line, an operator would at least save transport costs by keeping the new linings in stock and fitting them himself.
Few operators will want to keep a spare set of shoes in stock because of the very high capital outlay — shoes for a Scania would cost over £350 for the set.
But the linings are cheap and easy to store.
The actual job of re-lining brake shoes is very easy. But it is as well to have proper equipment, for although the job can be done with hammer, chisel and punch, this can lead to brake defects.
A de-riveter, such as the Briden, makes light work of punching out the old rivets. No need for an air-operated machine, as a mechanical one will do most jobs just as well if a little slower, and costs far less.
Then clean up the shoes with a wire brush, and for a top-class job give them a new coat of paint. Check for wear around pivot holes, and any distortion of the metal.
Then rivet the new lining into place with the hand riveter, making sure that the lining lies absolutely flat and hard against the shoe.
And that is all there is to it. The operation could take as little as half an hour for four shoes, so the vehicle can be back on the road that much sooner.
Other things that need fixing on the brakes include out-of-true drums and glazed linings. Both these are jobs for the experts.
Worn drums can be spotted by judder or unevenness under braking, and by lips and scoring on the drum.
The cure is to put the drum onto a grinding machine such as the one installed at Brake Re-lining Services, Trafford Park, Manchester. This firm demonstrated the ease and speed with which worn drums — provided they are not too badly knocked about — can be restored.
Same-day service costs £5.50 per drum including recontouring the linings to fit the new drum diameter.
Another machine deals with glazed and out-of-true linings, and will also cut down linings to precisely fit their drums and so reduce the bedding-in process.
While the drums are off, take a few moments to carefully check operating cylinders and brake pipes for wear. Then fit the new shoes and the drums for a quick — and possibly cheaper — brake overhaul.