05-10-2018, 10:19 AM
I was thinking of fitting 1 1/4 brake shoes to my front brakes but concluded that although the linings would probably last longer, they wouldn't generate any more friction. Can anyone confirm whether they make any real difference?.
Looking at the picture of Damian's asymmetrical shoe I was wondering about fitting the wider shoes but trimming the linings down to say 3/4 of their usual length so that the shoe would be unlined towards the cam end. In theory you could maintain the same lining area (or maybe even slightly reduce it) but get more pressure due to the increased leverage. That is probably not an approved procedure but could be tested fairly easily if you don't mind experimenting and relining shoes a few times... In any case, my car has had the same front brake linings for 15 years and they are still going strong so wear doesn't seem to be a bit issue at the front.
Are there any other mods to get more pressure at the front without resorting to hydraulic or bowden brakes, such as using longer levers?
Looking at the picture of Damian's asymmetrical shoe I was wondering about fitting the wider shoes but trimming the linings down to say 3/4 of their usual length so that the shoe would be unlined towards the cam end. In theory you could maintain the same lining area (or maybe even slightly reduce it) but get more pressure due to the increased leverage. That is probably not an approved procedure but could be tested fairly easily if you don't mind experimenting and relining shoes a few times... In any case, my car has had the same front brake linings for 15 years and they are still going strong so wear doesn't seem to be a bit issue at the front.
Are there any other mods to get more pressure at the front without resorting to hydraulic or bowden brakes, such as using longer levers?