Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#249326 07/18/12 04:55 PM
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
mkmskm Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 27
Can anyone enlighten me as to why the front shoes are 2" wide and the rears 1 3/4" when the drums are the same? I just got a call from the brake shop I tasked to reline my shoes asking which width was correct for the rears because the rear shoes off my car were 2" on one side and 1 3/4" on the other and for some reason his brake book didn't go back 61 years. I didn't notice the 1/4" difference when I pulled the shoes but when I looked it up I see that they are 1/4" smaller in the back. Fortunately the shop had cores in the right size.


Malcolm M
Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689
Likes: 21
Malcolm M,

Don't know but I would think that it has to do with weight distribution. If when you applied the brakes and there was equal distribution of weight on the rear wheels as the front then there wouldn't be so much of a problem. With the engine in front and an unequal amount of "tread (print) pressure" in front than in the rear, then the rear end would tend to lock up and break loose. That is also why the front bores of the wheel cylinders are larger.

I hope this helps and best wishes,

Charlie computer

BTW: I was going to mention your choice of forum but decided not to. I have no standing to do so. hood

Last edited by 41specialdeluxe; 07/18/12 05:42 PM.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
The wider front shoe gives more friction surface for more braking power. When the brakes are applied more of te vehical total weight is shifted to the front wheels. Actually it is a compromise as the weight on the rear wheels can vary due to trunk load and rear seat passengers. The rear brake wheel cylinders are also a smaller diameter. Antu-lck brakes eleminate this problem.


Gene Schneider

Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5