Brake shoes, old subject I know - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gman · 09-04-2003, 06:08 PM

I'm sure its been asked a hundred times but...........

Any preferences on brake shoes for a '72 4x4? Is there any particular kind to stay away from or ones that are best? What should I replace while I'm at it. I know to finish one before starting the other side but any suggestions or things to watch for is appreciated. Like lessons learned, I guess. Looked in FAQ section. Thanks

Fred T · 09-04-2003, 06:42 PM

With brake shoes, you usually get what you pay for. Don't go the cheap route. Replace the wheel cylinders when you swap out the shoes, for $10 each it's cheap insurance. My reasoning is that you usually get water and corrosion in the cylinders, and when you replace the shoes you push the piston back into a corroded area of the cylinder. It will probably fail soon. Purge your brake lines. First suck the remaining fluid out of the m/c, then refill and bleed until you get clear fluid at each wheel. Also, be sure to get your drums turned.

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 09-04-2003, 07:08 PM

Also riveted shoes not bonded.

casey · 09-04-2003, 07:34 PM

I've used both riveted and bonded had no trouble with either, whats the advantage to riveted?, I don't do it but they recommend you put all new hardware on your new brake shoes when you change them, just check the hardware on yours, to see if it looks to be in good shape

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 09-04-2003, 08:28 PM

Sometimes a bonded brake lining will come loose from the shoe, not often but why take the chance.

casey · 09-04-2003, 08:36 PM

thanks, I see your point

gman · 09-04-2003, 11:53 PM

What type of brake fluid should I use.......dot 3? Are Raybestos shoes the best?

**68 Stepside** · 09-05-2003, 12:32 AM

68 Suburban has praise dyno brakes on his burb, they're kevlar linings, and they stop on a dime. They don't wear out quickly like regular shoes either, but they're very pricey.

Fred T · 09-05-2003, 01:33 AM

On bonded vs. riveted, It's been so long since I knew of a bonded shoe coming apart that I've been using them. Once you've had to replace a drum due to rivet wear, you'll want to switch, too.

As for shoe brands, I have always purchased Wagner whenever possible. You just have to go with what's available. Most companies make different grades of shoes, talk to the guys at your local mom & pop parts store about which ones to get. On the kevlar shoes, they are supposed to be excellent, especially if your brakes are marginal. I will probably put them on my 52 when I restore it. http://www.praisedynobrake.com/

Brake fluid choice depends on a lot. For a daily driver most stick with DOT3, but it absorbs water and needs flushed every two years. If you are willing to replace all rubber parts, wheel cylinders, master cylinder and hoses (you probably need to considering the age of your truck), consider using DOT5, which is a silicon base fluid. http://www.fordfestiva.com/service/d...kefluid101.htm

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 09-05-2003, 07:53 AM

A board member here had a bonded shoe come apart earlier this year for some reason. I agree with rivets tearing up drums but if you check the brakes routinely for wear......LOL. I know most don't think about brakes until they have a problem.

Canada20 · 09-05-2003, 10:23 AM

That Praise Dyno stuff looks pretty good. They don't mention anything for 8-lug setups on their website; is it safe to assume that they make kits for 3/4 and 1 ton Chevys?

Greg

palallin · 09-05-2003, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fred T
Replace the wheel cylinders when you swap out the shoes, for $10 each it's cheap insurance.

$10? Where?

Fred T · 09-05-2003, 11:47 AM

I just bought a rear cylinder 2wd at Autozone for $9. Made in Italy, Bendix brand on package. I hate doing business there, but my mom & pop shop is closed on Sundays.

casey · 09-05-2003, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fred T
On bonded vs. riveted, It's been so long since I knew of a bonded shoe coming apart that I've been using them. Once you've had to replace a drum due to rivet wear, you'll want to switch, too.

As for shoe brands, I have always purchased Wagner whenever possible. You just have to go with what's available. Most companies make different grades of shoes, talk to the guys at your local mom & pop parts store about which ones to get. On the kevlar shoes, they are supposed to be excellent, especially if your brakes are marginal. I will probably put them on my 52 when I restore it. http://www.praisedynobrake.com/

Brake fluid choice depends on a lot. For a daily driver most stick with DOT3, but it absorbs water and needs flushed every two years. If you are willing to replace all rubber parts, wheel cylinders, master cylinder and hoses (you probably need to considering the age of your truck), consider using DOT5, which is a silicon base fluid. http://www.fordfestiva.com/service/d...kefluid101.htm

If I read that right it sounded like the guy didn't really recommend that dot5, sounds like the dot4 is the one for daily drivers.

Fred T · 09-05-2003, 08:41 PM

Quote:

If I read that right it sounded like the guy didn't really recommend that dot5, sounds like the dot4 is the one for daily drivers.

You read it right. Not everyone agrees with him on dot5, some people swear by the stuff. I'm still using dot3, but will probably change when I do my next flush. Dot 4 is now available most anywhere now, it wasn't 2 or 3 years ago. Even with Dot4 it's recommended to flush every 2 years. The manufacturers say every year, but the lawyers have everyone running scared nowadays.

Longhorn Man · 09-06-2003, 11:24 PM

I agree that DOT 5 is for show cars only. The stuff will still let water in the system and corrode your lines and stuff. I've seen it first hand whn I was in the army. (we used the crap in all wheel vehicles)
Here is another site that goes a little more into depth about brake fluids. http://www.shotimes.com/SHO3brakefluid.html
The carbon fiber shoes ARE made for the 3/4 ton trucks. I know this for a fact. I'll asume one ton trucks too.

09-04-2003, 06:08 PM	#1
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	Brake shoes, old subject I know I'm sure its been asked a hundred times but........... Any preferences on brake shoes for a '72 4x4? Is there any particular kind to stay away from or ones that are best? What should I replace while I'm at it. I know to finish one before starting the other side but any suggestions or things to watch for is appreciated. Like lessons learned, I guess. Looked in FAQ section. Thanks __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

09-04-2003, 06:42 PM	#2
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	With brake shoes, you usually get what you pay for. Don't go the cheap route. Replace the wheel cylinders when you swap out the shoes, for $10 each it's cheap insurance. My reasoning is that you usually get water and corrosion in the cylinders, and when you replace the shoes you push the piston back into a corroded area of the cylinder. It will probably fail soon. Purge your brake lines. First suck the remaining fluid out of the m/c, then refill and bleed until you get clear fluid at each wheel. Also, be sure to get your drums turned. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

09-04-2003, 07:08 PM	#3
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Also riveted shoes not bonded. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

09-04-2003, 08:28 PM	#5
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Sometimes a bonded brake lining will come loose from the shoe, not often but why take the chance. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

09-04-2003, 11:53 PM	#7
gman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 290	What type of brake fluid should I use.......dot 3? Are Raybestos shoes the best? __________________ 72 Chevy SWB Custom Deluxe K10, 350/SM465, PS, PB, Fact. Air 2000 Harley...Wide Glide

09-04-2003, 07:34 PM	#4
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	I've used both riveted and bonded had no trouble with either, whats the advantage to riveted?, I don't do it but they recommend you put all new hardware on your new brake shoes when you change them, just check the hardware on yours, to see if it looks to be in good shape

09-04-2003, 08:36 PM	#6
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	thanks, I see your point

09-05-2003, 12:32 AM	#8
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,692	68 Suburban has praise dyno brakes on his burb, they're kevlar linings, and they stop on a dime. They don't wear out quickly like regular shoes either, but they're very pricey. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

09-05-2003, 01:33 AM	#9
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	On bonded vs. riveted, It's been so long since I knew of a bonded shoe coming apart that I've been using them. Once you've had to replace a drum due to rivet wear, you'll want to switch, too. As for shoe brands, I have always purchased Wagner whenever possible. You just have to go with what's available. Most companies make different grades of shoes, talk to the guys at your local mom & pop parts store about which ones to get. On the kevlar shoes, they are supposed to be excellent, especially if your brakes are marginal. I will probably put them on my 52 when I restore it. http://www.praisedynobrake.com/ Brake fluid choice depends on a lot. For a daily driver most stick with DOT3, but it absorbs water and needs flushed every two years. If you are willing to replace all rubber parts, wheel cylinders, master cylinder and hoses (you probably need to considering the age of your truck), consider using DOT5, which is a silicon base fluid. http://www.fordfestiva.com/service/d...kefluid101.htm __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

09-05-2003, 07:53 AM	#10
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	A board member here had a bonded shoe come apart earlier this year for some reason. I agree with rivets tearing up drums but if you check the brakes routinely for wear......LOL. I know most don't think about brakes until they have a problem. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

09-05-2003, 10:23 AM	#11
Canada20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 802	That Praise Dyno stuff looks pretty good. They don't mention anything for 8-lug setups on their website; is it safe to assume that they make kits for 3/4 and 1 ton Chevys? Greg __________________ No such thing as a stupid question, right?

09-05-2003, 11:47 AM	#13
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I just bought a rear cylinder 2wd at Autozone for $9. Made in Italy, Bendix brand on package. I hate doing business there, but my mom & pop shop is closed on Sundays. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

09-06-2003, 11:24 PM	#16
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I agree that DOT 5 is for show cars only. The stuff will still let water in the system and corrode your lines and stuff. I've seen it first hand whn I was in the army. (we used the crap in all wheel vehicles) Here is another site that goes a little more into depth about brake fluids. http://www.shotimes.com/SHO3brakefluid.html The carbon fiber shoes ARE made for the 3/4 ton trucks. I know this for a fact. I'll asume one ton trucks too.



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