948 front brake shoes warning

[certifiedcarnut]

I just replaced my front brake shoes and wheel cylinders on my '62 Midget and couldn't get one of the drums on over the new shoes. Drove me crazy until I discovered the machining of the shoes was inconsistent. Some of the shoes contact points on the wheel cylinders are too high making the shoes sit too high so the drum can't clear the shoes. I had to file the metal contact points down on the shoes so they would sit low enough to cclear the drums. I informed Moss about the problem. All this time wasted and now I have the usual air in the lines which I am having the worst time ever getting out. Seems like I have spent most of the week on usually simple maintenance .

 

[TulsaFred]

I noticed extreme difficulty getting my front drums over the shoes as well. They still drag a bit. I'll check the contact points and get my file.

 

[SaxMan]

Good reason for an upgrade to front discs!

One of my winter projects is to service the brakes on my '69 Sprite IV...but we still have the autumn driving season to get through.

 

[certifiedcarnut]

In reference to the inconsistent brake shoes I've been discussing. I received an email from Moss in answer to my concerns about the shoes, and I was told they don't have the staff to check on every part that comes in, and they rely on their "good customers" to help with this. I realize that they don't have the staffing to check everything, but how about a spot check of items from suppliers to see if samples checked are all the same size? I am still angry at the amount of time this wasted for me. Doesn't it get old wrestling with the brake springs over and over? Also I'm sure it was not good for my blood pressure. As Mr. Spock would probably say, " the fact that a brake drum that has always fit over every new brake shoe I have ever replaced, does not begin to go on over these new brake shoes is illogical."

 

[bobhustead]

I recently had a similar problem with new Moss shoes on the rear of my TR3. I chose to have the drums turned an extra pass. I've been working on cars for about 50 years and have had BUNCHES of non conforming parts from many retailers. Like Moss, they don't make the parts. Unlike Moss, some don't have a NQA return policy. If it weren't for Moss, et al., we couldn't drive these cars anymore.
Bob

 

[certifiedcarnut]

I realize of course it is the suppliers. I have worked on my Midget for 51 years and this was the first time I ever had this experience with shoes I had to file down. Of all the dealers, Moss is the best, even if the late Frank Clairici always told me never to use them.