BJ8 Front Brakes drag some

[rcflyer]

Hi everyone...well I just got done doing some major work on the BJ8 (1965). I replaced the kingpins, all rubber bushes, shocks, hubs, bearings and seals. All new 60 spoke Wheels as well. Also, I rebuilt the calipers and replaced pads ,Put in new SS pistons, anti-squeal shims and pad mounting HW. So, After all this...seems like the disks drag some on the pads AND especially the right side is a little warmer after driving than I like. Yes..I used a old pad and a 'C' clamp to be sure the pistons are all the way back. Just seems like the pads are too thick. I could remove the anti-squeal shims...but why should I have to? Also, All parts came from Healey Surgeons. (The Pads do have a rubber coating on the piston side...never seen that before on all the pads I have replaced in 40 years), Thanks, Lee

 

[LarryK]

Coating is an anti-squeal help. Most manufacturers of better pads do this today. Have you changed the rubber brake lines from calipers to the hard line. When these get tired they swell on the inside and prevent the calipers from releasing all the way.

 

[TimK]

Coating is an anti-squeal help. Most manufacturers of better pads do this today. Have you changed the rubber brake lines from calipers to the hard line. When these get tired they swell on the inside and prevent the calipers from releasing all the way.

I agree, replace hoses if you haven't.

 

[rcflyer]

Sorry, I forgot to mention...yes I changed all 3 rubber lines and even had to change the short metal ones on the calipers because they were so rusted...would not come off without twisting them. Also, it was very hard to get the calipers on as the pads seem so wide.

 

[Randy Forbes]

That was going to be my question__were the pads too thick?

I actually had to put an old/new pad combination in each side to get a few miles/stops on the new pads before I could fit new/new pads in each caliper.

Obviously, not an ideal situation, but it didn't take long before the new pads were scuffed enough to fit.

Either the manufacturer's quality control for both discs and pads were stacked in the wrong direction, or just crap...

 

[rcflyer]

Randy, Yep...we should not have to do that...well tomorrow I will remove the anti-squeal shims on both sides and see if it enough to give a little room so they don't drag much (I know they do touch slightly as normal operation) If that does not do it...maybe I will scrape off the rubber on the metal side of the pads that the MFG put on. After they wear some I guess I could re-install the shims...Thanks, Lee

 

[Bob_Spidell]

If the pads have rubber on the backside do you still need the shims?

 

[rcflyer]

Well, Today I put the front up on stands...checked the tire rotations and it is pretty smooth with just a very slight drag. I think they wore in a little and now it's OK. I drove about 10 miles using the brakes very little and the last couple miles none (used the hand brake to stop at my house) and the hubs were just slightly warm to the touch. I did check with Healey Surgeons and Bruce said to pull the shims if I needed to as the rubber backing would be enough anti-squeal. Just wanted to give you an update...I am curios though...how much drag is normal on the front? Thanks, Lee

 

[bob hughes]

From my experience - not much - you can just hear that a slight rubbing is in evidence



Bob

 

[rcflyer]

Bob, Yes I think you are correct...as the calipers don't have return springs or anything...the pistons return from the seal inside having been driven past neutral and when pressure is released the small amount of residual tension pulls the piston back a few Thousands. At least that's what I was told long time ago. My wheels turn pretty easy now so I think there is no longer the preload on the pads like before...maybe worn in a little now, and the heat probably make the rubber coating on the metal side of the pad sink in a little....Thanks, Lee