brake judder/shudder

[NutmegCT]

1958 Mercedes 220S, four wheel drum brakes.

Brakes work smooth and evenly EXCEPT if I apply the pedal fast and hard, like when an idiot sails right through a stop sign in front of me. I'm sure that never happens to you guys (yeah, right).

Often (but not always ...) I feel a "shudder" which ends soon as I lift my foot from the brake pedal.

Under normal use (i.e. in a world without idiots), the brakes work fine.

Any thoughts on what might cause that "hard and fast" shudder? Linings are tight on the shoes.

Thanks.
Tom

 

[DrEntropy]

Only things I can think of given they are "normal" otherwise is there could be contaminates on linings or steel brake surfaces. Or perhaps the linings are not well arc'd and not "bedded in" completely.

Have you beveled the leading edges of all the linings? That may help.

 

[3798j]

I dropped a front drum from a height of about three feet. It appeared fine but created one heck of a judder under hard braking.

 

[RonMacPherson]

First thing to rule out is lateral play on all the tie rod end, steering dampener, etc. links. Then go after truing the drums, arcing the shoes to the drums..