Brakes Query

[sirrom]

I have got 8" fitted to the front of my car and standard 7" rear. I have got a good high solid pedal. My question is the when motoring it takes quite a bit of stopping at times (especially on a downhill run) and would hate to have to pull up really fast. I do drive it accordingly. My last MM had the same braking configuration and if I hit them firmly it would stop quickly and I could lock the brakes up by really stamping on the pedal but this car wont do that. The car has passed who warrant of fitness (probably much the same as the MOT) on brake rollers.
Could the problem be associated with the linings on the shoes being of a harder compound than the last car.
Would a booster help?
Appreciate any suggestions.

[bmcecosse]

It IS probably hard linings - assuming the cylinders are not seized up - but if that was so I would expect to fail the test. The footbrake should be able to lock the front wheels at 30 mph on a dry road. Don't waste money on a booster... just try a new set of linings. But also check the rear brakes are doing their share....... Does the test place not give you a print of the brake forces ??

[sirrom]

Thanks for that Roy. I thought it could be hard linings. I dont do big mileage in it so dont more wear on linings. Didnt really want to go to booster. We all used to drive them round in the past even with standard 7" and they worked fine then and did the job ok. I have a spare set so will get that relined with softer compound

[bmcecosse]

The good old asbestos linings were best...... Modern 'camel dung' linings are often useless. I have a set which are far too efficient if I put them on my 9" drums - the pedal forces are so light that the rear brakes don't get to do any work at all! So overall the braking distance increases horribly. Fortunately the part worn 'old' set are just right. It may be your linings have 'glazed' if they were seriously overheated/faded at one time ??

[PSL184]

Try and get hold of original asbestos lined shoes. The new stuff just doesn't grip anymore....

[moggiethouable]

And if you do, please wear a face mask when removing brake drums in the future, mesothelioma (asbestosis) is no laughing matter.

[sirrom]

I totally agree with you "moggiethouable". Have to treat all older cars as having asbestos linings unless you know otherwise.

I wouldnt fit linings with asbestos even I could get them which you cant anymore.

Roy - I cant find the checklist I got back with my inspection but I can recall the figures off the front being 120 or 125 but not sure what that reading relates to but cant recall rear. I know rears are working as I have just adjusted them and yes backed off handbrake until I adjusted them. Front cylinders are all OK and talking to the prior owner who thinks he did master cylinder. Master cylinder has definitely been out out at some stage as bolts are in opposite to original.

[bmcecosse]

He may have fitted wrong bore master cylinder - but I doubt it matters that much. Just try another set of linings.

[sirrom]

Certainly will be looking at softer compound on shoes before anything else