Re: Brake Fade? What Brake Fade?

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2015/8/30 23:11:47

Craig,

Thanks for the reply. Interesting story. My brother had a '55 400 that he used to drive to HS and then commuting to college in the early '70s. Most weekends he made a round trip of about 60 miles, and often had friends with him. No brake issues. My dad had rebuilt the MC. He kept that 400 and our Clipper Custom roadworthy for 30 years! But then, he was a professional mechanic. (I'd like to be able to ask him lots of Packard questions if he were still around.)

Quote:
I suppose if I had the money I'd go for the disc brakes and dual MC, but meanwhile I thought I'd share my experiences with the stock system since I had the complete brake job, including Bendix MC rebuild, two years ago. The brakes don't have the instant grab that I remember from driving our '55s. But the pedal is very firm.

I think you have posted your experience with switching out to disc brakes, and it would be nice to hear some of it again (which MC and rotors to use, cost and mods needed for installation etc.). or a link to the info.

For all:
It's a good idea to practice stops with the E-brake if you have the original PB system, or even manual brakes with a single MC. Knowing how to reach the handle quickly could save you and your car. Practice on a side street with little traffic, or in a parking lot. Also use it regularly when you park to keep it limbered up.

BTW, it's a good driving habit to tap your brakes a couple of times before you are coming to a stop or about to need to slow down in traffic, just to make sure they grab.

Other experiences with brake fade woes or lack thereof?


(Next time the wheels are off mine, probably for new tires. I'm thinking of painting the drums with black radiator paint for better heat dissipation. Good idea?)