Re: Front disc brakes 1948 22nd Series - - - -

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2014/9/20 20:18:34

I think it's been generally recognized for a long time that around 60-70% of the braking occurs with the front brakes/tires. So if they aren't good, braking suffers regardless of type.
If you compare the design of the friction surfaces drum vs disc pads, because the drum pads anchor/pivot at one point, the drums have variable contact area as they wear while functioning disc pads wear even/stay the same. The disc clamping force is more uniform doesn't pivot or point source like in the drums. We all know discs can stick and not work good either and still need regular checks especially if you own a fresh water boat trailer with them and frequent brackish water. (dah!) And rotors warp too.
Even having self adjusters would be a big improvement for the early drums.
The economics and conditions of operating, now vs then, has shifted alot of the mechanical needs. I can remember the brakes were bad on my aunt's Pontiac, so she just down shifted to first and slowed to a crawl and told me to jump out the door as she left me home. Thankful, I lived on a flat street and not a hill. Of course, what's a young boy not going to do if told? I think that constitutes child abuse today???