Re: Brakes Springs on a 47 Packard

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2015/5/13 9:20:58

I don't have a key to the spring colors but just give them a tug with a pair of pliers and you should be able to tell which is weaker and which is stronger. Also wire diameter and OD should be a clue. You also obviously want identical spring positioning on all wheels but especially on the fronts.

It was standard industry practice at the time, for decades prior, and for years later in the replacement parts sector to have a different frictional material for the primary and secondary shoes in addition to the different lining lengths. I think with today's replacement shoes the distinction of different primary and secondary lining materials is pretty gone the way of the DoDo bird so I wonder if the different lining length plays much of a role. Regardless of that you surely want the same conditions left to right, probably less significant front to rear as the rear brakes are the minority players.