Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi all,

I noticed as of late that my brakes make a really loud sound when I first apply them at relatively slow speeds (10 to 20 mph). Once I get going and apply them from higher speeds the noise goes away (although not completely). I changed the springs and the linings look OK (haven't really driven the car much since I changed the shoes - maybe 500 miles).

Just curious if anyone has had a similar experience and if there's a cure...

The braked were quiet when I first finished the restoration but that was some time ago.

Thanks in advance,
Crin

Sorry you're having problems, those Bendix power-boosted mechanical brakes were just excellent. Can you narrow the noise to any specific wheel or wheels? Are the brakes well equalized and all the cables more or less equally relaxed when the brakes are off? Most often squeal is associated with incorrect shoe adjustments.

Are the drum anti-squeal springs still present? These are the springs around the drum perimeter inboard by the backing plate and dust shield? I'm not sure how effective they were but that was their purpose. And not quite a match for your symptoms.

EDIT: Adding the 1934 Service Letter discussing the anti-squeal springs. Note the dust shields, unfortunately all to often discarded as years passed.

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