Brake Shoe Material

[the hamiltons]

For two years we have had carbon metallic brake pads on our coach and
have noticed an improvement in braking. Recently there has been discussion
on carbon metallic and kevlar metalic rear brake shoes. There is little
information on the pros and cons/goods and not so goods of either. Does
anyone have experience or knowledge of either or both types of material for
use on the rear?

Again, hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.

Kathy & Al Hamilton
76 Eleganza II

Kingston, Ont

 

[bartz paul]

Al:

I installed Leigh Harrison's six-wheel disk brake system, which included
carbon metallic pads at all wheels, during the GMCMI Myrtle Beach Rally in
March 1995. I have driven approximately 40,000 miles since installing. A
few months back, I visually checked the pads for wear and was pleasantly
surprised to see that none of them was less than half worn in my estimation.
They appear to wear like "iron".

Paul Bartz

From: The Hamiltons [mailto:hamilton]
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 1998 11:45 AM
Subject: GMC: Brake Shoe Material

For two years we have had carbon metallic brake pads on our coach and have
noticed an improvement in braking. Recently there has been discussion on
carbon metallic and kevlar metalic rear brake shoes. There is little
information on the pros and cons/goods and not so goods of either. Does
anyone have experience or knowledge of either or both types of material for
use on the rear?

 

[bartz paul]

JR:

I got the Mico lock (hydraulic line lock valve) system from Leigh when I
bought and installed his brake system. However, so far I haven't taken the
time to install it and am careful not to park on much of a slope, which
hasn't been a problem so far. It's a future project.

It goes in the rear wheel brake line circuit and is operated electrically
with a switch.

Believe it or not, but my wife, after hearing Leigh talk about the six-wheel
brake system at the GMCMI Grand Island Rally in Sep 94, was adamant about
getting it.

I know of two brothers with the original drum brakes on their coach's,
driving on the Blue Ridge Pkwy when returning to MI from the Myrtle Beach
Rally who stopped at an intersection and experienced uncontrolled creep
because the drums were so hot. With disc brakes, you needn't worry about
that. They do give you increased confidence and I wouldn't be without it.
I'm never concerned about being able to stop the coach.

By installing the system on all wheels, I've eliminated a lot of unsprung
weight from the suspension. Also, I haven't had to do any maintenance,
except for replacing a seized brake caliper, on the system since installing
in Mar 95. I do visually check the system every year though. In 40,000
miles, pads are not less than half original thickness. But then I don't use
a lot of brake. Do a lot of coasting in anticipation of road conditions
ahead of me though.

Paul Bartz

From: Jrwheeler7 [mailto:Jrwheeler7]
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 1998 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Brake Shoe Material

paul,

i will be installing leigh harrison's brake system. what have you done for
an emergency brake?? or, have you never parked on a hill. I'm considering
only doing 4 wheels, leaving the rear axle with the drums and shoes since I
have been told that that axle only provides about 10% of the braking. What
else do you have to say about his system?