Rishi
Well-Known Member
Maybe I'm a purest, or perhaps just lazy. Better yet, efficient. But I want to keep the four-wheel manual drum brake (11-inch front, 10-inch rear) setup on my car, and I'm looking for recommendations to get the best stopping power I can.
The only issue I seem to ever have with my (pretty sure they're organic) drum brakes is brake fade due to heating when traversing down mountain roadways. But this can be mitigated with engine braking braking style, but honestly, I rarely (a few times a decade) find myself driving down this type of terrain.
Aside from this, I've never had a problem stopping abruptly, stop and go traffic, highway and around-town braking. Even when I "get on it" I can brake to a stop once or twice without any (perceived) degradation in stopping power.
That said, have there been any improvements in brake shoe technologies in the last decade or two? I'm preparing to replace the master cylinder, bleed the lines, inspect the brake cylinders, grease the bearings, and overhaul the brake system.
Research suggests the semi-metallic of the 1980s are out, and the ceramic-type is the defacto standard, present-day.
I understand even in some modern vehicles, with front disk and rear drum, the rear drum may still be using organic or semi-metallic, while the front pads are ceramic. I expect the proportioning ratio on those vehicles to be adjusted for this.
I'm concerned if I choose wrong, the inherent braking ratio (front to back) may change, and cause the rear brakes to lock up. I don't like surprises, and enjoy armchair quarterbacking a project before getting started.
What do ya'll recommend for brake shoe materials front and back, if I want to keep the majority of the brake system stock?
The only issue I seem to ever have with my (pretty sure they're organic) drum brakes is brake fade due to heating when traversing down mountain roadways. But this can be mitigated with engine braking braking style, but honestly, I rarely (a few times a decade) find myself driving down this type of terrain.
Aside from this, I've never had a problem stopping abruptly, stop and go traffic, highway and around-town braking. Even when I "get on it" I can brake to a stop once or twice without any (perceived) degradation in stopping power.
That said, have there been any improvements in brake shoe technologies in the last decade or two? I'm preparing to replace the master cylinder, bleed the lines, inspect the brake cylinders, grease the bearings, and overhaul the brake system.
Research suggests the semi-metallic of the 1980s are out, and the ceramic-type is the defacto standard, present-day.
I understand even in some modern vehicles, with front disk and rear drum, the rear drum may still be using organic or semi-metallic, while the front pads are ceramic. I expect the proportioning ratio on those vehicles to be adjusted for this.
I'm concerned if I choose wrong, the inherent braking ratio (front to back) may change, and cause the rear brakes to lock up. I don't like surprises, and enjoy armchair quarterbacking a project before getting started.
What do ya'll recommend for brake shoe materials front and back, if I want to keep the majority of the brake system stock?
