Re: [Chrysler300] Brake-problems. 300 1962 Sport Coupe

[Gary Nelson <Gary@xxxx>]

Hello Ivan

the most important thing to do on new brakes is to properly arc the linings 
in relation to the inside diameter of the drum. A correctly arched lining 
will be .030" under the drum inside diameter unless a manual states a 
specific dimension. Linings that are near same as drum size can grab. I 
would first ask your mechanic what he arched them to. As far as short 
linings that is not correct and could be your problem also.
The edge of lining should have a slight taper. This prevents the edge of 
lining being grabbed by the drum.
You made a statement that you polished the drums. I hope you meant turned 
or machined in a brake lath. While we are on that subject the left and 
right drum must be turned within .010" inside diameter of each other. A 
thinner drum will heat up faster and cause brake fade on that wheel. The 
thicker cooler drum will continue to brake and pull the steering in that 
direction. I turn my own drums in a conventional lath to less than .005 
difference. Front and rear drums can be turned a different size from each 
other, but not side to side.
Good luck hope this helps.

Gary, The Parts Doc


At 10:28 AM 10/23/2002 +0200, ivan.regos@xxxx wrote:
> Hello everybody.
> After changning all four brake-cylinders on the front wheels, new
> brake-linings, polishing? the brake-drums and installation of new
> master-cylinder all done by a good
> mechanic I hoped to have good brakes. Well not at all! The brake on the
> right front locks up, I have to put in reverse to loose it. This is a big
> problem, untill now nobody
> knows what's the problem. I have looked in the manual and there on the brake
> pictures lining goes all the way on the shoes. The new linings are shorter,
> any clues?
> Sincerely Ivan from Sweden...