Thanks for the reply, I have seen many types of lining but never one quiet like that. My first thought was a wear indicator ! Regards Dave. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Engel" <peter.engel@xxxxxxxxxxx> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 11:54 AM Subject: IML: Brake shoe grooves > Dave, > > I believe that the grooves are there to allow airflow for drum cooling. > During braking pressure is greatest along the center of the friction > material since that strip is directly over the metal "spine" of the > shoe. An overheated drum will "heat spot" in a circle corresponding to > that contact area. > > Some shoe manufacturers seem to use the groove and some don't. IIRC > only one shoe at each wheel (the primary?) is grooved. And yes, you can > use non-grooved shoes at all positions. > > Pete in PA > > From: "Dave & Tracy" <dave-tracy.sherratt@xxxxxxxxxxxx> > Subject: IML: 59 Imperial brake shoes > Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2004 09:13:24 -0000 > > Hi can any one tell me why some brake shoes have a wide groove running > = down the middle of the lining ? & can they be used with a standard > plain = shoe ? ( just got a couple of sets! ) Thanks Dave=20 60 Le Baron > England. > > >