MTFCA Forum

Need brakes and looking at Lang's there are two types. One is a single shoe that is lines and the other is a two piece that is lined. Which is best and why? Need to order tomorrow!

Dick, the two piece ones require much fettling to get them anywhere near fitting. They are to be avoided if you cannot be bothered. The one piece variety fit much better. I believe the originals and these replacements were/are made in one piece as an aid to ease/ consistency in production. Both are prone to breakage in use as they wear and have to flex more. Cast iron does not flex well, so to prevent them breaking in an in-opportune place, i use a hacksaw to cut half way through the loop at the pivot bolt. That way if they do break, it will be at a point of no consequence. They have lugs for springs on both sides of the shoe so that they do not get tangled up if they break. Others don't bother with the saw cut.

Allan from down under.

The one piece shoes are the way to go.

Stephen

I too have the one piece assembly and very pleased with them. They are complete with bonded friction material that
matches the 8” drum perfectly.
Alan in Western Australia

Alan Long wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 21, 2021 8:31 am

I too have the one piece assembly and very pleased with them. They are complete with bonded friction material that
matches the 8” drum perfectly.
Alan in Western Australia

I just installed a set. They did require some narrowing in places. Not the same width all the way around. Way better than the 2 piece.
The 2 piece unis seem to want to tip out & are held in place by drum contact.

When installing one or two piece brake shoes, put the springs on the back side of the shoes. This tends to pull the shoes back against the backing plate. Putting the springs on the front tends to pull them away.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 21, 2021 11:19 am

When installing one or two piece brake shoes, put the springs on the back side of the shoes. This tends to pull the shoes back against the backing plate. Putting the springs on the front tends to pull them away.

True, I do that.
When hunting down spots where there is rubbing, I find a light coat of flat black spray paint inside the drum helps pin point the spot.
Remove when done with a little gas.

Thanks everyone. I ordered the one piece set.