Thread: Handbrake Drum Cast vs. Machined - Catastrophic failure risk

Originally Posted by rick130

Read all about the X Brake on the 90/110/130 board.

IMO drums make an excellent parking brake as they self energise, discs don't.

I dont have to read about it as i have it and i can't blame it, i dont know how thos things self energise but i almost rolled back into the river with that while with this one is locked, i'm not doing heavy off-road like the guys with defenders

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

Have a look at this link.

Pinion Mounted 9 Inch Ford Emergency Brake

thanks for that... that's the next one i'll put on mine if this X-brake fails cos for me it's no way to go back to that drum setup which i consider unreliable

Originally Posted by sierrafery

I dont have to read about it as i have it and i can't blame it, i dont know how thos things self energise but i almost rolled back into the river with that while with this one is locked, i'm not doing heavy off-road like the guys with defenders

Either not adjusted properly or soaked in oil. With the design of the shoes in the standard unit, as the vehicle rolls back, the shoes will naturally expand and lock in that direction. When working properly, they work amazingly well. A few clicks on the handbrake and it isn’t going anywhere. The handbrakes on both my 101 and RRC are brilliant and more effective than any other vehicle I own.

Sound like your Disco’s handbrake just needs some TLC as they do work very well when sorted properly. The handbrake on my RRC is off a D1 and is a better design than earlier units so pull it apart, clean it, fix any oil leaks and fit new shoes and adjust - you’ll be a convert.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

Have a look at this link.

Pinion Mounted 9 Inch Ford Emergency Brake

They are meant to bolt to the pinion of a 9" ford diff. I have fitted three to other vehicles and one to a Land Rover 110 to replace the heavy bulky drum assembly. A bit of adaption is necessary but nothing a skilled fitter or experienced home mechanic can't do. They work very well.

Also the added benefit of getting rid of the dreaded handbrake shoe rattle

Originally Posted by sierrafery

I dont have to read about it as i have it and i can't blame it, i dont know how thos things self energise but i almost rolled back into the river with that while with this one is locked, i'm not doing heavy off-road like the guys with defenders

thanks for that... that's the next one i'll put on mine if this X-brake fails cos for me it's no way to go back to that drum setup which i consider unreliable

That was for the other blokes on this thread to have a read.

Where the X Brake works well is if you do a lot of mud, deep water etc.

For the rest of us a drum is actually more effective.

Also there were a few issues with X Brake caliper brackets flexing, etc. which is why I recomended reading the threads.

As i said my drum was cracked like the OP's one so nobody will convince me to go back to that setup... at this point for me mr. @Bigbjorn's thing looks the best for me Pinion Mounted 9 Inch Ford Emergency Brake ... i'll order one

i launch/extract my boat in the Danube river which if it's high it has a very powerfull flow so even half a meter of roll back untill that drum setup locks itself can be dangerous cos that current can throw me into deep, i've been close to that and i can't risk again, fortunately i was in low and had enough torque to get out then... it's a Shetland 536 cabin boat with a 100hp outboard injection engine not some canoe, for me important is to not roll at all if possible, for others it can be different, it's a matter of needs IMO so each for his own

I have just covered this in Members rides My 95 DILDO thread

AM

This is mine Siera...old heavy 21 footer. Handbrake stock has always held very well (manual so left running in park while using electric winch on trailer.. )...Cheers

That's a beautifull boat... i wouldn't have had this handbrake obsession but as i was unlucky enough to experience a cracked drum i became too stressed about it