Thread: Series 2a 10" Brake Shoe Replacement

G'day All,
Just replaced the front and rear brake shoes on my 1966 2a.
What an epic.

The current part number for the 10" brake shoes is STC2796. This is a generic part number as there are two different types of shoes that can be supplied. I purchased Mintex 10" shoes with part number STC2796 and when they arrived they were 3/16" shorter at the cylinder end than the original shoes that have been on the 2a for a long time. No Good. So I purchased Bearmach BR1775 shoes with the part number STC2796. They are the correct length when compared to the originals that have been on the front axle of the 2a for a long time.

I checked the position and radius of the bottom pin cutout and position of the snail anchor pin and thread holes on the rear shoes. All OK except found the position of the threaded holes on one shoe out by 1/16". Also had to retap several holes with a M6x1.00 tap. The supplies set screws were soft with a poor head so used quality set screws. I checked the radius of the shoes in a new drum and found a gap of 1 to 2mm at the centre of the shoes.

So took them to Burt Bros in Sydney to have the radiused. They checked the thickness on the linings and the leading shoes was 5mm and rear shoes was 4mm. Not enough will be left if radiused. They determined that the shoe radius was wrong so they "took the out the back" and I heard a "lot of banging" and when they came back fitted the drum perfectly.

When fitting the rear axle shoes found the new bottom springs were to strong and pushed the rear cylinder pistons back into the cylinders. This causes a long pedal on first application of the brakes. Found some original springs and they allow the piston to gently push out by the internal cylinder springs.
The measurement of the orignal springs are:
Diameter of wire 2.00mm Diameter of coil 10.72mm with 26 coils.

Went for a test run and had brakes!!!. After 12 miles good brakes and getting better!!. (The modern lining material seems to be softer with more friction)
(Had to replace a Hub oil seal and distance piece in the process.)

I plan to have the original shoes rebonded at Burts and this is maybe a better solution to the quality of replacement shoes. Noted the length of the original front axle and rear axles shoes are different lenghts so will source some used shoes that are all the same length and style.

I'd like to acknowledge the help from Hilton Pollard in sorting out the quality problems and spring problem.

Good Luck
Chris

Welcome to the wonderful world of series brakes and all the crud parts that are on the market now.

Good idea to keep your old shoes and have them rebonded as your next set. That, or replace the whole lot with disks...