O.K. , I'm not sure how to make this into a sticky , hopefully the Moderator will edit this and make it one . Huck brakes need a specific lining grade to work thier best , the grade is marked on the edge of the lining materiel like so : FF Friction code should be FF on the side of the lining. this is the most friction possible at reasonable cost. EE or FE is not enough. Raybestos brand should come with this typ of lining but you can also look in your 'phone book (yellow pages or business guide) under Automotive Brake Reliner and have them do it . Having the correct grade of lining will really make your 1936 - 1951 Chevy car or truck , stop well .
Learn something new everyday! I was not aware that brake linings had different friction codes. Interesting. With that said, I've got a few questions. Original Huck brake linings! Were they FF? If I have a couple of boxes of NOS Huck brake linings, probably 40 yrs old, never used, are they still good? What about Bendix brake linings? Does age affect their stopping ability? Biggest reason for me asking is that I've got some of both kinds, never used, that were in my grandfather's service station/garage in the late '60's.
Lining Ratings Good deal ! yes , they'll still be good after all these years as long as they're not bonded and have rusty shoes . To determine the rating , take them out of the box and look at the edge of the lining ~ there you will see clearly printed some letters.... It used to be the Spec. was written by NYC so you may see those letters too . This still isn't a sticky how do we get the moderator to make it one ? . This is , quite literally , a life and death subject .
Next question! Back in the day, I remember having to "panic brake" resulting in occassional brake glazing. IIRC, I used to remove the tire, pop the brake drum off and inspect the linings. If they looked glazed over, I'd rough them up with a really aggressive sandpaper. Good practice or asking for trouble?
I tink yer askin' fer trouble. Brake linings shouldn't glaze under normal use~ BUT! Iffin' yer face was good and close while you were sanding yer shoes, ya should have a couple-o-lungs full of asbest~ so it won't matter anyway.
Glazed Brake Linings Are normal if you overwork the brakes for whatever reason . I prefer to rough up the drum's friction surface with some 400 grit sand paper so it'll re-bed in the shoes and I won't have to breathe any more asbestos dust... (remember shop class in 1963 : 'Asbestos is Bestos !')
