The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Brake shoes, to reline or not.

I am going through the brakes on my '52 gmc 450 cab over. I intend to work this truck after completion. I have new wheel cylinders coming and new rubber hoses being made. Question is, while I have this all apart, should I have the shoes relined? There is plenty of pad left (approx 0.31 on front, 0.35 rear both listed as 3/8th starting thickness in manual) All shoes have been dry (no brake fluid or grease on them) but I do have one front left to dissasmble so that could change. All indications are that these are original. Is there anything to be gained? I know they had to have made some advances in lining material in the last 50+ years. Thanks,
Scott

If you are not afraid of a little asbestos, there is nothing wrong with them. They are actually not as hard on the drums as new ones. Drums that have had the old linings can easily be turned. Drums with modern linings usually have to be turned and then the hot spots ground out and then trued. I have a setup to do this, but very few people are equipped to grind hot spots. This is why turning truck drums has become a thing of the past. The new non asbestos linings also require more pedal effort.

Scott, You want to make sure those wheel cylinders are for the Type "F"(front), & Type "FR" (rear)brakes, instead of the Twin Action Type used on the 2 ton, & smaller trucks. I know a couple of guys that ordered what they thought was right for these heavier "400" series trucks, & received the wrong cylinders.The rear cylinders on the Type "FR" have a separate anchor block to hold them in place, instead of the cylinder bolting directly to the backing plate.

One new question. The last front wheel that I had to dissasemble turnd out to have brake fluid leaking from the cylinder. This coated the shoes and had been leaking for some time. Is this shoe reusable? If not I probably have to have both fronts relined, right?
crenwelge,
thanks for the info. I am taking the necessary precations for the asbestos dust when handeling the brake parts. I didn't know that the newer shoe material was harder on drums, I guess they did that to increase the service interval of the part. I think I will reuse the shoes that are on the truck for now if I can, I can always reline them next time though I doubt I'll ever wear them out.
Spanky,
I dissasembled the brakes and took the old cylinders with me to our local NAPA. They crossed the numbers cast in the cylinder instead of looking them up by application. The picture of what they have looked identical to my cylinders though it will be about a week to I get to actually put an eye on them. I did the same with the wheel seals too. They crossed the numbers, only time will tell how right that proves to be.
Thanks again,Scott

Brake lining that is oil or brake fluid soaked will always grab, no matter you try to clean it. Replace both front wheels to maintain even braking.

By the way, the counter guy at NAPA steered me to this web site. It lets you cross the numbers from home. I think you can even get them shipped to you. It has worked on everything so far but shoes. Counter guy said they weren't available either.

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Default.aspx

You won't find those shoes new, or remanufactured anywhere. The shoes will have to be re-lined. Take a measurement from the lining material, there may be something out there that will match up.Better to go, to a big truck shop. Also call Alretta Truck Parts, & see what they say.

We have a local shop that relines shoes, clutches, etc, so that's not a problem. I just don't know if I want to reuse them as is or have them relined. I was more confident before I found the "wet" one. I'm going to give Alretta a call tomorrow anyway. I need some shoe return springs and my parts guy is pulling his hair out trying to find them without any luck. (and he still smiles when I come in because he likes the challenge)