Disc Brakes

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 16:46

I'm a new Chief owner and I know I have Goodyear disc brakes.

But I need to know if there are different models of disc brakes and where I should look for the best place to get parts etc? If there are different models or types, I need to know how to identify which particular set I have.

I've heard rumor that the parts are very expensive. So I'd like to keep my eye's open and acquire some brake pucks and other parts ahead of time. Or at least know a good price when I see it so I don't miss out!

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 17:29

One thing you don't want to do is lose the brake clips. There's two styles: one type slides in and "kind of" holds the disk in place. The other is pinned through the wheel. Either way, I'd suggest putting some silicone to hold the brakes clips in place so they don't get kicked out. That usually happens if the pucks get worn. If a clip comes out the wheel can lock up which will make for an exciting ride toword the weeds

. On the pin type, I've seen duct tape wrapped around the wheel to hold the pins in place but I think silicone would do the job just as well. The clips are very expensive and hard to come by. There was a guy selling them on ebay at one time. Pucks are available from Aircraft Spruce (???) or I've seen them made out of ATV brake pucks too.

Although I cuss them at times, the GY brakes aern't that bad if you keep them in adjustment. Mostly they're just used for turning or a tap or two on roll out once in a while.

Hope this helps!
Mike Berg

Post by **joea** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 19:13

I use Silicone to keep my clips in the wheels and it works pretty well.

If you need Goodyear parts pls post on the list and some of us can help. I keep some extra wheels and parts as does others here.

Joe A

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 23:57

They are good brakes and I can't emphasize enough to pay very close attention to the post about lost clips. They were better brakes than the Clevelands I now have on my Champ.

As long as the disc floats freely you will be ok.

The pads tend to wear unevenly. You can trim them straight on a grinder and also turn them around. When the long ones are too worn you can then use them for short ones.

I have some clips somewhere and will let you have some if you need them. I bought them when they were only unreasonable, they are far past that now.

I just don't want to sell to anyone who doesn't actually need them. I got them for spares for my Stinson and then totalled it, but any Aeronca owner in need is welcome to them if I can find them.

marklamon · Post by **marklamon** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 00:09

Speaking of GY brakes, has anyone ever had the disc rechromed? Or better yet does anyone have some reasonable ones for sale? Mine are pitted and the chrome is only 50%remaining. Thanks Mark

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 17:48

Mark,

I may have some old ones but they may not be any better than yours. I'll look and let you know. If I can find them I'll ship them to you if you pay the cost and then you can pay me what you think they are worth if you can use them. I'll make photos so you can take a look before I ship.

I have these extras because some guy had converted to Clevelands and gave me the extra stuff he had.

These are from my old Stinson 108-3 so they may be the wrong size, not sure about that part. But, my guess is they are the same.

For a lightweight plane like a Chief or Champ I'm not sure the chrome is even needed except maybe to keep away rust. They rust on the edges anyway, but I just treated them with rust converter to stop the rust and left them that way.

Post by **joea** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 22:19

We need to find someone like Don Jones out in Guam to make some new disks for these old Goodyear systems. This is not rocket science...

marklamon · Post by **marklamon** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 23:43

GusC, Thanks for the reply. Mine are pitted pretty good and the chrome is on about 50% of the disc's. Between the pitts and the edges of the chrome, when ever I use the brakes (which is not often) I have to adjust them back up due to the rough surface eating the pad up. Thanks again. Mark

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 22:44

Mark,

Do you want me to look for them? I may not even have them any more but I can look.

I see no reason these things can't be rechromed by a good shop.

marklamon · Post by **marklamon** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 22:53

gusc wrote:Mark,

Do you want me to look for them? I may not even have them any more but I can look.

I see no reason these things can't be rechromed by a good shop.

Gusc, If you don't mind. I could get those chromed while I use the ones that are on the plane now. Thanks Mark

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:49

I too am interested in the possibility of re-chrome of the disc. My right main is perfect. The left main has some rusting. I won't hazard a guess other than less then 50%. The rust does not seem deep at all and to the touch almost not noticable. It would seem possible to have these milled down and then re-chromed back up to spec thickness. Or am I just naïve?

But that also will depend upon the price. But it would make them look nice and also be a corrosion protection.

To further show my naiveté. Can someone post a picture of what these clips made from unobtainium looks like? and where they are on the wheel. Are these the lilttle metal things that are located on the top and bottom of the disc between the disc and the brake housing?

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 22:08

Mark,

I'll see what I can find tomorrow, it has been a long time since i've seen them.

ff,

They are small spring steel clips with holes in them. Small buttons go through the holes to hold the clips on the wheel. The disc floats in grooves in the wheel and the clips keep the disc from tilting.

Earlier clips didn't have the button holes and would often fall off. The ones with buttons don't fall off as long as the buttons are in good condition.

If I find mine I'll send you a photo. I thinkyou can probably find a brake parts exploded diagram on the internet somewhere which will give you a better perspective.

It is a weird setup but the brakes work very well.

gusc · Post by **gusc** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 18:57

Mark,

I'm not going to be able to look for another couple of days, other things demanding my time. But, I will look.

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 08:27

I use Goodyear on the L16 and have had zero problems with them. Any parts I needed were available, not cheap, but available. I haven't needed to replace a disc in about 10 years but I had no problem locating it. (JW Duff)
Paul

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 14:13

If a person were to make up some pads,

What type and what thickness of brake pad material do I get and where might I find this material? Midas or NAPA?

What do you cut the brake pad material with?