What's the best brake shoe source?

Paladin · September 26, 2009, 10:17:45 PM

Where should I look for shoes and wheel bearings for the tag axle on my '8'? I have C&J and Mohawk, any others? Any chance of a local supplier? Napa

Who would have them for the best price?

I know, will the dumb questions never cease?

-Dave

johns4104s · September 27, 2009, 02:17:43 AM

To do the job Safely I would contact Like. Bill and Luke will take the time to match up exactly what you will need. It is so important to match the ID of the drum to the shoes, this will take the correct measurements, only you can take. Be sure and get new nuts,screws and washers.
I replace all the drums,shoes and bearings on a 4104. People said no mater what I did it would always take its time stopping. Well when I had finished it will now stop on a dim. I am now taking everything of the 04 (it is a match) and installing it on my MCI 9.

John

gene lewis · September 27, 2009, 05:03:56 AM

Ditto on Luke.

He has helped me on a couple of coaches when brakes needed replacing. IMHO - They are good.

Enjoying the journey in NC

Gene

dickegler · September 27, 2009, 05:06:46 AM

Hi all,

are there different grades of brake shoes? Seems like a softer shoe would stop faster, and a harder shoe would last longer,

What do you ask for when ordering?

I would like the softest shoe, as I don't think I would drive enough miles in an rv to ever wear them out.

Thanks Dick

luvrbus · September 27, 2009, 05:20:14 AM

Dave, check your bearing supply and brake and clutch rebuilders in the Salt Lake area it be bought local along with the drums if needed.
There is no need to buy across US.
If you have a large Car Quest in the area they will also be able to help with parts.
I buy through both Napa and Car Quest
Check with CR England or the City of Salt Lake on where they buy brake lining it will be local fwiw

good luck

Tenor · September 27, 2009, 06:34:35 AM

I had no problems getting bearings from my local truck parts place. I expect that shoes would be as easy. Take your part numbers from Da Book. If you need, call Mohawk and cross reference the numbers to non-mci. All suggestions to use Mowhak or Luke are spot on. Both companies are great. It will cost you an extra arm though with shipping.

Good luck!

Glenn

TomC · September 27, 2009, 08:25:13 AM

There are many grades of linings that you can choose from. Meritor, Bendix, Eaton/Spicer web sites should list the types of linings available. Basically-the softer the lining, the better stopping when cold it will have, but will ``last the shortest (which, as you've said, isn't really important). The harder the lining, the longer it lasts and the more heat it can take-like dragging the brakes going down a long down grade. If you have a Jake Brake, then the soft linings will work well. If you don't, I'd suggest you stay with a medium gray block (like the neutral linings that are installed from the factory).
Remember-if you install specially ordered linings and if you have a leaky wheel seal that soaks the linings to the point of having to replace them, it will be a whole lot simpler on the road if you use the standard lining-or you might have to wait extra time for that special soft lining you used.
Also-most of our buses are not approaching the weight limits, so using the standard brake linings will still make for a powerful braking situation. If you increase your braking power, but not the weight on the wheels, that will also increase the likelihood of inducing a wheel skid (not good).
On my transit, I still have the original transit type brake linings that are semi metallic-meaning they need to be warmed up in the morning to work well. I have stomped on the brakes a couple of times and can tell you, I have plenty of braking power. Good Luck, TomC

NJT 5573 · September 27, 2009, 12:28:11 PM

Page Brake of SLC is huge in commercial brake supply, they are in Ogden too, can't imagine they can't fix you up just fine and pretty cheap as well.

Throw your shoes on the counter and if they don't have rebuilts on the shelf, they will reline your shoes probably next day. Tell them what the use is and let them put the lining they recommend on. If they don't like any of your shoes for cores, have them just reline them for your own use.

They will check the circumference and arc for you from the carry in shoes and fix you up.

Paladin · September 27, 2009, 01:15:18 PM

Doh! Why didn't I think of Page?

They have always been great to work with on my project cars. It's funny how the vendors and suppliers you've used for many years just don't come to mind when you work on something other than you've used them for in the past, even when it's their specialty.