MCI DISK BRAKES

[christopher]

hI
Have not inquired yet, does MCI have a disk brake conversion kit for the fronts?
If performance? cost? etc
Thanks
Chris
MCI 5C

[Scott & Heather]

Hey Chris,

Can't say I know a ton about this subject, but I do know that MCI had serious issues with their disc brakes starting with the MCI E series coaches. Expensive to fix and maintain.


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[lostagain]

I don't think they would. I suppose you could look at the heavy duty truck parts stores, or at the axle manufacturers.

I find the stock drum brakes are very good once you service them to ensure that everything is in good order.

And adjusted properly and the shoes not soaked in hub oil or grease.

JC


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[luvrbus]

MCI sells the kits for the D series,I priced the kits and I am going to be using drum brakes for a long,long time 

[TomC]

If you want better stopping power, change the lining material of the linings. There are something like about 20 different linings made for different applications. For instance, a very hard semi-metallic lining for transit buses that stop and go all day long-but need to be warmed up and wear the drums out when relining is needed. Special linings for dusty conditions, cold conditions, general braking, etc. I'd look up Bendix or Meritor and see what linings are the best as far as stopping power-since we don't have to worry about longevity.
I have the same linings on my transit as the day I bought it in 1993. They barely look worn. I just keep them adjusted 1/3 turn out and they will put you through the windshield. I know this, since I've tried flipping the parking brake.
Drum brakes are still being used primarily on big rig trucks. I believe in the next year or two, the stopping distances mandated by the Feds will require the trucks to go to all disc brakes. But considering disc brakes are only about an $2,000 option-well worth it. But converting is a whole bunch more than that. Good Luck, TomC

[buswarrior]

The early teething problems with MCI's disc brakes have been long worked out.

Early manufacturing issues with the fine spiral machining marks allowing moisture ingress past the seals on the shafts was a big one.
Seeing them at the time, none of us would have dreamed it possible, they "felt" smooth... finishing methods were changed to polish them after machining.

Improper maintenance procedures was another, too long intervals, re-using seals, failing to lube sliders properly, using wrong lube.

As for performance, the disc brake equipped E model would stop from highway speed in about the same distance as a pick-up truck, just a crack over 200 feet, IIRC.

Yes, the stopping performance of drum brakes is just about at the limit for the most up to date federal requirements.

happy coaching!
buswarrior