brake life

[harveykarisma]

Hi. I'm new to this discussion. Can anyone tell me how many miles Model a brakes last between relinings? Obviously, it's a function of how the car is driven, but I was hoping for a ball park estimate. Thanks.

[Kurt in NJ]

at 46,000 miles the original rear shoes were down to the rivits, the fronts had already been replaced on my car

[updraught]

Back in the day, probably not long. Drum brakes are hopeless in dust, gravel and water crossings. They grind themselves to an early death. Disc brakes in such conditions last much better as all the rubbish can drop out easily and not get trapped and go round and round.

[Bob Bidonde]

Bonded linings wear more quickly than woven linings.

[Patrick L.]

Don't know how to answer that except to say it depends. Driving style, material, and how they were installed all factors.

[JasonOC]

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I'd say at about 40,000 miles, in my opinion at least. But this depends on multiple factors - how you drive, road quality, etc.

[David R.]

Originally Posted by JasonOC

I'd say at about 40,000 miles, in my opinion at least. But this depends on multiple factors - how you drive, road quality, etc.

...and how many stream crossings and driving on unpaved roads. We used to live where we had to ford the creek to get out of the hollow when I was growing up and seemed Dad was constantly re-lining brakes.

[jg61hawk]

I was searching before asking...so this thread came up.. I have an A I completely had the brake system sent out to Bratton's who sent the backing plates to Mr. Swan who installed all new parts and matched the drums (cast iron new) to the shoes. I have about 3,500 miles on the system. Car stops great. So I'm asking two questions...Really the pads can go over 20,000 miles and if I do need pads can I just get new pads the first time now that the moving components are ALL new?

[Kurt in NJ]

most likely just linings yes

[CWPASADENA]

I have almost 17K miles on a Model A I restored and last week end, I finally took up the front brakes 2 clicks on the adjusters. The rears seem fine. I have very good pedal and the car really stops well. I have cast Iron drums and woven linings. I did install longer levers on the front so I am using the front brakes a little harder than with Henrys original design.

I suspect at this rate, the linings should last 40-50K.

Chris W.

[Synchro909]

I've done about 50,000 miles in my Phaeton and the brakes have a lot left in them but most of those miles were done on LONG tours where we might fill up, drive till near empty, then fill up again without touching the brakes except at the bowser. Clutches last a long time that way too!