The Ford Barn

bobbader · 08-04-2022, 07:52 AM

My suggestion of having the car on jackstands while a helper applies the brakes can help take the guesswork out of "Which wheel has the problem????" By trying to turn each wheel with the brake fully applied you can determine which one is holding versus which one needs more adjustment. Trying to do so by applying the brakes going down the road doesn't always tell you that. Skid marks can be dependent on surface under each tire, how much dirt under each tire, etc. Having the car jacked up eliminates those variables and can at least give you a starting point if you need further disassembly and exploration.

Bob Bidonde · 08-04-2022, 08:34 AM

BB, great advice in your Whoa!

Rob Doe · 08-04-2022, 10:52 AM

Another idea, if you don't have 4 jack stands, is to purchase a $20 infra red thermometer.

Drive the car and apply the brakes a 1/2 dozen times then hop out and aim the temp gun through the spokes at the top of the brake drum. Tweak the adjusters clockwise to increase heat and ccw to lower.

A 1/2 dozen meaningful applications of the brakes on our coupe will give temps in the range of 110-120. Yours may vary. I have used this method multiple times and the temps can be adjusted within 6-10 degrees without much trouble. Our coupe has good brake components and stops correctly.

08-04-2022, 07:52 AM	#21
bobbader Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntington, NY Posts: 352	Re: Break noise. My suggestion of having the car on jackstands while a helper applies the brakes can help take the guesswork out of "Which wheel has the problem????" By trying to turn each wheel with the brake fully applied you can determine which one is holding versus which one needs more adjustment. Trying to do so by applying the brakes going down the road doesn't always tell you that. Skid marks can be dependent on surface under each tire, how much dirt under each tire, etc. Having the car jacked up eliminates those variables and can at least give you a starting point if you need further disassembly and exploration.

08-04-2022, 08:34 AM	#22
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,113	Re: Break noise. BB, great advice in your Whoa! __________________ Bob Bidonde

08-04-2022, 10:52 AM	#23
Rob Doe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 618	Re: Break noise. Another idea, if you don't have 4 jack stands, is to purchase a $20 infra red thermometer. Drive the car and apply the brakes a 1/2 dozen times then hop out and aim the temp gun through the spokes at the top of the brake drum. Tweak the adjusters clockwise to increase heat and ccw to lower. A 1/2 dozen meaningful applications of the brakes on our coupe will give temps in the range of 110-120. Yours may vary. I have used this method multiple times and the temps can be adjusted within 6-10 degrees without much trouble. Our coupe has good brake components and stops correctly. __________________ "It ain't what you know for certain that gets ya in trouble. It's what ya know for certain that just ain't so!"