<VV> Re: VirtualVairs digest, Vol 1 #375 - 12 msgs

[RoboMan91324@aol.com]

Great points Seth.  You should also keep in mind that under the scenario you 
describe, you will also be without your engine braking effect to slow the car 
down.  Down shifting will have no effect.  This is especially the case with an 
open rear.  You will be free wheeling for quite a while especially if headed 
downhill.  Keep in mind that your steering will also be pretty wild with one 
of your rear wheels flopping around.  You would definitely want to stop ASAP 
with the rear half of the car wandering at its own free will.  JMHO

Doc
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 05/07/04 9:31:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
virtualvairs-request@corvair.org writes:

> Message: 3
> From: Sethracer@aol.com

> Date: Fri, 7 May 2004 20:36:22 EDT
> To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
> Subject: <VV> "Brake" Failures
> 
> In a message dated 5/7/2004 6:51:52 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
> khammett@stainlessfab.com writes:
> 
> <snip>
> 
> I believe the early model Corvair (at least the 62-64 models where kits are 
> easily available, not sure of the 60-61s) should change to a dual master 
> cylinder if any regular driving is planned. Why? - The swing axle on the rear of 
> the early Corvair has proven to be a reliable performer for more than 40 
> years. And the U-joint/yoke/axle is a sufficient design for most driving 
> conditions. Failure of that assembly, however - likely to be more common given the 
> ages of the components - can cause a combination of events which might ask more 
> of your braking system than it will be able to deliver. Since the axle/yoke 
> is retained by a bolt, with a mild fit, they can fail. I have seen early 
> models where failure of the yoke attachment (and not enough bearing press)causes 
> the axle to move outward from the  body/chassis, taking the brake drum with 
> it. The car will normally be slowing down pretty rapidly at that point. But, 
> with a single master cylinder system, virtually all braking is gone - And I 
> mean all systems. With the drum no longer on the shoes, all hydraulic pressure 
> from the master will spread those unrestrained shoes and have no effect on 
> the other three wheels. In addition, the drum departure removes any effect of 
> the emergency brake system as well. Of course the offending side is open, but 
> the balancing design of the Corvair, and virtually all other cars, means 
> virtually no mechanical action on the other side either. You will have no brakes. 
> A dual master cylinder installation will retain limited front brake 
> capability, even under those circumstances. - Seth Emerson