Brake Adjusters (was Re: <VV> Re: the find)

Jim McLott Jim.McLott@DOR.GA.GOV
Wed, 17 Nov 2004 11:55:13 -0500


Bruce Schug writes....

I've run real metallic VelvaTouch brakes for several years now. I don't 
even notice that they don't work quite as well when they're cold. It's 
not an issue to me, essentially an old wives tale - or maybe old racers 
tale. If I had it to do again, I'd probably try some of the new 
"Kevlar" linings which, I presume allow you to keep the self-adjusters. 
You have to remove them when you use the metallics. That's the only 
thing that bothers me; you have to adjust then manually, like all cars 
used to be. In fact, right now my right rear is too tight; they need to 
be adjusted.

Bruce

Jim McLott asks...

OK, I'll bite.  Why do you have to remove self-adjusters when you use
metallic brakes?  I just added self-adjusters to the front brakes on
Christine and I'm wondering if the PO removed them because he installed
metallic linings.  How can I tell if my current linings are metallic?
They have lots of lining left, so I'd hate to replace them if I don't
have to.

Jim McLott & Christine, the 1966 Monza convertible she-devil
Member: CORSA, Corvair Atlanta and member emeritus of Group Red

P.S. to Joe Potts:  How is your brake pull problem coming along?  In my
case, installing the self-adjusters and getting the adjustment right has
made a world of difference.  The brake pull to the right is gone for the
first time since I've owned Christine.  Of course, I've also replaced
just about everything that can be replaced in the front suspension and
steering (including the crossmember), along with the brake hoses, wheel
cylinders and master cylinder.  It was the self-adjusters that finally
got it right.