Re: [FWDLK] Early "Disc" brakes on Crown Imperial
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Re: [FWDLK] Early "Disc" brakes on Crown Imperial



I have three 50 Chryslers which have the original set ups on them and am very happy they are there.   My understanding is that most mechanics changed them back to drum brakes when they needed service since they didn't understand them.
 
They really are very simple once you understand them.  I remember reassembling one set probably three times and not understanding why they were dragging--I didn't realize they were self adjusting and kept having them too tight without realizing it.   When maintaining them and relining most will put too thick a lining back on them and lock them up.   the linings were very thin compared to the drum brake lining.
 
I actually picked up a pair of NOS housings some years ago.  Have never seen any other new or used anywhere.
 
The had to be expensive to manufacture.  I believe the housings were different for each wheel and as I remember the parts are all aluminum for weight savings and heat transfer and as such have always made me a little nervous as I think of them as brittle. 
 
Since they are self adjusting they are nice to live with.  No worrying about why the brakes apply unevenly--they don't do that!!
 
Still feel very lucky to have three of the originals on their original 50's.
 
Terry
 
3 50 T&C hardtops plus bunch of forward look 55's
----- Original Message -----
From: Owen Grigg
Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2008 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Early "Disc" brakes on Crown Imperial

Hi Dave,

 

There were two types of Ausco Lambert disc brakes, the early type ?50- mid ?53 these were a little complicated, and then the later ?53-?55 style which were more refined. I?ve just finished rebuilding the later type on my ?53 NYer that was optioned with them. They are not complicated at all, and were easier to work on than the drum brake system. You can unbolt the whole hub unit in 5mins leaving the hydraulic system intact on the car no undoing brake lines, loosing fluid, bleeding etc and you can work on the unit on the bench. Essentially the assembly consists of six standard hydraulic wheel cylinders (2 on each front and a single on each rear), two outer ?rotor? halves and two inner discs with pads, the inner discs are held together with springs similar to your drum brake return springs and sandwiched in between these are large ball bearings on ramps which ease or ramp the disc up(rather than grabbing) to contact the outer hub surface. Oh they also have automatic adjusters on them!

 

With the engineering department developing the hemi, Powerflite trans, disc brakes, four barrel carb, dual quads, and much, much more I firmly believe that the ?50-?54 was the greatest time of mechanical advancement for Chrysler Corp bar none.

 

Attached is a pic of the parts in the disc brake system. The only problem with these early discs is parts are impossible to find BUT Ausco Lambert is still making these type of brakes today mainly for heavy machinery. Which shows how advanced they were in ?53 or how backward we are toady.

 

Regards

Owen Grigg  

 

         

 


From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dave
Sent: Sunday, 8 June 2008 4:18 p.m.
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [FWDLK] Early "Disc" brakes on Crown Imperial


Out of curiosity, does anybody have experience with these?  From the description and diagrams in the book, the design is intriguing for the era, but complicated.

Thanks,
Dave Moore

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