Long shot - brake drums

[Skidado]

In less than two weeks I intend to take #2751 to the Le Mans Classic event in France (I am based in the UK). While preparing the car for the trip I have discovered that one of the rear brake drums is warped causing the brake to 'snatch' on that side.

I have calls in to 3 UK parts suppliers but I'm not hopeful of them stocking 10x2.5 inch drums as Shelby mustangs and Fairlane wagons are rare in this country. NPD has them but shipping is more expensive than the parts and there's no guarantee of getting them in time. Brands doesn't publish a phone number.

Any suggestions before I have to leave the car behind?

Thanks

David

[Kent]

I think I could have some here. I will maybe also be in Le Mans, let me take a look for the drums.

[shelbydoug]

Brake drums are fairly simple items and a good brake lathe with true them.

You can't possibly have twisted it unless something like the car was dropped out of a airplane from 25,000 feet and landed on it's rear sideways. It isn't possible.

The drum itself would be cracked through the hub mounting as would be the axle on that side.

Are you sure that you don't have a bent or damaged axle shaft/flange?

[Skidado]

I don't think the drum is cracked as it 'rings' true if I tap it with a hammer. I did think about a bent axle flange but I haven't bashed it against a kerb or similar.

I've just had the axle bearings replaced which in theory might have caused a bend in the flange but the snatching brake moved with the drum when I swapped sides of the car.

[Bob Gaines]

I don't think the drum is cracked as it 'rings' true if I tap it with a hammer. I did think about a bent axle flange but I haven't bashed it against a kerb or similar.

I've just had the axle bearings replaced which in theory might have caused a bend in the flange but the snatching brake moved with the drum when I swapped sides of the car.

As has been suggested I would first have the drum turned and try it again to see if any difference.

[OldGuy]

I don't think the drum is cracked as it 'rings' true if I tap it with a hammer. I did think about a bent axle flange but I haven't bashed it against a kerb or similar.

I've just had the axle bearings replaced which in theory might have caused a bend in the flange but the snatching brake moved with the drum when I swapped sides of the car.

If during the axle bearing replacement (or any time that the drum was removed from the axle), the drum was "pried" off between the backing plate and the inside edge of the drum, it is conceivable that the drum face plate could have been bent. I've had experience of sticking drums because the inner diameter of the bore on the drum face plate can dig into the locating boss on the axle flange causing the drum to require "persuasion" to be removed.

Affixing the drum to a brake lathe and rotating it (and/or indicating in the inner drum face) should tell the tale. As Bob has stated, turning the drum (if there is enough material left) can cure the symptoms of your problem.

Frank   

[s2ms]

Are there Ford Rangers in the UK? At least in the US 1998-2011 Ranger 4x4's have 10x2.5 inch rear drums, as do some of the similar year Mazda pickups.

[Skidado]

I think I could have some here. I will maybe also be in Le Mans, let me take a look for the drums.

That's very kind of you. I actually need the drums on the car in order to make it down there - it's not really drivable at the moment. I now have a call in to Branda to see if they can ship some over in time.

What car are you bringing to Le Mans?

David

[Kent]

Order them at rockauto they should come fast. I will bring my Shelby GT500 67 that is the plan, but I wait for an answer from the le mans museum as I also want to bring a car over there for the exhibition in the museum.

I didnt found 2 1/2 drums just originals that I need to keep. I also would look arround for ranger drums. I really thought I have 2 1/2 drums here from such an 9" but they are all gone. Sorry.

[JWH]

Cobra Automotive offers the 10X 2 1/2 brake drums. Here is a link to the web page from the catalogue.
https://store.cobraautomotive.com/competition-rear-brake-drums/

As mentioned before, the Ford Rangers and Aerostar Vans had 10 X 2 1/2" brakes. The drums should be available at almost any auto parts store for quick and cheap delivery. Check the internet for some info, but for a quick and cheap fix, I would give this a try. Good luck making it to the show.
Jeff

[Skidado]

Ordered them from Branda in the end. Should be here in 3-4 days 😁

[quote I will bring my Shelby GT500 67 ...
[/quote]

@kent - if you are near the Porsche Curves look out for a Brittany Blue GT350 without stripes parked up. It would be good to meet!

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. If I'd had more time I might have found Ranger parts at a Ford dealer but work and family take priority!

David.

[BGlover67]

Are there Ford Rangers in the UK? At least in the US 1998-2011 Ranger 4x4's have 10x2.5 inch rear drums, as do some of the similar year Mazda pickups.

Good idea! Those guys can fix anything.

[Kent]

Hi David yes lets see how long the museum need for the reply´s to my mail. I need some stuff from them before I make the trip to Le Mans