356 front brakes.

[mycar]

What effect does loosening the wheel cylinders fastenings and slamming on the brakes have Ashley ?

[SeanP]

Would imagine that it centres the cylinders in the drum so that you get even shoe movement in the drum. The nuts need to be nipped up enough to hold the cylinders in place but slack enough to allow them to move and centre.

Old brake drum trick used on a mini I had many years ago.

Sean

[Ashley James]

Yup and maximises lining contact area and always worth trying.

[mycar]

Thanks, will do.

[mycar]

So off came the drums again to investigate the cylinder fixings. Turns out they're attached from behind by 4 bolts and their position isn't negotiable. I'm happy that the cylinders are working as they should, the wear on the shoes is even and covers all but about 10mm at the cylinder end of each shoe.

One thing that does stand out to me is that the linings of the drums. The wear surfaces are polished to a near chrome like finish. Is that correct, I suppose it must be ? For me, shiny surfaces = slippery surfaces.

Then, on went the drums and wheels and out for a test drive.

There is some improvement.

But not that marvelous.

What I've found is that pushing down hard stops the car pretty effectively and taking the drums off for the first time has reassured me that nothing is amiss. I'm fairly confidant that this is how 356 brakes are meant to feel.

There are kits available to convert A's and B's to disc brakes which sounds like a very good idea but the reviews are not 100% in favour. Disc brakes weigh more than drums in the unsprung department and offer a very different feel. When I started to investigate the possibilities I was sold on the idea but the more I've read, the more I'm convinced that disks will spoil the balance and feel of the car and are only really necessary when more power is fitted.

I should really look at the back brakes next.

[Ashley James]

German drum brakes always required more effort than Brit ones, but usually worked better, so I suspect what you have is what you get.

[mycar]

Wysiwyg.

[Ashley James]

Nearly.

[fetuhoe]

German drum brakes always required more effort than Brit ones, but usually worked better, so I suspect what you have is what you get.

I am not sure I understand.

[Ashley James]

In the old days German cars tended to have a heavier brake pedal than Brit ones, but ultimately more braking power.

I think they had slightly bigger drums and bigger master cylinders, so less mechanical advantage than on Brit cars with smaller diameter Pistons in their master cylinders. I'm thinking of BMW, Porsche and Mercedes.

[BD55]

I may have missed something, but I take it you have adjusted the brakes up with drum on? Via the brass cog?? Apologies if I am stating the obvious
Simon

[911st]

When was the last time the brake fluid was changed.
It made a big difference after I had changed the fluid and bled the brakes.