M38A1 Brakes - wrong linings?

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 11:51 am

I'm doing the routine front and rear axle bearing service on my M38A1 (for the first time since I bought it) and discovered that a PO had installed brake shoes that had linings that were all the same length. On each wheel, the front lining is supposed to be longer than the rear lining. Brakes were working Ok, linings are not really worn much at all. Should I swap out all the brake shoes or put it back together with the current shoes and adjust contact accordingly? Downside of leaving it the way it is?

DJ · Post by DJ » Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:30 pm

The old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it " probably applies here. If the brakes are working good I wouldn't mess with them.

artificer · Post by **artificer** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:34 pm

X2 there are absolutely no ill effects from having the long linings on front & rear [all] brake shoes, plus by your statements there seems no reason to interfere with anything.
Just give the linings & drums a light "roughup" with emery paper to remove any glaze, brush off the dust, not breathing it in & away you go.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:53 pm

Thanks for the replys - I think I'll just put them back together, adjust for clearance, do a roughup and see how they work. Beat's spending $150 for new shoes!