Aluminum brake drum heads-up, possible problems with using them...

[FJM568]

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4685

Check out this thread on www.v8buick.com ...Tells about potential problems with using the aluminum brake drums...

 

[Mr URL]

I've heard about that happening before that's why they are coming off my T-Type.

 

[KEVINS]

WHOO HOOOO.. So the ones I have on the shelves just became more rare!!

ks

 

[John Larkin]

I have a pair of them. Yes, they were cracked when I got them. The crack went between the fins almost to the edge of the drum face on each one. I took it to a local welder and had them ground out and TIG'd. He ground out the crack way deep and filled it. This guy welds up blocks, trans cases, airplane parts, you name it. Cool shop. They should be plenty strong now.

 

[Chris McDade]

I've had them crack on me before. I actually ran it that way for a year. Now that I think about it im glad im sitting here today.

I will be switching to Steel very soon.

Later

 

[Chuck Leeper]

On crack??

Cracked drums and e-brake launches??? Suppose there could be a connection??? Nah!!

 

[UNGN]

I've grenaded one a few years ago and always warn people about the potential dangers of them. It would be in the arquives if they went back more than 1 year

I still run the other one but periodically check it for cracks. It isn't something that happens overnight.

 

[750H.P.V6]

Guy's,

I took mine off after an incident I witnessed at the 1998 Nationals. Manny Ecker (one of Red Armstrong's crew) was building boost on the line when there was a big bang and the car rolled throught the lights. When the bang occured parts of the drum fell on to the pavement.

Needless to say I figure that at the very least they go oval when you are trying to torque brake the car at the starting line which compromises the holding power of the rear brakes. The loss of a couple of pounds dosen't offset the potential for an accident in my book.

Neal

 

[MeanBuicks]

Funny, Neal.

When I saw this thread, that's the precise incident that popped into my mind as I was there right by the line when that happened. Probably one of the reasons I still have the iron drums on my GN.

 

[The Boost Creep]

what about converting to rear disc. Cost effective? Would a disc setup be lighter making it want you were looking for in the aluminum?

 

[Quickturbosix]

I have a sent of irons that are cracked. I dont think its the drums its how you use them.