MTFCA Forum

RELINING ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRAKES - Of course, linings on RMBs are riveted on to the band. I am aware that bonded linings are largely used on modern cars. Is it acceptable to bond a lining on an RMB band with something like JB Weld? That potentially could be much more secure than rivets and easier to assemble. Opinions, experience?

JB Weld is good for lots of things, but betting my life on it? I don't think so.

With epoxies (or any bonding material), material suitability, surface preparation, cleanliness, cure times/rates and overall process are all part of the bond strength (and life) equation. Since I have pretty extensive experience in the Aerospace industry with a whole range of epoxies, I am certain that using the same materials, if each of us did the same job, I'm pretty confident that my finished bond could easily be twice or more strong as your bond. If I am allowed to use my choice of bonding material, I'm pretty confident that my bond would be many times stronger than your JB Weld bond. Don't do it.

Please do not take from this that I am being pompous or impugning your ability to accomplish a task that you set out to do...my statements are driven by experience with various materials, each designed for certain attributes - and the fact that you are asking about JB Weld which is a fairly generic consumer-oriented product leads me to believe that you don't have much if any experience with bonding agents in industry (or available to average consumers who do a bunch of research). If I've misspoken or given offense, I won't wait to apologize, I'll do it right now: I apologize.

So, what to do? If your heart is set on bonded linings, then let a brake shop chose the friction material, bonding agent, and let them do the job. Their materials, processes and equipment are made for such a task. If you are intent on doing it yourself, do yourself and your passengers a great favor and do some research on the proper material (it's out there) and proper process and proceed from there. I keep JB Weld around for a myriad of non-critical uses, so it isn't the material I'm not keen on, it's your proposed application.

With the confidence that I could get a better bond than you (simply due to experience) doesn't mean I'd do it. If I was absolutely sold on bonding, I'd take my own advice and let someone do it for whom it is their profession. Left to my own devices however, I would simply rivet the lining on with a good mechanical attachment as designed and be done with it.

You could also let the clutch and brake shop rivet your linings. If it too much of a job for you.

I would have 2 concerns for using JB weld. First epoxies, in general soften with heat. Secondly, There is no flex, The jb could come undone.
Professional brake lining bonding houses will use the correct adhesive that your LIFE can depend on.

I, totally, agree with Scott. Riveting brake linings is NOT a difficult job, even for amateurs like myself. If you are unable or unwilling to take on the job yourself, take it to a professional. Remember, you are not only betting YOUR life on them, you are betting EVERYONE else's life on them. This is supposed to be a fun hobby. Don't turn it into a tragedy over a few dollars.

Good Luck,

Hi Steve,
NO to the best of my knowlage external contracting brakes have to be flexable. If the lining is bonded to the band it would become quite ridged
and would resist contracting. Rivets allow for this flexability. ( how ever little it is ) bonded brake shoes, internal expanding & disc are ridged
foundations designed not to flex. J-B Weld is a good product as are many two part epoxies do get soft with heat & most do not flex let alone
allow the two materials slide on each other. There is a inexpensive tool sold by the venders that works good. they come with a counter bore drill
& the rivet set. I just used one because I was away from my rivet machine. They work for brake shoes & band rivets. (split & tube ) A club member
got cold feet when it came to riveting his R M shoes & went to the best brake builder in town & they charged him $175 to rivet his shoes on.
Stating that they would have to assume all of the responcability. (I call Brovo Sierra ) Years ago before the long time owner sold it & before I had
the tools they did my A-C's for $65 including them suppling the lining. I have seen segmented external contracting bands that bonding may work on
but I would have a profesional do the bonding as they have the good stuff. Working in the heavy duty world they rivet & bond both!
Craig.

It depends on which kind of Rocky Mountain brakes you are using. The original ones are different from the ones sold today by the Rocky Mountain Brake Company in Temecula Ca. They will sell new lined brakes. Don't know for sure whether they would reline your old bands. I have a car with the same kind of brakes called AC brakes. They have woven lining. Later the same brakes are made by Rocky Mountain brake co. Also the modern version have bands which use the original T drums on the 26-27 but they have bolt on drums to fit the earlier T's with the small drums. There was an earlier version of Rocky Mountain brakes but I don't know much about them.
Norm

Some venders sell RM brake bands & linings ( not installed) looks like close to $500 plus labor to rivet & shipping. I'm thinking reline your self
or go to disc brakes to cut the cost & time of maintanence on RM brakes drive safe & just putup with the purests.
Craig.