[Healeys] FW: Squealy Brakes

Tue Apr 16 07:58:11 MDT 2024

Thanks everyone, especially Simon for  the detailed response.  Someone else
has suggested my pads may be too hard and I should try changing them.

Simon, First, I am unfamiliar with "Girling 14" vs, "Girling 16".  I know
there was a change in the brakes somewhere in the later cars, so I am
assuming a stock BT7 (late 1959) has Girling 14s?  Can someone confirm that?

>> Yes, a stock BT7 has 14s. Just that I swapped to 16s which are bigger.

Also,  I went on the EBC site and they don't have a listing for Austin
Healey, but do list the DP2141.  Simon if you are positive about the product
number I will go with that.

>> Yes, it's still DP2141. Here's a page:-

EBC Brakes | EBC Brake Pads | EBC Brake Discs | EBC Brake Shop
<https://www.ebcbrakeshop.co.uk/info-brake-parts?make=AUSTIN+HEALEY&year=196
1&model=3000&engineSelect=2.9&engine=2.9&bhp=> 

No, you plainly don't want the whole kit but it demonstrates that the pads
are still out there and still listed as DP2141.

See Ahead4Healeys:-

KEVLAR BRAKE PADS - ROAD/FAST ROAD (ahead4healeys.co.uk)
<https://www.ahead4healeys.co.uk/KEVLAR-BRAKE-PADS---ROAD-FAST-ROAD-id1174.a
spx>    They use their catalogue number but you could email them.? Seems
cheaper than $150:00.

Simon

I am still weighing options before shelling out $150 for pads, but the EBC
option is looking best right now.  I also see the normal suppliers offering
anti-squeal kits, and may try those first after having a chat with them.
Our local supplier, Healey Autofarm, also restore and drive Healeys, so they
may have some thoughts.

Cheers, Mirek

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net
<mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> > On Behalf Of Simon Lachlan via
Healeys
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 4:43 AM
To: Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> >
Subject: [Healeys] FW: Squealy Brakes

I have a BT7 also. (MkII). I had squeaky brakes and found my anti-shim pads
to be pretty useless. Worse, in a way, sometimes the brakes were quiet and
sometimes they really howled!

Anyhow...I asked around and did some research which led me to EBC pads. I
think there are two or three materials used...depending on what you use the
car for. "Greenstuff" is the regular road set and the ones that I use.

According to my files(!),  the code was DP2141 ie for Girling 14s. (I've
switched to 16s which take DP2291.)

And, with particular regard to anti-shim pads, EBC supply a rubber backing
material which you cut to size yourself. Back to the files:- They describe
the material as a " High performance 200MP pressure sensitive 

acrylic adhesive on 58 lb polycoated kraft paper liner. High temperature
formulation, solvent resistance, shear adhesion and HSE, low LSE. Use for
general industrial joining. 5.0 mil thick with 4.0 mil

liner.")  The instructions say:- "Cut with scissors to shape required and
apply these shims to the reverse side (painted side) of the brake pads to
prevent brake noise. The fibre must cover all areas contacted

by the hydraulic pistons or the calliper supports".

I see that I've been using EBC pads since  some years before April 2012.
They work for me.

I've attached their installation instructions which are pretty
generic.nothing much unique to their pads.

Simon

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net
<mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> > On Behalf Of m.g.sharp--- via
Healeys
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 1:26 AM
To: Healey List <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> >
Subject: [Healeys] Squealy Brakes

Hi all,  I have had intermittent squealy brakes on my BT7 the last year or
so.  I got it out of hibernation a week ago and the squealing is worse, it
seems.  I don't mind heads turning when I pull up at a light, but not
because it sounds like I just ran over a cat.

I put new pads in a few years back and installed the anti-squeal shims, but
they did not work.   Today I pulled out the pads, tossed the shims and
lightly rubbed the pads on a sheet of #120 emery on a plate of glass, just
to take the sheen of the friction side and ensure the backs were flat.  I
took a file and gently broke the leading and trailing edges of the friction
material, as the edges were quite sharp and though one could be catching.  I
then cleaned the pads with brake part cleaner.   I also lightly used emery
on the disks to remove any glaze.   I had gone to my local auto parts
supplier to see if  they had any anti-squeal shims but they don't sell them
separately from the pads.  However, they highly recommended a Permatex
product with the promising name "Disc Brake Quiet" [sic].   This I applied
per the instructions, spraying it on the back of the pads.  I blew the dust
out of the calipers and, as best I could, checked the pistons for
irregularities where they bear on the pads.  The calipers were re-built
about 5 years ago with stainless pistons and they looked as new.  Retaining
pins were cleaned and very lightly greased.  I re-assembled everything and
went  out for a test drive.

The results were staggering in that there was no difference whatsoever.

So folks - any good ideas out there?  I am wondering if should switch out
the pads, but mine are barely worn and I am not sure I have record of what I
put in, so may end up with the same make.  Other than that, I am flummoxed.

All suggestions welcome.

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