31-03-2024, 11:08 AM
If you have renewed everything it does not surprise me that the brakes do not inspire confidence. It takes time for the linings to bed onto the brake drums. With new linings only a fraction of the surface will actually be making contact with the drum. Likewise the bushes for the cams etc all need to get bedded in. They need to be loose and free without being excessively worn. Any friction in the wrong place is a bad thing with the cable set-up. I would drive the car for a month or two then check the brakes over and adjust as necessary. I live in a very hilly area and the brakes on my car are about ten years old. They work quite well by Austin 7 standards because everything is bedded in. I am sure that if I relined the shoes they wouldn't work half as well. When you get used to driving the Seven you will find that you can cover long distances with only the occasional use of the brakes. As Reckers has said, it is all about anticipation. If you have only a small engine, you need to maintain your speed if at all possible. It is however reassuring to know that you can stop if you need to!
I find that the brakes are okay for checking your speed but if you need to come to a complete stop it is the last few yards that seem to be the hardest!
I find that the brakes are okay for checking your speed but if you need to come to a complete stop it is the last few yards that seem to be the hardest!