Aluminum Brake Pads
 

I got a used Craig's List Cub Cadet 1000 this weekend with no brakes whatsoever. A quick peek underneath showed the PO had even used a 3/8" nut on each side over the brake rod to extend the brake pad usage.

I pulled the pads to find the brake material completely gone. NADA!! Steel on steel.

I had read about the aluminum clutches and brake pads, so I thought I would give them (brake pads) a try.

Some .100" aluminum, some JB Weld, some snips, lots of clamps, and now the brakes work GREAT!!

Anyone else try this?? I was wondering how long they may last??

I've never had a problem with brake lining...

I'm curious to see what happens when you get those wet or dirty, and if the discs start wearing. I'd be most worried about the latter...those are not easily replaceable if you wear one out.

I had a PM about an old thread of mine and I thought I would post what I have done with this project!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by
CADplans,
I read an old post of yours about how you relined brake pads with aluminum. How did that work out? I would like to do my 1450 that way. What type of adhesive did you use. Did you leave nubs on them to fit into the holes in the brake plates. I was going to ask the guys in the tool room at work make me two round ones for each pad and have the nub made to fit the hole. Do you remember how thick you made them. I know its a lot of questions, but thanks for any ideas or help.


I used JB Weld and LOTS of clamps. About 3 on each shoe. I cut .100" 6061 T6 sheet to the same shape as the original pads.

This is disc, not internals right!!??

No concern about the holes in the shoes, they just fill with epoxy.

They have worked GREAT!!
I have 15 to 20 hours of use on the aluminum shoes, all stop and go blade work on steep grades, I have not had to adjust yet. That is unheard of with stock shoes.

UPDATE!!

I have not posted about it yet, but, I also epoxied .04" thick stainless steel to the back of the shoe so the pusher has a different material to push on, much lower friction!!

Now they even work better.