Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I've been wondering for some time now why it would not be possible to reline your own handbrake pads at home.

Replacement or relined pads seem to be very expensive for what they are and I not too fussed about having to return my old pads.

Given the Elan handbrake pads just need to handle a clamping force (once a year ) could I not remove the existing lining material (safely of course lest it contain asbestos fibres) and glue on some modern friction material using Sikaflex or epoxy and grind it to the required thickness?

Anyone done this?

Jon

Yes, I've done this several times over the years. Cut the friction material off some used worn brake pads, 1/8 to 3/16" would do. Shape to fit the cleaned off handbrake pad and glue using Araldite epoxy glue. Pop them in a warm oven for 1/2 hour to ensure a good bond and Robert is your mum's brother

Brilliant, thanks for that - I thought it made sense

Jon

Mine have been rivetted on with some brass rivets for the last 30 years.
Makes them easy to get off but I've only done that once.

Ralph.

I know 1/8 to 3/16" has been mentioned but does anyone know the thickness of new pads?

Thanks

John

P.S.

http://www.autoandindustrial.co.uk/ can reline pads for ?5 per pad ( plus VAT P and P ) ,maybe cheaper for bulk

Here's a link to my write up when I did this awhile back. Probably not easy to find using search as it was in a thread about bodges. It's actually an easily done project. free-parking-f45/bodges-you-found-done-your-elan-t23590-15.html?hilit=pads#p161671

Four years ago....how did they hold up ?

John

Just fine on my rolling chassis sitting in the garage. Some day before I'm too old to drive....

I worked at Ferodo in R&D for a while......can't say I worked on the glue......basically the riveting was superceded by a layer of basically painted on resin......this was then cured under pressure........
The shoe type had a preformed wearing layer glued on at about 100degrees C.......
The pad type was formed in a press using about 400degrees C and a pressures in excess of 200psi.....
You'll be needing to do the former method.....lol
Just thought a method might be helpful......

I've got a packet of chewing gum somewhere,that should stick it..... as for the material I've plumped for rubber,that should get it through the MOT....

John

John,
I have just fitted NOS handbrake pads. The thickness of the friction material is 4.6mm (3/16").
Cheers,
Colin.

john.p.clegg wrote:I know 1/8 to 3/16" has been mentioned but does anyone know the thickness of new pads?

Thanks

John

P.S.

http://www.autoandindustrial.co.uk/ can reline pads for ?5 per pad ( plus VAT P and P ) ,maybe cheaper for bulk

I cut up old brake lining material as well for the handbrake pads, and use JB Weld epoxy to fit. This epoxy is good for 300 degrees C apparently.

No problems after 15 years using this method.

Dave Chapman.